The Average Cost of a Wedding In 2020 And Insights of Planning Your own

Real weddings study from the Knot show that couples in the United States spend about $35,000 on their wedding day.

How is it possible that you can spend so much money on a single day? Weddings are a very expensive affair especially in the United States.

But why are weddings this expensive in the 21st Century? To answer this question, you must understand that every little part of a wedding costs money. From the venue to wedding photographer – everything costs money. And it’s not little money, its money that can buy a good car.

Most couples newlyweds will confirm they had an initial price tag of about $20,000 for their wedding. But they end up with an average spend of $30,000. The budget increases during the wedding planning with many wedding budgets growing uncontrollably. These costs add up quickly and if not well monitored can go out of control.

With couples spending a good amount of money enough to put a down payment for a home, it is important to critically look at what all this money is spent on.

Let’s look at what the money is spent on and how to tame your own budget.

To get a better idea of how to reduce the cost of your dream wedding, follow a three step system that will help you plan well. These three steps include:

• Setting a realistic budget

• Prioritize only the important things

• Save as much money as you can before the wedding to avoid borrowing

Bonus: Do not use your credit cards to fund your wedding. This will start you off in debts as newlyweds.

Set a realistic budget

The best way not to fall in debt over your wedding is to plan for it in advance. Setting a budget does not begin when you meet your wedding vendors, it starts way before. Even way before engagement for the groom and after engagement for the bride. Most couples fail this test because they think they can handle each vendor as they come on a case by case basis. The results are spending more than you ever considered. Sit down and make a realistic budget of how much your wedding will be priced. Take into account:

• The average wedding cost

• With the details clearly written down, plan how you are going to raise that money.

• Are you going to both save?

• How much can you save?

• How much do you even earn?

• Are you getting help from family?

If yes, how much exactly? – have the family define their help in terms of amount or what bill to sort to make things clear.

Focus on the important things

If you notice once you set your budget it seems a little bit intimidating, find areas that you can save on. You will do this by prioritizing the aspects of your wedding to help you cut back. Setting priorities depends on each couple. Some feel their wedding rings are the top most priority, while others go for wedding dress, florist, wedding cake, wedding reception or the wedding décor. Couples can save by choosing one or two areas that they can spend big on while the rest of the areas are cost conscious. Don’t get us wrong, we all want a beautiful million dollar wedding. But we need to be realistic about how much we spend if we don’t want to start our happily ever after in debt. That’s why you need to prioritize

Example of priority that helps cut cost

Choose a venue that has tables, chairs and linen included. This is in comparison to one that doesn’t have and you have to rent each separately.

Choose a more budget friendly wedding venue than going for one that is expensive. Write down the features that you want in your wedding venue. This helps you choose one that is closer to what you want and more budget friendly.

Hire a DJ instead of a live band. Live music is good but giving the DJ a playlist will keep your guests well entertained.

Send e-card invitations instead of post cards. Send post cards only to the family members to cut down on wedding stationery cost.

Choose your destination wedding venue wisely. A wedding in New York City will cost much more than one in Mississippi eve if the guest list remains the same.

Once you have set your priorities, revisit your projected wedding budget and reconsider some areas to cut back. The wedding report states that if you stay within the budget you will know what trade-offs to make. Allow your budgeting to guide you to ensure you meet your priorities. This will keep you out of debt and give you the wedding you deserve.

Remember to make it a priority to save every coin you can.

Breaking down the costs of a wedding

These national average prices are from The Knot. Consider them carefully only as a guideline.

Venue – $16,107

Reception venue and music – $4,156

Videographer – $1,995

Photographer – $2,783

Florist – $2,534

Wedding dress – $1,564

Wedding cake – $582

Groom’s attire – $280

Invitations – $462

Transport – $859

reception band- $755

Rehearsal dinner – $1,378

Wedding favors – $268

Engagement ring/ wedding band – $6,163

Officiant – $278

Wedding day make up – $100

Wedding day hair care – $119

Wedding caterer (per person basis) – $71

Total wedding cost is $40,454 which is extremely high. Go ahead and tame your budget.

Don’t forget your wedding expenses will vary depending on a few aspects:

The number of guests invited

The quality of your engagement ring

What kind of a ceremony you want for your big day.

Keep your costs affordable more so for your bridesmaid and groomsmen attires. Remember geography matters too, so choose your wedding venue wisely!