Most of us have a decent understanding that weddings can be an expensive exercise, but do you actually understand just how much the average wedding costs in Australia? Slightly over $36,000, based on Australia’s Money Smart website. And that was in 2012! These days, it’s quite likely somewhere around the $50,000 mark. I guess if you have wealthy parents it wouldn’t be an issue, but unfortunately most of us don’t.
Let’s admit it, $50,000 is a lot of money! You could buy a business, put a down payment on a property, settle your student loans, or even travel the world! The fact is though, weddings are a celebration of two people who commit to spending the rest of their lives with each other. Sure, we ‘d all love to have the wedding of our dreams, but we shouldn’t forget what’s really important.
While I’ve never been married myself, I have a close circle of friends, and two of them managed to pull off the most unforgettable weddings on a shoestring. Indeed, it didn’t involve classy bridesmaid parties and catering for 300 guests, but it was intimate, unique, and almost everyone who came had the time of their lives. If you’re organising a wedding on a budget and looking for ways to save money, then here’s how.
Location
There’s a number of ways to save thousands of dollars on your wedding location. One of the most gorgeous weddings I was invited to was in the backyard of a friend’s home. Other options you could consider is hiring a local park for the day, or perhaps the beach. The ambience is magnificent, you can personalise your wedding to precisely how you want it, and the costs are tremendously low. If you choose to have your wedding in a public place, just don’t forget to consult with the local council and book well ahead of time.
Wedding Date
Although most people prefer their weddings on a Saturday, the costs of venues are much more costly on Saturday than any other day of the week. Look at having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday where Monday is a public holiday. The time of year will likewise have a dramatic influence on the cost of your venue. If you’re dead-set on having your wedding reception in an indoor area, then schedule your wedding date in winter and you’ll save close to a third of the costs for venue hire itself.
Photography
The cost of a professional photographer will generally cost around $4,000 for the whole day. With the impressive specs of smartphone cameras these days, think of hiring a professional photographer just for the formalities and ask your friends to take photos over the course of your wedding celebrations. You can make a hashtag on Twitter and get your friends to publish their pictures, ensuring that there’ll be loads of natural pictures that resonate the true spirit of your special day.
Food & Drinks
If you really want to save money, then catering companies are your key target! They charge extravagant prices and aren’t really necessary at all. Contemplate organising your own food and drinks and don’t be afraid to go against the grain here.
You could hire a wood fire pizza truck that serves gourmet pizza, or look into hiring someone to roast a whole pig in the ground and make the sides by yourself. For me, there’s nothing better than a pulled pork burger with delicious sauce and cheesy smashed potatoes! Don’t forget that most of the time, being different is much more memorable than being customary. Additionally, try to find a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol. You’ll save a pile of money this way, and you’ll be able to arrange a considerable discount when buying in bulk.
Don’t Borrow Money
It’s not unusual for couples to borrow money to fund their weddings, not grasping how difficult it can be to pay back. Not only will you be paying for the wedding itself, but also interest on top of that, which can in some cases take years to pay off. If you’ve had a luxurious wedding and found yourself in financial hardship, always seek financial advice sooner rather than later. The sooner you take action, the more possibilities will be available. For any financial guidance regarding your personal situation, talk with Bankruptcy Experts on 1300 795 575, or visit our website for more details: www.bankruptcyexperts.com.au
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