Planning a budget wedding can save you from the stress and debt that often accompany extravagant celebrations. The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. has soared to $38,000 in 2024, with places like New Jersey seeing even higher figures at over $63,000. This spending seems excessive, especially when considering the simpler alternatives that can be equally meaningful.
I’ve been happily married for 12 years and from experience, focusing on your financial future rather than an extravagant wedding is beneficial. My wife and I chose a modest beach wedding that cost us just $2,745. This included everything from the ceremony on a Hawaiian beach with a ukulele accompaniment to our reception at a Korean BBQ restaurant. We even saved on our attire, with my wife picking up a lovely dress from Target and me wearing my favorite Aloha shirt.
Spending modestly on our wedding allowed us to start our marriage without financial burdens. This approach eliminated the stress of planning and managing a big event. Our small wedding meant no complex arrangements and no pressure on our guests to spend money on gifts. This simplicity enabled us to invest in our future, including saving for our son and investing money that could have been spent on a lavish wedding.
A frugal wedding doesn’t diminish the joy of the occasion. In fact, the intimacy of a smaller, simpler wedding often enhances it. Regardless of whether it’s a $2,800 wedding or a $100,000 celebration, the happiness comes from the people, the togetherness, and the love shared, not from the amount of money spent.
If you’re planning your wedding and worried about costs, consider a budget-friendly approach. It can be just as special and far more prudent financially, setting you up for a secure future together rather than just a memorable day.
