It is no small secret that throwing a wedding can cost a lot of money. According to recent statistics, the average cost of a wedding with roughly 100 guests in the United States is about $35,000. Considering the average American salary falls around $50,000, it can be stressful to try and save for your big day. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can save without sacrificing your dream wedding. Take a moment to look over these budgeting tips and see how easy it is to cut out unnecessary expenses.  

Pick an Unpopular Date

The exact date of your wedding plays a huge part in how much the event will cost overall. If you plan on tying the knot on a Saturday, for example, you are going to be spending a lot more than if you opted for a Sunday or a weekday. Additionally, getting married between December and April can be less costly than hosting an event that takes place in the spring, summer, or autumn. If you don’t mind throwing your wedding on a Wednesday in February, then you can easily save a ton of money by selecting an unpopular date. 

Limit the Bar Selection

It is considered practical to provide guests with an open bar at your wedding. While this might be traditional, it is also incredibly expensive. While the option of having a cash bar might seem enticing, it is typically considered gauche to force your friends and family members to pay for drinks at your event. Instead, a perfect way to save money is by limiting the bar selection. Sticking to just wine and beer is your best bet, though you can also please more people by offering one or two hard liquor options. 

Opt for Snacks

Catering costs are another huge expense when it comes to a standard wedding budget. If you’re looking to save, consider having a reception that focuses primarily on appetizers and other snacks. A plated or buffet-style dinner might seem like the best way to feed your family and friends, but this can easily cost you a small fortune. By offering a variety of tantalizing appetizers, you can keep your guests full without throwing your money at steak, chicken, and fish options. What’s more, you can get more creative with your offerings and surprise the crowd with appetizers they’ve never tried before.

Buy Local Flowers

Many couples don’t realize that buying floral arrangements for a wedding is usually expensive because of the types of flowers being selected. If you’re looking at blossoms that need to be imported from another region, then you are going to be spending a lot more overall. However, buying local flowers that are currently in season tends to be a cost-effective option that cuts your bill down in a significant way. While it might seem like you’re limiting your options, you will be surprised to discover just how many gorgeous flowers you will be able to pick from. 

Go Digital

Wedding invitations tend to be a pretty big expense. The beauty of living in the digital age is that you no longer have to rely on traditional paper invites for your event. Instead, you can send guests an online invitation. Not only is this a great way to save money, but you will also have an easier time tracking who has responded to the invites. Guests also appreciate the convenience of being able to scan a QR code to confirm their attendance rather than going through the motions of putting a response card in the mail. 

Make the Right Cuts

Though it is true that throwing a wedding is an expensive endeavor, you can easily save money by considering a variety of cost-effective alternatives. Take time to work on your budget and see how easy it is to save.