5 Ways To Cut Down On Wedding Costs

Wedding season has officially started which means people are shelling out dough like there is no tomorrow. According to wedding planning website TheKnot, the average cost of a wedding in America last year was about $30,000 (not including the honeymoon). Whoa baby.

The annual study looked at 13,000 brides and grooms across the country and sourced statistics on everything from they could possibly have to pay for. This year set a record at $30,000. It is the highest the wedding site has seen since the survey began in 2007. Check out the fun infographic below to see all the way weddings add up.

"Couples are more focused than ever on creating a unique, personalized and once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests -- plus they're doing so in a modern way, by planning from their smartphones, publicizing details on social media and more," Carley Roney, co-founder of The Knot, said in a statement.

So what are some ways to cut costs without sacrificing that awesome experience for you and their guests?

1. Don't get an intricate cake

Cakes are more gorgeous than ever but this should not be the focus of your wedding. Bay Area wedding planner Erica Ota told CNN.com, ”Typically, most people spend between $700 to $1,000, yet I find that only 60% of guests even take a slice. Factor in a $2.50 per person cake cutting fee and you’re looking at an expensive dessert,” she says. Try buying a cake or cupcakes and decorating them beautifully with a professional?

2. Don't have super fancy wedding invitations

People do not expect a super long and beautiful wedding invitation. This isn't Downton Abbey (much to our remorse), so you don't need to send a wedding invitation that includes the entire story of how you came to be engaged (if you want to do that try Guesterly!) Wedding experts say cheaper printing is absolutely fine.

3. Don't have painted programs and menus

Just like the invitations, this is an easy place to save on costs and paper. Printed programs look absolutely lovely, but half the time people don’t even remember to take them along at the end of the ceremony.

4. Don't have opulent centerpieces

First of all, it is more fun if they aren't matching and second, it is nice to be able to see the people at your table.

5. Don't include wedding favors

Umm isn't the wedding gift enough? This isn't the Oscars. You don't need to get wedding swag, especially the expensive kind.