HACK 216 Wed Wisely

Can you guess how much a wedding costs in the United States? The average is about $30,000, with weddings in pricey places like New York City and Miami coming in with much higher averages. But just because you want your friends and family to witness you committing your love to one another doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to do it.

A few options for reducing the cost of your reception without sacrificing the fun:

• Get married in the off-season for your area (winter and early spring are usually your safest bets)
• Consider a venue that has everything you need on site, like a restaurant
• Host a wedding brunch or lunch instead of the pricier dinner meal
• Offer beer and wine instead of a full bar—or skip the booze altogether
• Have champagne and desserts instead of a full sit-down meal
• Explore the cost of a buffet versus a plated meal
• Skip spending extra on chair covers

Ask your friends and family for ways they saved money on their own weddings. They’ll be sure to have recommendations of venues and vendors that fit your style and are in your price range. Remember that the amount you spend doesn’t reflect how much you love one another. And if you can only afford a small party now, you can renew your vows later on and have an even bigger celebration if you choose.