How the F*** Are We Supposed to Afford a Wedding? 4 Tips That Could Save You $10,000+
Published on November 27, 2024
When most are struggling with growing layoffs, medical bills, inflation, rent, and energy hikes, one question hangs in the back of every soon-to-be-spouse's mind: how the f*** are we supposed to afford a wedding?
Luckily, we have some answers.
The average wedding in the U.S. now costs over $30,000. For many couples, that's more than a year's worth of rent or a significant chunk of a down payment on a house. But here's the thing: you don't have to go broke to get married. With some smart choices, you can have a beautiful wedding while keeping your finances intact.
1. Use Digital RSVPs & Photo Sharing Instead of Paper Invitations
Savings: $500 – $2,000
Traditional invitation suites—including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes, and postage—can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000+. And that's before you factor in the time spent addressing envelopes, trips to the post office, and tracking down people who never responded.
Using a digital RSVP platform like InviteQR cuts this to just $35.
Bonus Benefits:
- Never miss an RSVP. Guest responses update in real-time on your dashboard.
- Avoid postal delays and lost invitations with wrong addresses.
- No hand-counting. Your guest list automatically organizes itself.
- Easy sharing. Send via text, email, or print a QR code on your invitations.
2. Book a Friday or Sunday Wedding (or Off-Season Month)
Savings: $2,000 – $20,000+
Saturday weddings are priced at a premium by nearly every venue. We're talking $2,000 to $10,000+ more just for the venue alone. Shifting to a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon can save you a small fortune.
Friday Evening
Guests leave work early, arrive excited, and you get the same party atmosphere as Saturday.
Sunday Afternoon
Beautiful daytime ceremony, brunch or lunch reception, and everyone's home for a reasonable bedtime.
But wait, there's more:
- Catering minimums tend to be lower on off-days
- Vendors have more availability = greater negotiation power
- Your photographer, DJ, and florist may offer discounts
Peak Savings Months:
January, February, March, and November typically offer the best venue rates. Yes, November—most people avoid it for the holidays, which means better deals for you.
3. Cut the Guest List (The #1 Cost Driver)
Savings: $5,000 – $12,000+
Here's the brutal math: every 10 guests costs roughly $600–$1,500 once you add up food, bar, tables, linens, invites, and favors.
Reducing from 150 guests → 100 guests
= $5,000–$12,000 instant savings
Say it with us: not everyone should be invited to your wedding.
When creating your guest list, ask yourself these two questions:
- "Have I spoken to this person in the last two years?"
- "Has this person been an important part of my life, or will they play an important part in my future?"
Bonus:
Cutting back your guest list brings the focus back on you and the people most central to your life. You'll actually have time to enjoy your wedding instead of rushing from table to table greeting people you barely know.
4. Hire a Photographer for Fewer Hours & Let Guests Fill the Gaps
Savings: $1,500 – $4,000
Professional photography packages typically run $5,000–$8,000+ for all-day coverage. But do you really need 10 hours of professional photos?
The smart approach: Hire your photographer for the moments that matter most—ceremony, portraits, and the first hour of reception (about 4-5 hours total). For the rest of the party, let your guests capture the magic.
How It Works with InviteQR:
- Create a photo sharing page (takes 60 seconds)
- Get a custom QR code that matches your wedding theme
- Print the QR code and display it at your venue
- Guests scan, snap, and upload—no app required
- You get hundreds of candid moments from every angle
The Best Part?
Guest photos capture the authentic, unposed moments your photographer might miss—the dance floor chaos, the emotional reactions, the late-night shenanigans. These often become the most treasured memories.
Total Potential Savings
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Digital RSVPs & Invitations | $500 – $2,000 |
| Off-Peak Day/Season | $2,000 – $20,000 |
| Smaller Guest List (50 fewer guests) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Reduced Photography Hours | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Total Potential Savings | $9,000 – $38,000+ |
That's potentially enough to cover a honeymoon, a down payment fund, or just start your marriage without crushing debt.
Ready to Start Saving?
InviteQR's Photo Sharing + RSVP Bundle gives you everything you need for just $40 (Black Friday special!).
One-time payment • No subscriptions • No hidden fees
The Bottom Line
Your wedding should be about celebrating your love—not about going into debt or stressing over costs. By making a few strategic choices, you can have a beautiful, memorable wedding and financial peace of mind.
Because the best wedding is one you can actually afford.