RECESSION WEDDINGS are just like any other, except there's less money to spend.
Back in 1939 it wasn't RECESSION WEDDINGS we were talking about, it was DEPRESSION W
EDDINGS. Back then the average couple spent around 20% of their annual income on the nuptials. That number was roughly $650 on $2000 per year income. In constant dollars between the and now, the average couple should spend $8000, but they don't. The average wedding today runs just north of $20,000. What has changed - The WEDDING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX.
The WEDDING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX is that sprawling conglomeration of businesses and experts who tell us how much we should spend on, perhaps, the most private day of our lives, the day we marry. Who came up with the formula that you must spend three months salary on an engagement ring? It certainly wasn't the struggling, just out of college hard working 20-something. It was someone looking to make as much money off that hard working boy or girl. The Frugal Yankee has a simple thought during these tough times, spend less and enjoy more. With that in mind here are ten basic tips to help anyone thinking about getting married to have a successful RECESSION WEDDING.
1. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
The easiest way to save money on a wedding is simple - invite fewer people. Now that may sound easy, but it isn't. There are friends and relatives who you feel MUST be invited, but don't be swayed by that feeling. The very first item on your wedding to-do list is make a reasonable budget. It is vital for this budget to be inline with savings, earning and contributions. In this economy, going into deep credit debt to pull off a "princess" wedding is a prescription for marital discord.
Once the budget is derived, the number of people you can invite becomes apparent. For those people you can't invite, don't double diss them. Let them know before they hear it from someone else. Take them out to lunch or call. Explain how the money is tight. They should understand. If they don't, they have a problem.
2. OFF SEASON, OFF DAY
10% of weddings happen in August, 9% in June. Most happen on Saturdays. The Wedding Industrial Complex charges a premium for these times. Think outside the box and you'll save.
3. CREATIVE VENUES
Many of the churches and temples have specific requirements for weddings. Some of these requirements add to the budget. Many other traditional wedding venues also have 'add-ons'. It'll pay to get creative and have your wedding someplace else. Parks, beaches, town greens, backyards, libraries, vintage movie theaters are just a few of the creative places. It will save money and make the wedding special.
4. DIY - Do It Yourself
Money can be saved by not hiring someone else to do the work. This is a potential land mine though. You could overwhelm yourself with way too many projects resulting in mistakes, tension and maybe even a disastrous wedding.
That being said, there are plethora of websites on how to make everything from bridal centerpieces to edible favors. Bridal forums and DIY wedding books are also great resources for how-to info. The earlier you plan the more time you’ll have for DIY wedding projects. Remember, don't stretch yourself too thin and get overwhelmed.
5. CHECK YOU RESOURCES.
Friends and relatives can offer all sorts of help. From decorating, cooking, chauffeuring and more, they want to help and it makes it more community. Just be careful. You don't want to jeopardize a friendship for savings sake.
There is also the pitfall of well meaning friend offering a service to help you. If the enthusiasm is there, but the 
talent isn't, you should tactfully decline.
6. ASK....for a discount.
The sour economy is hurting everyone. One florist we talked to said how she has lowered her price from 15% of a wedding's budget to 10%. The same will be true for other vendors. If you are hiring a service, be sure they know you are on a strict budget and ask where savings can be generated.
7. ONE STOP SHOPPING
Have the ceremony and reception in one place. Small wedding venues such as inns and bed and breakfasts can accommodate both the ceremony and reception. Chances are you’ll have less of a rental fee - and you’ll save money all around.
8. LIMITED LICENSE
Don't have an open bar, just serve beer & wine. People will drink less and you'll save. You can also buy the beer and wine at a discount store and save. One little tip, leave wine bottles on the tables. People drink less when there is someone is NOT constantly refreshing their glass.
9. SOMETHING BORROWED
Consider using family heirlooms for jewelry. It says something nice to everyone. Some couples are resetting diamonds and even melting old wedding bands to make new ones.
Also think about going secondhand. Craigslist, eBay and Kijiji are great sources to find everyhting form dresses to bartenders.
10. GO DIGITAL
Music at the reception will create an enjoyable atmosphere. Having a live band is pricer than a DJ and using an iPod with a good speaker system is even more frugal. A good DJ has the ability to 'work' the room and get people dancing. An iPod playlist has the disadvantage of being a selection that may not suit the crowd. Be sure to weigh each alternative and be midnful of the shortcomings, financial and other wise.
The last piece of advice is, in our opinion, the best. The wedding day is your day. It isn't to impress your neighbors or satisfy a hungry wedding indutrial complex. It is a day which will live in your memory all your life. Plan carefully, plan smartly and most of all, enjoy it.
There are more podcasts, reports and videos on RECESSION WEDDINGS at the Frugal Yankee home page. Please stop by and while you are there, sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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We can be found at FrugalYankee.com. Every day we post dozens of tip tweets on Twitter . The Frugal Yankee has a weekly radio show and can be seen every Monday on NE Cable News. Yet whatever the topic, the idea is simple - enjoying life, spending less.
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Comments: 10
That's pretty much how we did it, right down to useing my late grandparents wedding bands in their original form. I also had a friend make a red dress that I could easily wear again.
We also brought digital cameras and video and handed them to the guests to take good shots. Everything else was just as described in the article.
We were at a court house, I think we startled the judge, we had about 30 people packed in there. Then we went to Olive Garden for lunch. That was it. I have NEVER understood the $20,000+ weddings. That's a down payment on your first HOUSE.
$20,000 is MORE than I paid for my first house!
We came in at about $3,000.
We spent a total of $350. 30 for the court, 20 for the certificate and $10/head at Olive Garden.
My soon to be sister in law has been getting serious discounts at Dillards cause she has bought a lot of stuff from there for her wedding. My daughter will be getting here shoes from there and they're giving her a 25% discount (of course she bought about 7 pairs of shoes from there). Every little bit adds up in savings.
Thanks for a great article.
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You have some very good ideas. My daughter is planning her wedding for next summer and we are cutting costs by not inviting people to the ceremony. Guests will be invited to a dinner/reception at a local restaurant where we have reserved a room. Since her father won't be walking her down an isle at the church, he is going to walk her into the reception, announce her as his daughter who is now also, the wife of so-and-so. It's not traditional, but will be nice.