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Congratulations! You’re engaged - or maybe just really prepared! Whatever stage you're at in your relationship, weddings are an exciting time for you and your loved ones. But they can also be very expensive. The average cost of a wedding in 2022 is upwards of $30,000. There are so many new social media trends that help create a special day, but also come with a hefty price tag. Here are seven tips on how to reign in your spending on your wedding day:  

1. Try a Winter Wedding – Wedding season (May – September) is a peak time for couples to take the plunge. This also means peak pricing; venues and vendors know it is the preferred time of the year, so prices go up. By getting married in the off season, you’ll save money and have a gorgeous backdrop for photos with changing leaves or snow flurries!  

2. DIY is your BFF – Decorations can take a huge chunk of the budget, but they are important for ensuring the day is picture perfect and on theme. Instead of buying premade decorations, try to make some yourself to trim costs. Recruit some of your crafty bridal party members and make a day of it!  

3. Capture the Day in a Different Way – Photographers and videographers are key figures in capturing the excitement, but they can also be very expensive. Try placing a disposable camera at each table, so the guests can take their own pictures and afterward you will have a unique look into your wedding. You can then book the photographers for a shorter amount of time, knowing your friends and family are snapping the shots!  

4. Pass on the Professionals – When it comes to hair, makeup, or even the wedding cake, you can save hundreds of dollars by having a trusted and talented friend help. Have bridesmaids do their own makeup (most of the time they prefer it that way), see if your hairstylist friend offers a discount, or recruit your friend who is always bringing you sweets to do your cake!  

5. Skip on Saturdays – By having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, you could save big. Saturday is the most common and most expensive day to say ‘I do’. By changing the date to a Friday or Sunday, you can save thousands on the venue, catering, and entertainment! Plus, if it’s on Friday, you have the whole weekend to celebrate (and recuperate)!  

6. Contain the Crowd - Having to explain to distant relatives and old friends that they aren’t invited can get uncomfortable and might hurt some feelings. However, a long guest list eats at the funds more than anything! Knowing who to take off the list is daunting, but a good rule of thumb is if you or your partner haven’t seen them in a year or two, chances are they will understand. Explain to those who ask that you are trying to keep things small but would love to celebrate in a different way with them.  

7. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Pick items that can function at both the ceremony and your reception. Use the same flowers that were used in the ceremony for centerpieces at the reception, pick a favor that doubles as the place card, or a favor that is edible, like the new midnight snack trend.  

Getting married is the start of a wonderful journey for you and your partner. However you choose to celebrate it, just remember it’s about the marriage, not the wedding. Hopefully these tips will help you save on the big day!