In 2019, the average wedding cost $38,700, which is more expensive than some new cars. While this price may seem steep, it doesn't have to be that way. From making your own food to finding a low-cost venue, there are plenty of ways to dampen the cost of your wedding without giving up your dream day. In fact, here are 5 tips for hosting the frugal, budget-friendly wedding of your dreams!

Ask for planning assistance rather than gifts

Rather than asking for gifts, have your friends and family help you plan your wedding. Each person has a unique skill that may be helpful. For example, a family member with amazing handwriting can help write and send invitations, or a musically-gifted family member can be in charge of the music. You can also have help making your own food so that you don’t have to hire a caterer. These small tasks will quickly add up, efficiently cutting your budget in half. It will also make your wedding much more memorable by bringing your family together to help plan your dream day.  

Be thoughtful with wedding favors

Rather than filling up expensive goodie bags of favors that are cute but not useful, be thoughtful in what you pick. While making your own is always an option, you can also find favors that are affordable and something that your guest will actually use. Edible favors, especially those that come in a reusable jar or packaging, are extremely popular, frugal, and environmentally friendly.  

Find a low cost or free venue

The average couple can spend up to $14,000 on their venue alone. You can reduce this price, or even get rid of it entirely, by being creative. Do you have a relative with a beautiful garden that can hold a nice amount of people? Ask if you can have your wedding there. Not only will it be free, but it will also be more intimate. You’ll also find much public, outdoor spaces also offer free or frugal wedding venues. 

Be minimalistic with decorations

Just as the frosting doesn’t make the cake, the decorations won’t make your wedding. While they will help create an overall enjoyable atmosphere, don’t feel like you need to spend a large portion of your budget on decorations. Swap real flowers for much cheaper, reusable faux flowers

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

This doesn’t just apply to being environmentally friendly. By using these three rules in your wedding planning, you’ll save a large sum of money. Reduce your food, for example, by shortening the menu. You can reuse faux flowers and some centerpieces, and you can recycle old decorations and items to be used as decorations at your wedding. Instead of buying an expensive wedding dress, you can buy a cheaper white sundress and reuse it as a formal dress for later events, and most thrift shops carry nice suits and tuxedos that can be bought for cheap and then tailored to make perfect.