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What is YOUR Definition of a Budget Wedding?

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What are the aspects that make a wedding a “budget wedding?” We explore the definition of a budget wedding in this post.

Jessica Bishop Headshot

What is your definition of a budget wedding?

Someone asked me this question and it got me thinking…

What is a budget wedding? “Budget” is kind of a relative term, isn’t it? Everyone’s got a budget. Everyone has a dollar amount they are planning to spend based on their personal financial situation. Truthfully, the definition of a “budget” is drastically different depending on who you talk to.

“Budget” Can Mean Different Things to Different People

No matter how many commonalities you have with your friends and family in regards to general economic standing and financials, weddings are a whole other ball game. At the end of the day, your wedding budget should reflect your own personal priorities, values, and financial situation; no one else’s.

But as far as defining what a “budget wedding” is, I think it truly depends on the region in which you live or are planning your wedding. For someone who lives in a major metropolitan area such as New York City or Los Angeles, $20,000 might be considered a “budget” wedding because the average for that area is $50,000 or higher. Whereas someone who lives in a more rural area, where the “average” is closer to $15,000 might consider $5k to be “budget.” Ya know what I mean?

Shoot for “Savvy” over Cheap

To me, it’s all about being budget savvy. (Obviously!) It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about how smartly you spend it. Of course, we have tons of tips to make your budget stretch if needed.

At BSB, we advise couples to maximize whatever budget they’ve got to work with, rather than focusing on a specific price tag or range. Obviously, you know that we have published weddings with teeny tiny budgets up to over $30,000. Occasionally, if a wedding takes place in one of those major metro areas where things just cost more (it’s a plain and simple fact, truly) we’ll make an exception and feature a wedding on a slightly larger than “average” budget.

Unfortunately, there can be a bit of a stigma against couples working with a less than “average” budget. If you’re struggling with negative nellies, we recommend reading this post.

What is YOUR definition of a Budget Wedding?

Either way, let’s all agree to call a wedding, no matter the budget, what it is… a WEDDING!

We encourage you to plan a wedding within your means; a wedding that you can afford without breaking the bank, stealing from your future, or delaying your other dreams!

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if there are fancy centerpieces or $5 per piece invitations. It only matters that at the end of the day, you’re married!

No matter the reason you decide to spend less than those so-called “averages” you shouldn’t think any less of your wedding. We encourage you not to think of your event as a budget wedding, but a SAVVY wedding that reflects your values.

So readers, have you had issues explaining or justifying your budget (or as we like to call it “savvy”) wedding to friends, family & the occasional nosy stranger? Share about it in the community!

 


Jessica Bishop Headshot

Jessica Bishop is the founder of TheBudgetSavvyBride.com, and has worked in various areas and roles within the wedding industry since 2007. She is the author of the best-selling book,The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer and also hosts The Bouquet Toss Wedding Planning Podcast. Jessica's expert wedding advice and savvy savings tips have been featured by Good Morning America, COSMOPOLITAN, Glamour, and more.