Are you going to tie a knot in 2023? Want to plan a wedding on a budget but also look “not cheap”? Refer to a multiple of articles but still don’t carry any inspiration? This blog would be helpful for your perfect 2023 wedding.
Above all, let’s review the official data from The Knot Real Wedding Study about the average wedding cost in 2022. About 12,000 couples across the country, who married between January 1 and December 31, 2022, participated in the study. Based on couples' answers involving spend on ceremony and reception, the 2022 national average cost of a wedding is $30,000, which is a $2,000 increase from last year's national average.
In passed few years, most weddings were affected by COVID in wedding date and cost. But things seemed go well in 2022. According to the Real Weddings Study, 93% of 2022 weddings took place on their original date and were not postponed due to COVID. That's a great news for us!
However, we're facing another trouble - inflation is causing costs to increase across the board—high demand paired with shortages is making for a tricky situation. Therefore, for 2023 wedding, it's also necessary to ponder over how to save your budget in case any unexpected cost.
Here comes the question: How to plan a wedding on a budget?
Noted: Wedding on a budget doesn’t mean it turns out terrible. With some adorable decor or DIY ideas, we also can create a dreamy and budget-friendly wedding that looks amazing and feels amazing.
1. Find a Cheap Wedding Venue
The Knot’s survey indicates that venue cost can account for half or more of a wedding budget on average.
So, if you can get a venue that accommodates your guests at a fraction of the cost, you could save a ton of money.
The first option in mind is the local church. Getting married in a church is a fascinating idea and holds customary values too, which is also a tradition option for most new couples.
Another viable option is outdoor park. Especially for spring&summer&autumn weddings, outdoor venue offers an open and cheerful environment for your guests, and you can hold several outdoor games with no pressure.
Local clubs and halls are also alternative. Just contact the concerned person and seek information regarding the available dates.
Consider these options and then finalize a superb wedding venue that is affordable and meets all your requirements. Then you would save a large amount of your money.
2. List Your Wedding Guest
It is revealed by The Knot that the average price if catering is $70 per person. The food cost for 20 guests can be more $5000 than that for 100 guests. So minimize your guest list, invite someone important or valuable for you.
3. DIY Your Wedding Decor
Nowadays, “do it yourself” wedding decor has become increasingly popular. From wedding sign to photo booths, more and more things can be different from others. DIY wedding elements are an easy and affordable way to save money. Get involved and DIY your wedding decor would means a lot for you both, and you can make sure all decors go with your aesthetics.
4. Prepare the food and beverage by yourself
Most venues that require you use in-house catering which could cost a lot. So spend some time looking for a venue where you can bring in your own food.
If you hold your ceremony outdoor, consider food truck catering options which typically cost much less than traditional wedding catering.
5. Find a stunning but affordable wedding dress
Nowadays commercial advertisement overly publicize that the bride-to-be should spend a large amount of money on their wedding dress to create a romantic touch. But please keep calm. There are also a collection of fabulous wedding dress at an affordable price on the market.
Duntery has some gorgeous wedding dresses in sophisticated designs and various silhouettes. Price from $198 to $383. Shop wedding dresses.
6. Find Affordable Bridesmaid dresses online
If you will buy the bridesmaid dresses for your bridal squad, to find a pretty shop with flattering dresses in reasonable price can cut your wedding budget.
Duntery offers more than 200 fabulous bridesmaid dresses with 70 trendy hues and flattering details. Size from US0 to US30, free custom size also is provided to fit each body shape perfectly. As low as $72.
7. DIY your hairstyle or makeup
Nowadays, each girl can be a professional makeup artist. If you are excel in fashion and beauty, try to DIY your hairstyle and makeup. If you have a friend who knows some basic skills to prepare a bride, seek help from her and then free your hands.
8. Make advantage of your family or friends
While planning your wedding, assign different tasks to your close family members or friends. Ask your young sister as your flower girl or your outgoing brother as your flower boy. Find someone who has skill in photography and let him/her as your wedding photographer. Remember one person can wear several hats. Thus you can save your money to a great extent.
9. Find beautiful flowers for free
No need to contact a decorator to provide the wedding flowers or other decorative elements. Find flowers in bloom around your home and then arrange them, tied with a romantic strap, a beautiful wedding bouquet is prepared with no any fees.
10. Opt for a DJ Instead of a Band
According to The Knot’s 2019 survey, the average cost for a live band was $3,700. Compare that to the average cost of a DJ, which was $1,200, and you can see the potential for savings. Families with large playlists and their own stereo systems could save even more by DIYing the reception music.