The wedding industry is now a $55 billion dollar market. According to research by The Knot, last year couples spent more than $35,000 on their wedding. From customized party favors to saying “I do” in exotic locations, brides and grooms are often paying a pretty penny to become the new Mr. and Mrs. You don’t have to break the bank just to walk down the aisle though. This edition of TRIO offers three ways couples use creative wedding planning to cut their expenses and still have a memorable day.

1. Determine Your Budget

One of the biggest budget busters that brides and grooms make is that they start making plans before they know what they can afford to spend. From using an Excel spreadsheet to available online tools like a budget calculator, there are several no-cost or low-cost tools that brides and grooms can use to help keep tabs on the budget for their big day. No one wants to fall in love with their perfect dress only to find out that buying it means they’ll have to cut their guest list in half!

2. Look at Your Guest List

Speaking of which, a good place to start trimming expenses might be your guest list. Wedding expenses are up, but guest lists numbers are actually down, according to The Knot. The average per-person expense is $245. Once you find out what your wedding will cost per person, you might think twice about inviting your mom’s co-workers or your best friend from middle school that you haven’t talked to in 10 years. Make a guest list and then check it twice. Invite the people who mean the most to you and your family. Not sure how to celebrate your new nuptials without upsetting someone? Take a look at these helpful ways to select who you want by your side.

3. Vary It Up

When it comes to planning your big day, creative ideas can save you more than a headache. Simple ways to cut costs and make your wedding a true reflection of you and your future spouse might include simplifying your decorations, skipping bridal party symmetry or even switching the date or the time of your service to cut costs. Just because it’s always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s right for your special day. Some traditions are made to be broken!

Interested in learning more about ways to help manage your big day? Join us for the upcoming Wedding Planning 101 class. Call 405.377.3333 with questions or get registered here. To find out about more courses like this sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. View all of our upcoming courses in our digital catalog.