Why do weddings cost so much?

Question

What are some good ways to save money on weddings, yet keep it classy?

Answer 1

Keep it small...get her dress on sale or at an outlet (I reccommend BrideSave.com), get the ring on sale, keep the meal simple at the reception- ie sit down family style chicken dinner or something...or have a casual recpetion with appetizers and cash bar (I would definitely advise you to have a cash bar- it cuts costs dramatically)- have thje bride and bridesmaids do their own make up and find someone who is good at styling hair to do thier hair. There a lot of discount suit and tux places if you want to buy them, or go ahead and rent them...

Answer 2

Because there are some women who want to go over the top when they get to spend someone else's money to have this big wedding. They want the princess dress that costs a fortune (some women go to sales to find their dress and are able to keep the cost reasonable), they want ten or more bridesmaids, when two or three or four is more than enough (the more attendants you have the more presents you have to buy). They want lots of flowers to fill the church, when some on the altar are more than enough. They want a big cake that has fountains and lights and flowers all over it, when a nice cake with just enough tiers is enough. The photographer who costs a fortune and has to take photos from 3 hours before the wedding (while the girls get ready to 4 hours after the wedding so they can have the most photos to choose from). Things can be classy without being expensive. It seems that when the bride and groom are paying, things are nice and classy without going over the top, while when it is mom and dad paying things get out of hand.

Answer 3

My niece was just married to the tune of $20,000.
It was crazy, they were married at a place on the ocean, they had a harpist, spent tons of money of flowers, had a hairdresser come in to all the makeup and hair, had a sit down reception with a DJ, food, and a totally decorated room; matching tablecloths, chair covers, ceiling swags with little white lights.
It was nice, but I've been to just as nice weddings that I know weren't that much.
Most people spend the money on little things that are just tossed anyway. All the extra little things add up. Also, I think it would be cheaper to get married in a church (imagine that concept), with just bows on the pews and a couple of floral arrangements in the front.
I would forget the favors and the dumb bubble blowers.
There are stunning dresses to be had for $500 and less.
The reception can be in someone's backyard, or rent a club building (Elks, Eagles, Veteran's, etc.) or check prices on hotel reception rooms. You can have a DJ, or just a good stereo system with music of your choice. Keep the food down to appetizers and punch---no alcohol, except champagne for the bride and groom, and perhaps for the guest to toast with.
And really, who really eats the cake and think it tastes awesome? A cake is just a tradition, so you can save money by not going overboard on it.
Alot of the cost is also the photographer - if you know someone who is good with a camera, you can save several hundred that way.
My oldest said forget all the wedding stuff; she will call me after she elopes to tell me the good news! Works for me!

Answer 4

Like it not it's such a great expense ....
one way to keep it down the rule of thumb about invites if you haven't seen the person being family or friend within the year of the wedding you don't invite like it not the wedding expense is not covered just by the family of the bride alone.....these days everyone has to join and cover the expense instead if getting a bunch of limos try to rent a coach bus to get the family from the church to reception hall but keeping small how about the a party of 50 at your most favorite little restaurant you and your fiance love to eat at. and you will be surprised how you will enjoy and have the time of your life less is more the golden rule....

Answer 5

you could elope...and not just by hopping in the car and going to vegas. you could call a minister in your area and he'll come out and perform your private ceremony. usually, it can be anywhere; your house, a park, etc. this should only cost you a couple hundred dollars. and if you both don't care about the fancy dress and tux, the guests, the decorations and so forth, then that's it! oh yeah, and don't forget you have to pay for your marriage license. but if you wanna go fancier than that, you'll just have to budget. davidsbridal.com has good sales on dresses, and you could also rent a suit. beyond that, try to catch sales. and even walmart has wedding stuff like fondant (the cake icing), cake toppings, bows, decorations, party mints and stuff for the guests. you can find them in the arts and craft isles. but it can definitely be done inexpensively!

Answer 6

Because it is (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime emotional decision. How do you save on a wedding? Think about your own wants and needs WITHOUT the expectations of others.

Answer 7

look on the clearance racks. you can find some nice things on the clearance racks, there is always something new so last months stuff is usually on clearance. Have family members help with the food at your reception. Family members know how to cook!!! Don't buy the booze if someone wants to drink let them buy their own. booze can be in the thousands by itself. Do your own flowers, get fake flowers and make your own boutique. Rent what you don't have to buy and ask for help don't be ashamed to ask for help.

Answer 8

They cost so much because the wedding industry is a multi-billion dollar monster! Good luck!

Answer 9

Drop the materialism. Have a non-meal reception at a non-meal time of day (for instance, just cake and champagne). Don't try to have a celebrity-style event-- it's not realistic. Think: Elegant Simplicity.

Answer 10

Don't worry about the little things and having to buy personalized napkins, expensive party favors and centerpieces, and too expensive cakes and flowers. Look for discounts. Have family members help make things instead of buying them.