So I've been thinking...
One of the most common issues I see with couples wanting to get married or eloped these days is money. And I'm right there with you. One of my biggest hold ups when I think about having a wedding is straight up that it's too expensive. Add on top of that the fact that the last two years has been hard on everyone in like...all the ways and that includes wedding venues and vendors. It's pricy to get married in 2022. Millennials and Gen Z, once again we get shafted, am I right? In the same way our parents and grandparents probably paid about $100 to go to school and buy a home (I exaggerate), their weddings likely also didn't have the price tags they have today. So here we are - in debt up to our ears, can't afford a house and now we can't even afford to marry our person! In 2021 the average cost of a wedding was $27,000.00 and that's about $3,000.00 more than it was pre-COVID. And as you might suspect prices in 2022 are expected to go up. When I think about all the things that someone can do with that kind of money, my mind is absolutely boggled. Not to mention all of the resources used and garbage created for large scale events. My heart can't take it. Friend, times have changed and so must we. We must be the change we wish to see, right!? RIGHT!
I think it's so easy to get wrapped up in tradition and listening to other's suggestions that we miss some really simple changes that can not only save money, but they are better for the environment too! If you could save money and the earth at the same time, why wouldn't you? I've come up with a list of some small changes that will make for a more intentional day overall.
E-vites + Save The Dates
Getting cards made up and mailed out for your guests is cool and all, but serious question? Why are we still doing it? If the answer is tradition, I call BS. We live in a digital world so why are we wasting money and paper on sending out cards that, to be honest, are probably going to get thrown away. There are SO many benefits to doing this digitally. You don't waste paper, it's cheaper, it'll get to your guests faster, it's a lot harder to lose, and most importantly, it's a lot less labor intensive when you have to write Thank You's later. So have a digital design made, or create your own and print a few for close family, friends and of course your photographer.
Opt For A Different Venue
Yes, finding a venue that checks a lot of boxes at once is very convenient. However, is it worth the stress of fighting for a date? Is it worth the price tag? Hear me out, there are so many cheap options out there, some that are even free. State Parks for example. So many of them only require the cost of a permit. This would be perfect for someone looking to have a beach wedding or just wanting to be outdoors. There are also backyard weddings - which I absolutely love. Use your connections, ask around and see if you know of anyone with a farm or a lot of property with a nice view and ask them about using their space. You may even be able to use the same location for both ceremony and reception. I also see more and more people using Airbnb. If your wedding is on the smaller side, renting out a house for a weekend makes for an intimate gathering of your favorite people and is more comfortable than a hotel. Finally, you can get hitched at the courthouse! I know so many think this option is so boring. But at the end of the day, it's only about two people...you and your hunny. Not to mention - if you hire the right photographer - courthouses can be a super cool place for photos. Then afterwards, throw a party in one of the spaces mentioned above!
Thrift/ Make As Many Items As You Can
Now, I know what you're thinking. Doing it this way is extremely labor intensive. And, yes in some ways it is BUT it can also be a really fun memory. Enlist help and head out to a thrift store or even an antique store and see what kind of treasures you can find! Afterwards, whatever you don't keep - donate it again! If you really want to save, handmake your bouquets. Farmers markets and even the grocery store might surprise you. So, while this might not be the most convenient, it's definitely more intentional and quite possibly more fun!
Local Love
I totally understand that DIY decorations are not for everyone. Sometimes you just want to leave it to the professionals and that's ok! But, regardless of the vendors you choose to hire, make your money go further. Hire local vendors or people you know! Of course, hiring someone you know does not mean you get a discount (unless they offer it) but by choosing local/small businesses you are supporting a community and you know that the money you spend is helping. Worth it!!!
Donate To An Environmental Organization
Instead of sending your guests to a wedding registry, send them to an Environmental/Rescue Organization of your choice (or give them a choice of a few). This is a beautiful form of reciprocity. Sure, stuff is fine, but we wouldn't have anything if it wasn't for the planet we live on. If nothing else, this small shift away from the traditional, is a meaningful one.
So there you have it. Small changes with big impact. Sometimes it all it takes is stepping back from convenience and simply being more intentional with our choices. That being said, everyone wants something different for their wedding day and this is by no means meant to shame anyone who has had a huge traditional wedding and pulled out all the stops. It's all good. We can only move forward from with the information we have. And by the way - you don't have to have a wedding to practice the items on this list. These can be brought into every day life as well. If you are getting married this year, I challenge you to do just one thing on this list! If you're not, then I still challenge you to choose one thing and translate it to fit into your life. Happy thrifting, happy creating, happy planning!
