How to plan a financially friendly wedding

The average cost of a wedding? Try $28,000, according to The Knot.

That includes the ceremony and reception, and covers bills for the florist, averaging $2,300; $10,700 for the venue; $500 for the cake; $1,000 for the dress; and figuring an average of $75 per person for the food tab.

That’s beaucoup bucks for what is essentially one big party.

Couples, are you willing to put spending into overdrive if it means draining your savings or maxing out your credit card?

You don’t need me to tell you that financial stress is among the leading causes of disagreements, fights and divorce in relationships.

No matter your budget — yes, at least have a working number — couples need to start with candid conversations with each other and with parents and other family members who could offer helpful advice. Are the future bride and groom footing the entire bill? Are parents chipping in on the cost? What about last-minute add ons? Spell out the spending specifics.

Since spring and summer are popular times for weddings, I’m devoting my next two columns on how to keep the spending under control.

For today’s column, I enlisted help from bride-to-be Allison Beacham, whose wedding is set for April.

The following week will provide spending perspective from Allison’s mother, Susan Beacham, a nationally recognized financial education expert and co-owner of the Money Savvy Generation.

By being creative, said Allison Beacham, couples can “save a little bit here and there. Little wins can add up to big savings, and every dollar you save can go towards another piece of the wedding puzzle or be put towards other life goals, such as your honeymoon or a down payment on a home. This way, the big day is both fun and financially friendly.”

On with her specifics. It’s far from a complete list, but it’s enough to get you thinking:

Be mindful about bridal attire, meaning “don’t fall into the trap of purchasing a bunch of white items that you won’t wear after your wedding,” Beacham said. “Not only is that wasteful, but it’s a waste of money.”

“For my bridal attire,” she said, “I’ve chosen to purchase a few new items in blue and white — this is my favorite color combo, and I know I’ll get use out of all the items after my wedding.”

Set a budget for your dress and start shopping early, Beacham said. “This one is going to be hard for some people, but a dress you wear for one day is not where you want to blow your budget.” And after the wedding, she added, consider selling your dress instead of boxing it up and storing it under a bed.

Don’t overspend on your wedding invites to get a classy end result, she said. Compare prices and perks from vendors such as Etsy and Zola on invitations, return envelopes, seals, printing and other services.

Cut out live music for the cocktail hour and use a favorite playlist instead. “It will save you a bundle,” Beacham said.

Scale back on the bridal bouquets, she said, and allocate that money toward other floral needs. Keep in mind that the cost of flowers has increased significantly recently, thanks to shortages and shipment disruptions.

Write a welcome letter for your out-oftown guests and skip the welcome bag. “It’s a cost-effective personal touch and reduces waste,” Beacham said.

Beacham experienced one other financial challenge — planning an international wedding. Her fiance is Irish and his entire family lives in Ireland. Her final bits of advice are for those in similar situations or who are planning a destination wedding:

Mail invitations as early as possible so guests can monitor fares and book flights.

Be prepared to deal with currency fluctuations, and consider holding the ceremony and reception in the same venue to cut down on transportation costs.

For next week, we’ll look at the financial perspective from the mother of the bride.