The average wedding costs about $30,000 in 2025, and that doesn't include the honeymoon. Mom and Dad might chip in, but the typical couple foots the bill for about 49% of that amount.

Tying the knot in st💮yle isn’t always easy on the wallet, but adequate planning and budꦏgeting can help reduce those expenses.

Setting a Realistic Wedding Budget

It's good to start your planning by 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:talking to your partner about elements of your wedding that you consider 🐈must-haves. These should be items and aspects that your wedding must include if it is to be perfect for you.

After that, narrow each list down to your top three wants. Assign an estimated price to each of them. You’ve begun 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:your budget and can start planning around these costs.

“It starts with priorities,” advises Jason Wright, co-fo🃏under of , a destination wedding agency specializing in Mexico and the Caribbean. “What matters most to you? Is it the venue, the dress, the food, or the experience for guests? Break it into categories from there ♉and assign a percentage to each based on what matters most.”

Once you have your priorities, you can contact potential vendors for quotes. Fidelity Investments recommends padding your final budget with a cushion for any last-minute expenses. Wright suggests an additional buffer of 10% to 15%.

Destination Weddings

A significant factor in your wedding budget will depend on where you’re holding the event. Destination weddings don’t necessarily happen abroad or in the islan𝓰ds: A destination wedding is technically anywhere outside your hometown.

The happy couple typically isn’t expected to pay for guest accommodations if they opt for a destination wedding, but you might want to do a little research on behalf of your guests. Try to guide them to the most reasonably priced inns and other lodging options if they're staying overnight or for multiple nights.

Don’t overlook your own 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:travel expenses, either. Budget for the expected costs of things li💦ke baggage fees and transportation from the aജirport.

Saving Strategies for Your Wedding

“ဣSaving for a wedding starts with setting a realistic monthly savings goal based on your overall budget and timeline,” says Serena Fournier of .

Serena and Dominic Fournier are a husband-and-wife wedding team dedicated to bringing dream weddings to life. “Many of our couples have boosted their savings by taking on a small side gig or putting in extra hours at work. Even those small amoun🏅ts can𝓀 add up over time.”

Consider stashing that extra money in a dedicated 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:savings account that will remain untouched until you need it. Your budget shouldn’t be limited to just those♚ extra dolla𒐪rs you might earn, though.

“Look at your monthly finances and figure out how much you can realistically save each month,” Fournier suggests. “Then multiply that amount by the number of months until your wedding. This gives you 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:a general starting budget. We also recommend setting up an automatic transfer each month into that separate wedding savings account so the money is safe🌠ly tucked away and is less tempting to spend.”

Cost-Saving Tips and Tricks

Timing and Seasonal Considerations

When💧 you plan to tie the knot can be as important to your cost-saving efforts as where you d🅠o it.

Check a local events calendar to determine whether anything major is scheduled on or cജlose toꦅ your wedding date. Vendors often hike their prices to profit from event crowds, and you might score significant savings by moving your wedding date by a week or two.

In addition, consider getting married during an off-season month such as December or February. Fidelity Investments notes that wedding venues frequently offer discounts during these times.

Wright suggests marrying in “shoulder season” during the late spring or fall. He says that getting married during these times can save thousands. “Consider extending your timeline. Giving yourself an extra six months to plan can make saving less stressful and help you avoid last-minute premium pricing,” he recommends.

Dates from June through September will most likely cost you a good bit more. You might also want to think about getting married on a day other than Saturday when prices are typically higher.

Reception Costs

The reception is typically the most expensive aspect of a wedding event, but there are many ways to cut costs.

You’re not obligated to provide your guests with an open bar. Consider limiting alcoholic beverages to beer and domestic wine, and skip the quality bourbon. This could slash that bar tab considerably. Another option is a cash bar where your guests will pay for their cocktails, which might be an unpopular choice.

The number of guests you feed and accommodate 𝔍is another tweakable, cost-saving consideration. “Your guest count is the biggest driver of costs,” Serena Fournier says. “Fewer guests mean fewer tables, meals, favors, and rentals, which can significantly lower your expenses.”

Vendor Management and Contracts

You should get a written contract from every vendor providing you with a product or service on your wedding day. If you aren't offered a contract, ask for one and take as much time as you need to understand its terms.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Vendor contracts typi🥂cally cover important issues such as payment terms and the exact service or product that will be ඣprovided. “Don’t be afraid to ask about any fees you don’t understand,” Fournier advises. “We’re not saying those fees aren’t justified because many times they are. But you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for.”

Other contract details should cover the responsibilities of all parties involved, including you and your spouse. They should state what happens if the wedding must be called off and provide a framework for 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:dispute resolution if something goes seriously awry.

“Always read the fine print,” says Wright. “Know what’s included, what costs extra, and what the cancellation or rescheduling policies are. A planner manages this for you with destination weddings. They're your advocate. They can also suggest trusted vendors or help you work with resort-approved ones to avoid surprises. Be aware of outside vendor fees if you’re bringing in your own vendor such as a photographer. They’re usually between $500 and $1,000. And always get everything in writing!”

The Bottom Line

A perfect wedding is the dream of a lifetime but you can’t just blink and make it happen. Time is on your side, however. Begin planning early. Start saving an🌳d think about areas in which you can trim expenses without compromising the event or your expectations for it.

“Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need everything you see on Pinterest or Instagram,” Serena Fournier warns. “A beautiful, meaningful wedding is about what’s right for you, not what’s trending online.”