Six Money-Saving Wedding Tips from a Professional Wedding Planner

According to The Bridal Association of America, the average cost of a wedding in 2007 was $28,850 with a guest list of 169 (source: http://www.bridalassociationofamerica.com/Wedding_Statistics/). Even though this figure is the latest data available, the average cost of a wedding increases every year and is expected to hit nearly $31,000 by 2009.

In the late 1990's I owned and operated a wedding coordination and planning business. I had the pleasure of being involved in more than 50 weddings in all different budget ranges.

While planning weddings for other people I saw firsthand the wasted money that brides and grooms spent that went unnoticed or unappreciated by their guests on the big day. Couples often get so caught up in the frenzy of planning their wedding that they forget how much money they might be throwing out the window. But if you are smart and methodical with your wedding planning, you can save thousands of dollars without anyone noticing the difference. I'd like to share some moneysaving tips I learned along the way.

Cut the Guest List. The above average wedding cost is based on a guest list of 169. Consider cutting the list down to only include the people in your lives who are most precious to you. By reducing the number of guests you invite, the following areas of your budget will be reduced: favors/gifts, flowers (centerpieces), reception and stationary. The "Reception" link item above indicates you're spending $83 per guest for just food and location. If you keep the same menu and facility but cut the guest list down to 100, you're saving $5,589.