3 Handy Tips To Help You Plan (And Afford) Your Ideal Wedding With Kids In Tow
The day that you walk down the aisle is one of the most magical days in your family’s life, made even more special by being able to share it with your loved ones – including your children. However, it can also be one of your most expensive memories. In the U.S., the average cost of a wedding was $33,900 in 2019. That is almost three times higher than the amount spent on raising a child, according to the most recent numbers from the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Middle-income families (those earning between $59,200 and $107,400) spend around $12,980 each year per child. With rising wedding costs and planning stress already being cited as major roadblocks for couples planning their nuptials, planning your dream wedding day as a parent can add even more considerations. The good news is that with a few tricks and some unique planning hacks, your wedding day can be just as you envisioned it – even on a parent’s budget.
Pick A Simple But Pleasing Menu
According to My Wedding Wire, couples spend between $1,800 and $7,000 on their wedding catering. In the U.S., the average cost per head is $40 per plated meal and $27 per head for buffet-style catering. With children in the mix, it can always get complicated trying to plan an elegant meal that pleases both adults and children (including your own kids). The best plan is always to keep your wedding catering choices simple by choosing menu options that are loved by kids and adults alike.
This is also a great place to get your child involved. If you are having a summer wedding, why not try a barbeque style wedding menu theme? Alternatively, consider buffet-style catering. Not only is it cheaper, but it also allows children to pick what they want to eat. Fun wedding menu ideas like having a build a burger or taco station can be a great hit with guests of all ages.
Create A Wedding Budget That Is Built Into Your Current Family Budget
Around 60 percent of couples underestimate the cost of a wedding. In fact, it is the major reason for couples not being able to stick to a wedding budget. The first recommended rule is to make a realistic budget. This includes getting up to date quotes from vendors and wedding planning websites. Remember to tailor it according to your wedding size and location as well. Some states are more expensive to get married in. For instance, New York was ranked the most expensive city for weddings, with the average cost of a wedding in the metropolitan area of New York.
For parents, a great tip to take their wedding budgeting further is to incorporate their wedding budget into their monthly household budget. If you and your partner are planning on paying for the wedding yourselves, try breaking down to wedding to-do list and budget by tasks, such as booking a venue or paying a deposit for your caterer. You can then work out wedding savings goals each month in the time leading up to your wedding. This helps to make the process of putting money aside for your nuptials more manageable. For instance, the average cost of wedding invitations for 150 guests is $245. Combined with save the dates, wedding programs, and other wedding stationery needs, the average bill is $750. Setting this as a saving goal according to your household budget surplus is much more achievable. It also gives you a clear picture of how much you need to save per month, and the amount you may need to cut from your household spending.
Embrace The Homemade Element Of Having Your Kids Included
One of the best ways to reduce the costs of a wedding is to utilize a build-your-own approach. This is also beneficial when having a wedding with kids in tow. Don’t be afraid to design your wedding ceremony for you, your fiancé, and your children. Find aspects of your wedding you can get your children to help with, such as choosing the cake, handing out wedding programs, or helping you design wedding streamers. This way they can play a special part in your day, and it can also work out cheaper.
Finally, accept that some parts of your wedding planning may be best done without the kids. Finding key areas they can be involved in and where they are best not included saves you half of the wedding stress cited by parents. With simple wedding planning advice like this, you can focus on making the day special for you and your family and the beautiful memories you create.
Fascinating article, thanks! A wedding day is indeed one of the most memorable occasions in life. I remember when I was planning my wedding, I wasn’t in a rush and can say the whole process was not so stressful because I have friends who got married a short time before me, and they helped me a lot. And maybe, the most complicated part for me was to find a videographer. I wanted my video to be unique, so it took me a week or something to hire the right person. The videographer I hired on https://www.splento.com/gb/greater-london/top-london-videographers was professional. I told him how I see the future video and some more details, and he did his best. Now when I want to refresh that day in my memory, my wedding video helps me a lot.
The first thing you need to do is draw up a detailed plan, which will include all organizational activities. I would start with a wedding photographer who can create great photos of the entire ceremony.