Save the cash or get married? That's the choice that many engaged couples are facing in this down-turned economy, struggling to justify the cost for just one day. Some people say that you should instead use the money for a down payment on a house you can live in for years. Yet I wouldn't have given up the joy and memories of my wedding day for anything, especially since my father unpredictably died just over a month later. There were so many moments of such blissful joy and huge poignancy that I can't imagine squeezing into a 5 minute courthouse wedding with an impersonal judge.
But apparently more Americans are making a different choice than I did. The average cost of a wedding in the US has gone down a high of over $28,000 in 2007 to just about $19,000 today, in part because more couples are opting to elope rather than have a huge bash. But I'm hoping that it's also because couples are finding more ways to be creative about saving money on their weddings, rather than just canceling. What about you? Would you take the money instead if it were offered to you? Is your wedding budget worth it?
Related: Should You Elope?
Comments
I opted for a budget wedding, and I think that was a good choice. We had the reception at a relative’s house, did the food ourselves, and concentrated on everyone having a great time rather than on whether the napkins coordinated with the invitations and whether the roses were cream or blush colored.
If I had it to do over again, the only thing I’d change is finding an inexpensive caterer. I later saw catering offers that were about the same as the money I spent on food, and it would have saved a ton of time and effort.
I would take the wedding,and the money run
The history of the current wedding ceremony apparently started in the 1920’s. One of the multi million dollar mogul famlies spent a gajillion dollars on their daughters wedding. Before that day one would go to their local justice of the peace get married and then on Sunday morning have their pastor bless the marriage. If they wanted to get married by a pastor they would go to their church and just get married and have thier pastor or priest bless the marriage. It was small/private and very inexpensive. Prior to the 1920’s it was always a small affair. If I am blessed enough to ever get married again I would do it small. I’d want the justice of the peace or I’d go down to my church and have my pastor marry us in a private ceremony saving aggrevation and money.
The best thing to do for saving money on your wedding is to hire a wedding planner or consultant. It’s a great investment and no matter how small or large your budget is a good wedding planner can hep you.
One question I was asked many times is what the color of my bathroom would be. I answered working. I didn’t want to spend this happy time looking at bathroom colors, endless china patterns, etc. Due to not have an exhaustive registration, I received money. We set up our apartment and bought what was needed as things came up. It was the best present of all. My wedding was small and inexpensive (under $1000), so I got both.
My husband and I eloped dec 31st 1988, it was ok, but I dreaded doing it. It was so cheap and tacky no one that I knew was with us, no family friends. I told myself I will renew my vows and have my wedding no matter the cost. So on Jan 2, 2010 21years later we will renew our vows with the wedding I always wanted. The budget is about 6,000 for about 200 guests. I’m so excited and it’s worth every bit of it.
It’s about the marriage and the wedding!
I opted for City Hall in NYC on 12/31/09 with my hubby and I am happy I did it. Though we are planning for a chic-cheap reception, same date this year. However, you never know what can happen, we could lose or jobs or God forbid something worse.
So if you are marrying for love and not for a show, I say, save the money and marry in City Hall and a nice lunch or dinner afterwards!
Good luck!!!