While things like flowers and invitations can add up, there are a few primary factors that will determine your wedding’s cost more than all the others. Bankrate identified some primary areas to focus on when cost is a major consideration.
Guests: The number of people who attend dramatically affects the cost of everything from the food to alcohol to the venue. In other words, the more people you invite, the more expensive it will be. According to research weddings are getting smaller. The average number of wedding guests has decreased to 141, down from 149 in 2009. But while the average number of invited guests has decreased, the average cost per guest hasn’t – increasing from $194 per guest in 2009 to $245 in 2016.
Location: The cost of just about everything also varies depending on your location. From the food to the entertainment, if you want to save money, be strategic about where you choose to get married or have the reception. Obviously, an upscale hotel in a glamorous location will probably cost more than holding a wedding in your backyard—unless you rent a tent, strolling peacocks and build a stage for a famous band.
Timing: If you want to really save money, stay away from peak season. The least expensive months are January, February and March, at least in the parts of the country which experience cold weather and harsh winters—giving new meaning to the song lyric, “it’s a nice day for a white wedding.”
Plan ahead: The best way to pay for all this is to have a financial plan in place.
