The cost of the average wedding is startling to many people, coming in at $28,000 in 2021. While some couples may not mind committing that much cash, others – like my husband and I – would never be comfortable spending that much. When my husband and I got married, we wanted to have a lovely day, but we also didn’t want to break the bank. That’s why we focused on using a frugal approach that would still create excellent memories and, most important of all, allow us to leave as a married couple. In the end, we spent less than $3,000 on the wedding. Here’s I got married on a budget.
The Wedding-Married On A Budget
For the wedding itself, my husband and I spent just $2,500. One of the reasons we were able to keep the cost so low was that we chose to elope. By doing so, we only had to worry about costs relating to us directly. We didn’t have to worry about finding accommodations or providing meals to guests, and we could keep the venue smaller since no one else was watching the ceremony.
Additionally, we headed to Savannah and chose an all-inclusive-style venue. The Gastonian Bed and Breakfast handled all of our main needs. Along with coordinating the ceremony – including providing a minister – the staff took care of the bouquet, boutonniere, and wedding cake, all for a flat price. All we had to do was show up dressed and ready to go.
When it came to the attire, we didn’t get anything new. I already owned a beautiful white dress, so I went with that. My husband chose a handsome suit that was already in his closet. That alone resulted in a big savings.
In the end, it was a beautiful day. And since there were no guests and no reception, we got to appreciate the day just as a couple and had a lovely time.
The Extras
For the wedding, we did decide to pay for a few extras that weren’t part of the all-inclusive package. First, we spent $150 on a professional photographer. That way, we had top-quality photos of our big day. In the end, that was important to us, so we spent the additional cash.
Second, we arranged for a carriage ride after the ceremony. Yes, it was a bit of an indulgence, but it was also a magnificent way to wrap up one of the biggest and happiest moments in our lives. It created an opportunity to simply relish the moment with a touch of romance, and we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
In the end, that brought the total of our wedding to just under $3,000. It was everything we could have hoped for and then some. Plus, we didn’t have to dilute our savings dramatically or go into debt to make it happen. Since being financially responsible is a priority for both of us, it was the perfect way to start our lives as a married couple.
Were you able to get married on a budget and want to tell others how you pulled it off? Do you have questions about how to manage a tight wedding budget effectively and would appreciate some insights from others? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- Here’s a Wedding Budget Breakdown to Help You with Planning
- 5 Budget-Friendly Wedding Cake Ideas
- Getting Married in the Spring-Here’s How to Save Money
