There’s no denying that weddings can be expensive, especially in New Jersey. According to USA Today, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is over $25,000. In New Jersey, the average wedding in 2017 cost $38,049, making it the second most expensive state in the country for weddings. Only Hawaii is a pricier state to get married, and not by much.
This can be a daunting prospect for couples who don’t have that kind of money lying around. However, it is entirely possible to have a cheap wedding in New Jersey by following a few simple guidelines.
A Cheap NJ Wedding Is Possible!
There is no rule anywhere that says you have to spend a fortune to have a fun, memorable, and special wedding. At the end of the day, the important thing is that you and your partner get married surrounded by the people that matter most to you. The rest is details, and spending more doesn’t always mean getting more.
Here are some tips for cutting down the cost of your New Jersey wedding without sacrificing what matters to you.
- Cut Down on the Guest List. The guest count is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your wedding. Inviting less people is the most straightforward way to reduce the cost.
- Start by making a list of everyone you could possibly invite, then separate them into groups based on importance starting with your immediate family and closest friends.
- Decide where to draw the line. If picking and choosing coworkers to invite will lead to hurt feelings, consider not inviting any of them. If your cousins have a million small children you’ll feel obligated to invite, consider a ‘no children’ policy.
- When you aren’t sure about inviting someone, consider the following question: “If they were having a wedding of a similar size, would they invite me? Would I be offended if they didn’t?”
- Consider an Off Season Wedding. New Jersey weddings, particularly those by the shore, are more expensive during the summer months. Cut down on the cost by having a winter wedding.
- Have an On-site Ceremony. Having your ceremony at the same place as your reception has a number of benefits. Your guests won’t have to drive around to multiple locations, there won’t be as long of a time gap between the two parts of your wedding, and it can cut down on the cost. When choosing a venue, see if they have on-site ceremony options.
- Decide What’s Most Important, and Skip What You Don’t Need. Pick the parts of your wedding that matter the most to you and will leave a lasting impression, and consider skipping or downsizing the rest.
- Photos will be your keepsake from the day, and food is something that guests remember about a wedding, so you may not want to skimp on either of those.
- On the other hand, flowers and centerpieces get thrown out and ice sculptures melt, so don’t go overboard on details that won’t last.
- Maybe you think you won’t ever watch your wedding video or won’t have a use for professional engagement photos. Don’t be afraid to cut things that you don’t think you need.
- Choose an Affordable New Jersey Wedding Venue. When choosing a New Jersey wedding venue, it is important to make sure it is affordable for your budget without sacrificing quality. After all, your choice of venue has a large impact on your day. Here are some questions to ask when deciding on a wedding venue:
- Do they have an in-house caterer? If so, how is their food? Is the menu customizable?
- How are their online reviews?
- Is the space elegant and decorated to match your vision for your event? How much additional decorating is needed?
- Do they have a list of preferred vendors they can recommend?
- What are their alcohol policies?
- How does payment work? Are there any hidden fees?
- Is there an in-house sound system?
Plan a Cheap New Jersey Wedding That Matches Your Vision
Planning a wedding in New Jersey doesn’t have to put you into debt. By cutting down on the guest list, skipping things that aren’t important to you, and choosing a venue that will work within your budget, you can have the wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune.
