Couples are spending way more money on tying the knot than they set out to, a new TD survey has found.
They’re blowing over their wedding budget, on average, by a whopping 55 per cent.
Toronto-based wedding planner Rebecca Wise notes it can happen very easily. Not having a realistic idea of what a wedding can cost is usually to blame.
She gets clients in all the time who come to her with budgets based on what they “think” they should spend, rather than what things actually cost.
READ MORE: Wedding planning by the numbers: how much couples spend and on what
Nearly a quarter of couples don’t even know what they paid for their reception, according to the survey.
What’s more, one in five millennials admitted it landed them in debt. Four in 10 confessed it caused friction in their relationship.
Decor, food and attire tend to eat up the biggest chunk of the budget, Wisesaid.
Here are her top money-saving tips to keep couples from going broke for their big day.
READ MORE: What to do as soon as you get engaged
Where to save
Decor
- Pick flowers that are in season
The flower selection may vary across the country so ask your local florist what your best options would be for the month you’re getting married.
And if you’re really dying to have a certain flower (but don’t want to pay to import them if they’re not in season), you may want to consider picking your wedding date accordingly.
If your floral budget is smaller, know that you’ll likely end up with more green in the arrangements, which is golden if you choose that as one of your colours.
- Mix up the centerpieces
Before you go all Pinterest-crazy with centerpiece ideas, know that what you see on there can be quite costly.
Wise recommends putting elaborate and tall floral centerpieces on every other table, and simple low centerpieces (that can be a smattering of different-sized candles) on the rest.
“Alternate centerpieces can give room definition,” she said. “It makes it more intriguing to look at.”
Candles are also pretty cheap. Just make sure to check the burn time so they don’t go out during your reception.
- Find twinkly lights
The little white lights are quite inexpensive, as well.
But they can make a room look magical.
“This whole twinkle light thing is super trendy and romantic,” Wise said.
She suggests buying them online and getting your groomsmen to hang them up.
READ MORE: Wedding décor trends: Tips to turn your reception into an ‘experience’
- Don’t print everything
This tip will help save you cash — and the environment.
For those doing a sit-down dinner, you don’t need to print menus for everyone. Place a couple on the table instead.
The programs can be cut out too, Wise said, unless you have a really unique DIY idea for them. People will figure out what’s going on.
If you’re really worried they won’t, you could write out a breakdown at the entrance.
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Or just include the details on your wedding website.
Another thing to save for your site: maps and rehearsal dinner details that would otherwise be printed on an insert in your invitation.
Speaking of invitations — Wise said it’s totally fine to do electronic versions of save-the-dates, but prefers paper for the actual invite.
Those who don’t care to go too fancy can still save costs there, she added, by keeping it to one page. Sticking to the standard 5×7 size helps, too.
Food and Beverage
- Keep the bar simple
Opt for a reduced bar during cocktail hour by serving only beer and wine or a signature cocktail.
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That means no pre-reception shots, which may help things flow more smoothly.
Others eliminate shots from their bar altogether.
- Make the food personal
Food stations at cocktail weddings are a big thing now that let you save a bit on furniture rentals and decor. But they can still end up being more expensive than a sit-down dinner, according to Wise.
If you want to do a food station, pick one that’s meaningful to the two of you — like a taco stand if you fell in love over tacos or if that’s your favourite go-to date-night food.
Be aware that food is probably going to be your biggest spend.
- Cut the cake
Another one of Wise’s trade secrets: rent a cake pedestal to increase the height of your cake without increasing the price.
Cupcakes can also be an easier cost to swallow. After all, who really remembers eating the cake?
- Trim the guest list
This will make the biggest difference to your food and beverage bottom line.
Avoid inviting your “B”-list to just your ceremony or dance portion of the reception, Wise said, unless they’re someone you know will be totally cool with knowing they’re on your B-list.
Attire
- Sales and second-hand
Sample sales and trunk shows can shave hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars off your dress.
READ MORE: Biggest fashion trends for brides, bridesmaids and groomsmen
So make sure to do your research and shop around.
Some women even order coloured gowns in white to avoid the often-steep prices of traditional bridal gowns.
- Something borrowed
Veils are pricey and usually only worn during the ceremony, so why not borrow one from an already-married friend?
Accessories can also count as “something borrowed” while keeping costs down.
A groom may want to consider renting a tuxedo or suit instead of buying new. They can also borrow a buddy’s cufflinks.
- Tradesies
Brides-to-be in Ontario may benefit from the Bunz Wedding Zone on Facebook. It’s a platform for women to trade wedding-related items.
READ MORE: Bunz community finds displaced Fort McMurray bride a dress
One newlywed recently asked for gift cards, parkas or alcohol in exchange for her size 8 “one-of-a-kind Alfred Angelo bridal grown.” She even offered to throw in her “blingy belt and veil.” And she has matching heels.
Not a bad deal. See if there are any similar groups in your area.
Where to splurge
The most important area you don’t want to cheap out on is on documenting your wedding.
After all the months of planning and money spent, you’ll want a photographer (and possibly a videographer) who can capture the magic of the day.
“You’re going to get what you pay for,” Wise said.
Skip the album, she advised, though. It’s usually pricey and you can make your own online.
If you or your friends are tech-savvy you can also just ask for the raw footage from your videographer and cut your video yourself.
WATCH: Wedding photography advice
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