Here comes the season of wedded bliss. Well, at least for the soon-to-be-newlyweds.
Of course, don’t get us wrong, it’s not that we’re not elated for our friends or family members upon hearing the news of their upcoming nuptials, but you’re certainly not alone if the first word that comes to mind when you receive the same, the date isn’t “bliss” but “budget.”
And your state of financial fret isn’t unfounded. According to a 2018 Credit Karma survey of over 1,000 millennials, this generation is spending a pretty penny when their friends tie the knot.
$770 on average, to be exact, with nearly 20% having spent more than a $1,000 on just one wedding alone. Which might leave you wondering if it is even possible to survive the season of wedding bells without breaking the bank?
If another ‘save the date’ arrival in your mailbox is leaving you stressed, check out these tips for attending multiple nuptials this season without blowing your budget.
By planning ahead, shopping smart and being willing to tap into your DIY spirit, you’ll be able to enjoy any upcoming “I do” without sweating the cost.
How to survive wedding season-without busting your budget
Following are some of the savvy ways for planning a wedding on a budget. Let’s hear about them…
Search for savings on travel and lodging
Out-of-town nuptials are a popular trend among those tying the knot, with WeddingWire’s 2019 Newlywed Report indicating that one in four couples categorize their big day as “a type of destination wedding.”
While this could mean an excuse to visit a tropical locale or another picturesque vacation spot, it might also mean travel and lodging expenses costing a big chunk of your wedding budget.
That’s why it’s so important to weigh all your options before making reservations for your trip.
While the couple might have a block of rooms reserved at the hotel hosting the event or other accommodations in the area, with these rooms often offered at a discounted rate, take some time to shop around and scout out other, potentially more affordable, options.
You might also choose to forgo a hotel altogether if a home rental through sites like Airbnb turns out to be the most budget-friendly way to go, especially if you have other wedding guests willing to bunk with you and split the cost.
Go into booking your travel with the same sleuthing mentality, searching for the lowest rates across airlines, looking into alternative modes of transportation like trains, buses or even a road trip if you aren’t traveling too far.
As travel and lodging are likely going to be your biggest expenses as a destination wedding attendee, you can substantially cut down your overall costs by doing your research and booking the most affordable options.