The average wedding cost in Maryland is $33,800.
Some people take out personal loans and get into a ton of credit card debt just to pay for the expenses. Venues can be $4k plus, photographers around $3k-$4k, the dresses and the suits can get pricey as well. And that’s not even everything…
Disclaimer* some of these photos are from our wedding credited to Leigh Anne Brader Photography. They are under no circumstance to be used elsewhere without permission from the photographer.
On a personal note
Although we are a very frugal couple, I wanted my fairytale wedding. I never wanted to be married or have kids until I met Lyle. He is one of the most special people in my life who showed me how to love and be loved by someone else and that’s pretty special in my view. I really wanted to celebrate how much we have accomplished together the last 6 years. Plus, after almost two years of covid, I thought we all needed a little celebration!
I don’t want to suggest that we didn’t have financial help, we definitely did! We couldn’t have been more thankful to my parents for all the help and support through the wedding planning process. HOWEVER, we saved a ton of money with some of these tips!
1. Buy Used on Amazon
I found a lot of candles and garlands and artificial flowers that were used in perfect condition with only a little package damage. No damage to the products! Amazing what you can save on used amazon listings. I actually utilize Amazon used products almost every time I can!
This can also buy anything used! Facebook Market place, Goodwill and more. There’s a ton of very reasonably cheap options and decor to thrift. Throw some spray paint or glitter on there and you’ve just made someone else’s trash YOUR treasure for your big day. I literally had my father (he volunteered) go searching the woods on their farm for pinecones for me to spray paint gold…
2. Book The Venue Off-season
We booked our venue date for December 3rd. Typically, everyone wants their wedding in the warmer months however, I actually love the colder holiday season. My venue had cheaper rates for December – March and I jumped on it immediately! We also got a discount for our food and alcohol package as well.
3. Look For a Decorated Venue
Part of my whole strategy with my wedding was how to make it as easy and stress free as possible. My goal was to have me do as little work as possible and also not have to drain our bank account for it. When venue hunting, it’s going to be easier on you in the long run to find one that’s already gorgeous by itself with little added decoration. Our venue was decorated to the nines for the holidays already so it was perfect! Christmas is also my FAVORITE holiday…it really is the most wonderful time of the year!
If you’re a person who loves a raw space venue, great! But I did not have the energy or mental capacity to bring a large space to life like that. I’m also not a rustic industrial boho kind of girl. I like elegance and romance.
4. You Can Get REAL With Your Flowers
It’s no surprise to everyone how expensive weddings can be financially gut wrenching. Flowers are no different! You are either a frugal bride or an extravagant one. I happen to be both!
I wanted REAL flowers – it was important to me. I tested out the silk artificial arrangements and was not a fan. They just seemed cheap (no offense to those who choose artificial! You can never tell in photos anyway). I saved a ton by not having an arbor to decorate, not doing boutonnieres for all the groomsmen, opting for seasonal arrangements and using the bridesmaids bouquets as half of the centerpieces for the reception. I saved about $1,500 at least by doing all of these things. Everything turned out beautifully!
Hot Tip: right after the ceremony or after photos during the cocktail hour, designate 2 people to quickly place the bouquets on the table before the reception starts.
5. Do yourself a favor by NOT doing favors
I did not have expensive wedding favors. I wouldn’t even call what I had wedding favors honestly! Every wedding I’ve been to, I haven’t ever remembered to grab my favor. The only time I remember it is when it’s food…so if you are all about the favors, FOOD is a great go-to. Everyone is already thankful to be a part of your day! You are feeding them and giving them free booze and a place to party…they will be just fine without them.
6. Do a Little DIY
I found a Circut on Facebook Marketplace for a pretty reasonable price in the beginning of last year. With that I made my own Welcome sign, table chart, and table numbers. I could have definitely made more but honestly, that’s all that was needed signage-wise. I asked my venue what signs they had already. There was no need to spend time making or buying these signs if they weren’t needed!
Since my wedding was winter/holiday themed, my father generously gathered a bunch of pinecones from around the farm and I took them to spray paint them gold. They turned out pretty beautiful in my opinion! You can do something similar with delicate twigs and branches or other easily kept natural greenery.
7. Sell Your Decorations
Okay, so the big day is over and now you have all this stuff…what do you do with it? Re-sell it on Facebook Marketplace!! Other soon-to-be brides will thank you for it and you can make some of your money back AND get that clutter out of your house!
There are so many bridal consignment groups on Facebook, it’s nuts! They are re-selling table numbers, welcome signs, candles, artificial flowers and greenery, table runners and garlands. You can even find some people are selling their dress!
It really does boil down to one question; what is the most important thing to you?
Narrow down what is most important to you and put your money towards and less on the things that don’t matter. For me, the most important things were the food, music and photographer. I wanted the food to be amazing. I always remember the food at every wedding and I wanted people walking away with happy bellies.
My photographer – I wanted the day captured as I remember it. I wanted someone who knew how to direct us on posing and kandids. And the music is what sets the mood of any event. The kind of music, does it fit for the moment? It can set the mood of the room and complete the experience of the party.
Your wedding is a monumental day and if you’re throwing a ball-out one, you can find some cost cutting strategies to help keep your bank account in check. Make it easier on yourself as much as you can!
