What the Wedding Industry Does Not Want You to Know

According to The Knot, the average wedding cost is $33,000 and the average cost per guest is $284.

Wedding cost was significantly affected by the guest count:

• Those spending under $15,000 invited an average of 89 guests

• Couples who spent $15,000–$40,000 invited 118 guests

• Couples who spent over $40,000 invited 142 on average

But here is what the wedding industry does not want you to know.

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 wedding 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.

Wrapping it Up

Do you want to start your marriage with a good first step? Perhaps you have a loved one who is getting married, and you understand how important it is to manage money and the home as a team to be happier together.

Click here to learn more about me and how I can help.