$25,000 for an "average" American wedding debunked

With the average cost of a wedding in the United States at about $25,000 and 70% of engaged couples footing this bill themselves, chances are these figures frighten you. I understand!

When my husband and I got engaged we knew we would pay for the wedding ourselves (125 guests), but we did not have $25,000 to spend! Nor did we want to put the bulk of our wedding on credit cards. But, with careful planning, we were able to have our dream wedding for approximately $12,000!

While each couples’ circumstance’s unique, not every cost cutting measure we took will work for you. However, I hope that by sharing some of the ways we saved money you may get some ideas of your own.

1.Don’t ignore the clearance racks

When I first started looking for my wedding gown, I refused to look at any of the clearance racks in the bridal stores. I wanted a “perfect” brand new gown. After much searching for that “perfect” gown to no avail—I actually found my gown while leaning my weary body on a clearance rack! Although my dress had been used on a store model, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. My dress was originally $1,200 and I “stole” it for $300!!!!!

2.Utilize your family and friends

You will find there are two schools of thought on this: 1) The people who believe everything “wedding” must be left to professionals or 2) The people who don’t! We were of the mentality of the later. Often times, you will have loved ones who can do the jobs professionals would do for far less or nothing and do it with great enthusiasm and heart. For example, my Dad and Aunt are blessed with green thumbs. Instead of going to a florist, my Dad ordered flowers in bulk (he ordered whatever was in season because they are MUCH cheaper) directly from a wholesaler. The freshness of the flowers and uniqueness of my Dad and Aunt’s arrangements far surpassed anything from a flower shop and ALL of my flowers cost less then $500 (including two hundred yellow roses) Other things we did were “hire” my sister—whom has a gorgeous voice—to do the vocals at our ceremony; have my brother in law—whom was a film major—videotape; and have my sister’s boyfriend’s jazz band provide the wonderful dinner music for a very nominal fee. Choices like these allowed us to splurge on what was most important to us—a great photographer and great food for the guests.

3. Lose the limos

I think limousines are one of the most overrated “essentials” of a wedding. You do not need limos to have a classy wedding!!!! We saved a thousand dollars by ditching limos and looking closely at our guest list for “honorary chauffers.” For example, my uncle has a gorgeous 700 series BMW—so I asked him to drive my parents and I to the Church and then my husband and I back. He was flatered (and he showed up on time!) For our attendants, I had two guests who both drive matching Ford Explorer’s drive the bridesmaids and my husband had his groomsmen drive.

4.Be creative with favors

Favors are not necessary by any means. However, if you decide to do favors—do them yourself. Originally we wanted a little box of Godiva chocolate for each guest—Godiva gladly would have done so—for about $6.00 a placesetting. So, my fiancé rolled up his sleeves and made his own heart shaped chocolate for our guests. No, it was not Godiva quality, but the guests were delighted he made the favors himself. Since my husband is a dentist, we also thought it would be cute to give toothbrushes as favors—so we bought them in bulk from a wholesaler—something I suggest you do for any favor.

I hope that some of our cost cutting tricks sparked some ideas for your own wedding! Although our wedding was “cheap” by American standards, it was the richest day to us. Also our guests—both those in person and those who watched our wedding on TLC’s “A Wedding Story” commented our wedding was among the most elegant, classy, and personal they had seen. It does not take a lot of money to create your dream wedding—it just takes a little more elbow grease, flexibility, and helpful support system. Some final free advice: “Where there is a will, there is a way!”