Couples who spend more on their weddings are twice as likely to get divorced.
A prominent study found that women whose wedding cost more than $20,000 divorced at a rate roughly 1.6 times higher than women whose wedding cost between $5,000 and $10,000. And couples who spent $1,000 or less on their big day had an even lower than average rate of divorce.
There has long been a false association between lavish weddings and longer-lasting marriages within the wedding industry. The advertising industry has created the perception that spending large amounts on a wedding is a sign of commitment or is necessary for a successful marriage.
In general, research findings do not support the wedding industry's general message that expensive weddings lead to happy marriages. Quite the opposite, actually.
Fellas, I wasn't being literal. I would not recommend to your bride-to-be a potluck wedding, but reconsidering spending more than you can afford would be wise and a healthier way to begin your marriage.
The Sanctity of Your Wedding Day
One of my closest friends asked me to officiate his wedding. I had never done such a thing, but I was honored and agreed.
Standing before them, watching them look into each other's eyes and exchanging their vows, reminded me of the sanctity of a wedding day.
We all have different value sets and financial constraints, but do not underestimate the value of a day you will never forget.
Here are 15 ideas for saving money on your wedding:
Off-Season Date: Choose a wedding date in the off-season, which can significantly reduce venue costs. Months like January, February, and March often offer the best rates.
Smaller Guest List: Limit your guest list to close family and friends to reduce costs on catering, invitations, and venue size.
Public Venue: Consider public spaces like parks, beaches, or community halls which can be much cheaper than traditional wedding venues.
DIY Decorations: Create your own decorations using inexpensive materials from craft stores. Pinterest and YouTube are great resources for DIY decoration ideas.
Digital Invitations: Send out digital invitations instead of traditional paper ones to save on printing and mailing costs.
Potluck Reception: Have a potluck-style reception where guests bring a dish to share. This can make the meal more personal and varied while saving on catering costs.
Daytime Event: Hosting a daytime event, like a brunch or lunch, can be cheaper than an evening reception with dinner and a full bar.
Limited Bar: Offer a limited bar with wine and beer only, or a signature cocktail, instead of a full bar to cut down on alcohol expenses.
Borrowed Music: Instead of hiring a DJ or band, create a playlist of your favorite songs and use a friend's sound system to manage the music.
Thrifted Wedding Attire: Consider buying a pre-owned wedding dress or suit, or repurposing a family member’s wedding attire. Many cities have boutiques that offer stylish second-hand options.
Simple Floral Arrangements: Choose in-season flowers for bouquets and table settings, or use more greenery with a few blooms. Even consider making the arrangements yourself.
Photography by Friends: Enlist a talented friend or photography student to capture your day instead of hiring a professional photographer.
Homemade Cake or Desserts: Bake your own wedding cake or ask family members to prepare a dessert buffet.
Minimalist Invitations: Design a simple, elegant invitation using free graphic design software and print them at home or at a low-cost local printer.
Use Everyday Items for Decor: Utilize items like books, candles, lanterns, and mirrors that you already own to add personality and ambiance to your venue without buying new decorations.
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