Got A Case Of The Recession Blues?: How Budget Crunching Brides Are Saving & Surviving

I’ve always considered myself to be a fairly positive person.  Life just seems to be a bit easier when you’re laughing – and I’m not just talking about after viewing your bank account.  Hehe.  So, even though the economy may be in all kinds of depressive, recessive trouble, I still think brides everywhere have every right to PAAARRRTAAAY on their big day!  Don’t let the overbearing loom of negatively saturated media get you down.  Stay up!  And consider that if life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it, there’s no reason for you to not have a winning hand :) 

The Wedding Report – a research company that specializes in gathering and reporting wedding industry trends, facts and information - says that 2009 weddings have all been about budget crunching!  Not only did the average expense of weddings drop from 2008 to 2009, but there was another 14% dip in spending from the first quarter of 2009, where average costs were around $19,212 to the second quarter, where there average budget dropped to $16,546.  The silver lining, however, is that even though the expenses have dropped, the weddings themselves have stayed fairly the same.  But how?? – one might ask.

According to The Wedding Report, there are a number of ways for brides to not only survive the economic storm, but THRIVE through it with fury.  Below are some examples where brides and grooms-to-be can cut costs without cutting down their dream: 

• Let your Friends & Family Shine:  Many couples are employing the talents and services of their loved ones to get things done.  All jobs from ceremony singers and instrumentalists to invitation makers and hair quaffers are being invaded by friends and family – and more often than not, at a fraction of the cost.  
• Say it with me – SIMPLICITY:  Brides and grooms may not be willing to give up their guest list, but they are certainly cutting down the decor.  By simplifying their invitations, centerpieces and ceremony and reception decorations, which all add up, they’ve lowered their costs and risen their spirits!
• Responding via Web Surfing:  Both eco- and wallet friendly, online RSVPs have started to make a splash with future brides and grooms.  This will cut the costs on both the invitations and the postage.
• Consider All-Inclusive:  Not only has this helped lower the stress levels of soon-to-be I Do’ers, but finding vendors who provide multiple services can also be extremely budget friendly.
• Dare to be Different:  Couples who have utilized “off-peak” times have seen a significant drop in costs.  Simply by getting hitched during a non-summer month or on a Friday, Sunday or Saturday morning, they’ve been able to limit the amount they’re paying the Pied Piper. 
• Impress your Guests with Do-It-Yourself Projects:   DIY brides and grooms are all the rage these days.  By exploiting their inner-crafters within, these future Mr. and Mrs’s are creating their own favors, centerpieces, bouquets and more… showing how cutting out the middle man can be a real money saver.

No matter how you find the balance for your wedding budget, please know there are options out there to help you adjust.  Because even though timely trends and funky fashions may come and go, saving money never goes out of style!  So, feel free to leave you best money saving tips below… and help brides everywhere kick a little economic booty!

Leave a Comment August 7, 2009