A warm welcome for all the to-be-weds - you found a soul mate, and got engaged; congratulations. Now you guys are planning for a wedding sounds fun, right? But wait, do you know what’s the average cost of a wedding in the U.S.? $28,000. Yes, you heard it right. 

A whopping $28K just for a wedding and it’s just an average people spend way more than that. But can you spend that much money on a wedding? If not, then fear no more. Even if you are on a tight budget; it is still possible to arrange a wedding event. We’ll tell you exactly how to do that. Stick with us until the end to know all tips on planning your wedding without breaking the bank.

After doing some initial research about the overall cost of a wedding - an elope would seem a much better solution than pouring enough money for just 1 day. But there’s a way to turn this around, you don’t have to spend a fortune for having a wonderful and memorable wedding ceremony. You just need to divide the budget smartly.

Searching for small wedding venues Louisville KY? We are at your disposal. 

Sit down for a second, both of you and think about what kind of a wedding you would like to have. Is it a big traditional wedding with all the bells and whistles, or a small intimate gathering with just your closest friends and family? Do you want an outdoor wedding, or an indoor ceremony and reception? If you’re short of ideas, consider weddings you have attended before - you might have been to a wedding that simply left you in awe or a TV show where everything seems to be perfect. Don’t get caught up in the small details, just come up with a final conclusion on what kind of wedding you are going after. Once you’re sure about this, budgeting becomes way more easier.

Budget Discussion

An exciting yet little tricky part - All those people who will be paying for this special occasion must come to the same page and break down the key elements of a wedding ceremony. This discussion will be remembered for your entire life as this is the day where everything began and you’ll build your future life. Be honest about what you can afford for each part of the wedding. Think of this as early financial management in your married life.

Dividing The Budget For Every Single Activity

The wedding style, budget discussions happened; you guys have done all the brainstorming and locked the final amount that you will be spending on your wedding. Now what? Here comes the division of that budget into chunks - for each activity that you’ll be having in the wedding. Whether you have an amount of $5K, $10K or $15K you will need to decide how much percentage of that goes for which thing.

Let's have a look at this little example:

Reception: 55%

Ceremony: 12%

Photography: 10%

Wedding Planner: 10%

Dress and Tux: 8%

Miscellaneous/Cushion: 5%

These are just the ratios that we have outlined here - it is different for everyone depending on what's more important than the other. You should come up with your own. Perhaps, you don't need flowers or a wedding planner; but you want to use the money for your honeymoon. It is about complimenting each other’s preferences and dividing the budget accordingly for every single activity.

Take a look at small wedding venues Louisville KY and see how many guests it can accommodate. 

If Something Is Non-Negotiable, Make That Count

This makes perfect sense as all the basics are done; now you guys are at the point where you have to see what is non-negotiable for both of you. Make the most out of it and plan your special day as a truly memorable experience. Decide your top-three must haves - it can be a specific venue that holds sentimental value, a dance floor where you can showcase your moves, or delicious food that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for years to come. But, make sure that these are decided collaboratively and you both agree on them.

Things You Can Do To Cut On Expenses

Wedding is a joyous and exciting time, but expenses pile up quickly; to make sure you are following a budget, keep reading:

Consider DIY To Save Money

For those who love DIY projects this is an amazing opportunity to showcase their skills. The things you will be crafting aren’t just going to be in your personal cupboard. Your handmade stuff will be seen by the lovely guests and will contribute to the overall beauty of an event. From decor, wedding cake to photo booth you can add a personal touch to everything. But what if you're not particularly crafty or artistic? Don't worry! Call your friends, family members, or anyone close and let them shine. You'll be surprised at how many people are willing to lend a hand and help you create a magical day. Not only will it save you money, but it will also bring you closer to your loved ones and create special memories together.

Don’t Rent A Limo

Yes, it's true - when a couple arrives in a limousine, heads turn, people gasp, and jaws drop. It's a grand entrance fit for a king and queen. But let's face it, not all of us have a king or queen's budget. And let's be real, arriving in a limo doesn't necessarily mean your wedding will be any more special or romantic than arriving in any other mode of transportation.

Use your own car or a family member's car as your wedding transportation. Decorate the car with flowers, ribbons to make it look special and festive.

Limit The Guests

Ah, the guest list, a thing that can make or break a wedding. It sounds harsh but if you are on a tight budget then you must invite only those who matter the most. You don't have to invite everyone and their mother to your wedding. In fact, limiting the guest list can be a blessing in disguise. Small wedding venues Louisville KY would work just fine if guests are chosen wisely.

Think about it - the fewer people you invite, the more intimate and personal your wedding will be. Plus, you'll save a boatload of money on catering, favors, and all those other little things that add up.

Book Your Big Day During The Week

That's right, Monday through Thursday. Now, you might be thinking - won't it be tough for guests to take time off work for a midweek wedding? Well, sure, it might be a little more challenging. But think about it - the people who truly care about you and your special day will make the effort to be there no matter what day of the week it falls on. And who knows, they might even be excited to have a midweek break from the usual grind.

Buy At The End Of Wedding Season

This is a great time to get lucrative deals and avail amazing discounts. Most boutiques wrap things up and clear the space for the upcoming season and people who got married recently often end up with things that they don’t need anymore. For to-be-weds this is the perfect time to start wedding purchases. You will most likely get things at discounted prices that would cost much more if bought in a hot season.

Last but not least - if your venue will let you, buying beer and wine off-site in bulk and bringing it in isn't nearly as expensive as an open bar can be. Not only is hard alcohol served at a bar more expensive on its own, but you can often find more deals on beer and wine sold in large amounts than you can with liquor. (1)

314 Exchange works actively to provide you with outstanding indoor and outdoor wedding venues Louisville KY, making your event a super gorgeous and wonderful experience for you and your guests. We'd be happy to see you on our site - book a visit and start something sumptuous.