{"id":354908,"date":"2016-07-25T08:33:17","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T14:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creditrepair.com\/blog\/?p=354908"},"modified":"2022-03-30T19:17:58","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T01:17:58","slug":"tying-the-knot-how-to-avoid-wedding-debt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creditrepair.com\/blog\/finance\/tying-the-knot-how-to-avoid-wedding-debt\/","title":{"rendered":"Tying the Knot: How to Avoid Wedding Debt"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"shutterstock_210823822\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Planning a wedding is an exciting time. When I got married six years ago, my husband and I were determined to host a fun and memorable event. The problem, of course, was the price. Our choice location was downtown Chicago, a beautiful city with a price tag to match. The cost for the venue alone: $18,000. Some quick math told us that our wedding could easily top $35,000 for 100 guests, especially for the type of personalization we were hoping for.<\/p>\n

As it turns out, personalization is the primary cause of rising costs for modern weddings. According to The Knot\u2019s 2015 Real Weddings Study<\/a>, the average marital event price is at an all-time high: $32,641. Extra charges often include touches that reflect a couple\u2019s personality, including specialized entertainment, cakes, photography, etc.<\/p>\n

Planning an event with a luxury price tag is unattainable for many couples, and some even turn to credit cards to bankroll their big day. Unfortunately, this choice can lead to overwhelming debt<\/a> and credit damage long after the honeymoon ends. Why regret the happiest day of your life? It\u2019s possible to plan the perfect wedding for less, and I speak from experience. After shrugging off the drawbacks of a big city wedding, my husband and I opted to find money-saving alternatives without sacrificing our style. The final price tag: $11,000.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t risk your credit health by paying for an overpriced event. Allow personalization to work in your favor by:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Choosing a non-traditional venue<\/strong>. Wedding venues are notoriously overpriced and saddled with strict policies. Opt for a locale that doesn\u2019t impose:\n
      \n
    • A minimum amount<\/strong>. The average wedding venue charges by the hour and may carry a minimum dollar amount to secure the rental. While an hourly rate isn\u2019t unusual, why spend more than necessary? Public parks, churches, and even restaurants could provide a better deal.<\/li>\n
    • Mandatory food and beverage service<\/strong>. Wedding venues usually require the use of their catering services, i.e., no outside food or drink allowed. This strategy enables them to mark up dining options and increase their profits, a consequence that is sure to run your budget into the ground. Choose a venue that advertises flexibility in addition to wedding space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Searching for unconventional resources<\/strong>. With the help of a creative relative, my husband and I used Costco roses, hydrangeas and eucalyptus for our wedding. The total cost for 8 bouquets, 8 boutonnieres and 13 centerpieces: $300. Find savings for your wedding with the help of:\n
        \n
      • Wholesale stores<\/strong>. Big box stores are notorious for bulk pricing\u2014a huge plus when you\u2019re planning a large event. Use your memberships to cash in on the available options, and don\u2019t forget to ask about the store\u2019s additional services. For example, many retailers provide catering and decorating services for a flat rate.<\/li>\n
      • Friends and family<\/strong>. My creative cousin helped us save more than $1,500 on flower arrangements and your loved ones can help you do the same. Take stock of your family and friends\u2019 talents and enlist their help for the big day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Removing \u201cwedding\u201d from your vocabulary<\/strong>. The wedding label carries a hefty surcharge, and it\u2019s essential to remove the word from your vocabulary immediately. Forgo specifics when it comes to:\n
          \n
        • Attire<\/strong>. Tuxedos, bridesmaid\u2019s dresses and the coveted wedding gown can cost more than $10,000 without careful planning. If you aren\u2019t attached to specific wedding attire, ask the groomsmen to wear suits and bridesmaids to wear cocktail dresses from the same retailer. Formalwear isn\u2019t limited to bridal designs, and this simple change is sure to slash your bottom line.<\/li>\n
        • Rentals<\/strong>. Suppose you need to rent 10 tables and 50 chairs for your wedding reception. Consider contacting vendors and explaining your needs for a \u201cfamily event\u201d rather than a wedding. Your characterization could provide a sizable discount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The bottom line: You don\u2019t need an unlimited budget to plan a fun and personalized wedding. Prioritize your marital finances by setting healthy spending limits and finding creative ways to save.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Planning a wedding is an exciting time. When I got married six years ago, my husband and I were determined to host a fun and memorable event. The problem, of course, was the price. Our choice location was downtown Chicago, a beautiful city with a price tag to match. The cost for the venue […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[158],"tags":[52,485],"yoast_head":"\nTying the Knot: How to Avoid Wedding Debt - CreditRepair.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Couples planning an event with a luxury price tag sometimes turn to credit cards to bankroll their big day. 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