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Nowadays, the average wedding in the United States costs nearly $27,000. If this number is far beyond what you’re hoping to spend (or are able to budget for), no need to worry!

Whether you’re trying to be smart about how much you spend on your wedding, or you simply are short on funds for such a big event, you can take a few key steps to help you plan a wedding on a small budget.

Know Your Budget from the Start & Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to ensure you don’t over-spend is to finalize your maximum budget before you begin to plan anything else. Be sure to talk to your soon-to-be life partner and any family members who may be pitching in for the event and add the numbers up.

This will give you a good idea of how much you can spend on a variety of aspects of your big day, from the venue and dress, to the guest count and wedding flowers. If you need help estimating the percentage each item should take up out of your whole budget, check out the budget list that The Knot has put together for you.

Also, the farther in advance you plan, the more you can space out your expenditures. It also gives you time to save money, especially if you’re okay with setting a date for a year or two away.

Find a Budget-Friendly Venue

Since wedding venues are often one of the biggest expenditures for any couple’s big day, be sure to find one that fits within your budget. You might also ask them if they offer smaller pricing packages for slower days of the week — that is, if you’re okay with a weekday!

Keep the Guest Count Low

All those chairs, food, drinks, and other rentals add up quickly! Try limiting your guest count to the people you want to remember were there or those you can’t possibly imagine not inviting.

Focus on the Parts that Matter Most to You

Not a fan of ball gown wedding dresses? Don’t need a five-person live band performing during the reception? Or is having an open bar not that important to you?

Do without them! Between finding local dress shops with discounted dresses, hiring a friend to manage a playlist for you, or cutting back to wine and beer only, there are many ways you can save by not splurging on things that you can live without — and putting more money towards things that you do care about, such as photography, venue space and florals.

Find Ways to Achieve a Look Without Breaking the Bank

Many of the best wedding vendors out there can help you create a specific ambiance for your special day without going over your budget. This does, however, require a level of compromise from you.

For instance, if you love the idea of a very specific look for your bouquet, consider asking your florist if they can help you find more budget-friendly florals and greenery that appear to be similar, but are less expensive than your original vision.

Getting Married in Ohio? Call Roots Floral Design!

Florals and greenery can make your special day stand out in a truly unique way that you’ll remember for years to come. Whether you already have floral ideas in mind for your wedding or you are hoping to achieve a specific look and feel, reach out to Roots Floral Design for elegant and romantic bouquets, centerpieces and more for a truly romantic wedding in Ohio!