The $30 K Wedding Alternative

Thwart wedding bell apprehension when you explore your nuptial options. 

The mayhem of a marital union can evoke enough tension to make the happiest bride say, “I don’t.” A second wedding, overbearing family personalities, cultural differences and financial restrictions are just a few reasons people skirt the mega marriage ceremony. For the woman, who has never envisioned the fairytale wedding, the ill trepidation of walking a mile of aisle can morph those butterflies into caterpillars. 

According to a market report released by the National Association of Certified Wedding Coordinators (NACWC), the average cost for a wedding in America ranges between $20,000 to $25,000. Over the last four years, the cost of tying the knot has increased by 18 percent. As people wait to get married, they are tergiversating the expense. Annually, an approximated 15 percent of newlyweds pass on the wedding circus and forego the City Hall route. 

Prior to actualizing, you do not wish to produce the “event” of the year, (your wedding) there is a 5-letter word that will need nullifying, g-u-i-l-t. Family guilt is one of the most potent forces of resistance to wedding rights of refusal. Unless your family insists on doling the expenditures for the big day and you are 100 percent confident that the stress will be well worth the backlash - resist the temptation. In collaboration with your spouse to-be, consider your other wedding alternatives. 

An Intimate Wedding Union 

Less is more. A low-key wedding can be just as memorable and meaningful as an elaborate wedding event. If your guest list includes a total of 50-75 friends and family members, figure $5,000 to $10,000 for a sit-down dinner. The intimacy of family, close friends melded with an exchange of vows can set the stage for a magical wedding event. 

The ideal location can be simplified if you don’t mind being hitched at home. Beware of losing sight of the budget especially, if finances are an issue. Bringing in additional tables, seating, lighting et al can add up - rapidly. Concerning other reception venues, do not rule out places like your family’s place of worship (church or synagogue), country clubs, or social clubs/lodges. 

Sponsorship 

Sponsorship has its privileges. If you can find local businesses to donate their products and services in return for advertising at your reception, sponsorship may be a consideration. More couples are bartering a bit of promotion along with their nuptials, for complimentary or discounted goods and services. 

Not all vendors will chomp at the bit to sponsor your special day. Certain vendors will appreciate the benefit of branding their company, directly to a target audience. Plan to approach a minimum of 100 vendors. Smaller and newer companies are more apt to participate. The ideal sponsorship situation is a win-win, for all. In example, the media buy for advertising costs 3-4 times the cost of the average sponsorship.