Source: Alex Gukalov/Shutterstock.com There’s no skirting around it – weddings are expensive. In fact, the average couple spends between $15,000 and $30,000 on their wedding. Since weddings are so expensive, it’s important you start saving as soon as possible. Even if you aren’t in a relationship, if you believe you’ll ultimately marry someone in the future, you can never start saving soon enough. It’s easy to blow your budget on your wedding as well. There are many hidden fees vendors charge, and choosing more premium options will end up costing you more as well. Here are some tips on how you can save for a wedding and ensure it’s perfect! The Earlier the Better Like we just mentioned, the earlier you can save, the better. Timing is everything with weddings, so the sooner you can make a plan, the sooner you’ll know how much you need to spend. If you’ve just gotten engaged, you might be wondering things like how to choose a wedding band or even where to find quality caterers. Finding your answers to those questions sooner rather than later will only help you in the end. Need Help on How to Choose a Wedding Band? Find Out More Here! If you’re not yet engaged, but you’re in a serious relationship you feel is heading towards marriage, you and your partner will need to discuss the budget prior to getting engaged. This will help guide you through your budget for engagement or promise rings, since those costs can be pretty hefty as well. You can also start considering locations and potential vendors based on your attendance to other weddings. Be Realistic Most people don’t have $30,000 they can drop on a wedding at one time. Being realistic will keep you from being heartbroken during the wedding planning process when you realize how expensive specific services and ideas are. For example, a plated dinner with a seafood entree will be much more expensive than a pasta bar buffet. A set of diamond-encrusted metal rings will cost more than a pair of matching silicone wedding bands. And, don’t forget the flowers, too. Choosing blooms that are out of season or very delicate will drive up your cost. Source: Alicia Garside/Shutterstock.com Consider Ways to Save This is the biggest thing you can do to save for your wedding – brainstorm all the ways you can save! Here are some of our best tips: Consider location: Your venue – and the overall location of your wedding – can drive up the cost. Find a venue that has an all-in-one option. You can have both your ceremony and reception there. Places, such as parks, museums and even community centers, are great locations to host your wedding, and they usually can host both parts of your event all in one location. Going farther out from the city can also save you money. Check Out Silicone Wedding Bands That Are Gorgeous Yet Affordable Consider dates: Some months are going to be more expensive than others, such as May and October. Consider having your wedding in the winter to avoid paying “in-season” prices. It’s a great way to save money! Nix the DIY option: Many brides have touted the idea of doing a DIY wedding. Surely it’s less expensive than hiring a designer! The real answer is it depends entirely on your wedding. If you’re purchasing all the supplies for centerpieces, candles, linens, rentals, cake stands and more separately, you’ll probably spend just as much as if you hired a designer. Those decorative table numbers from Etsy? You’re probably not ever going to have a need for 20 tables again. In fact, you’re probably not going to get much resale value for those items, either. You know who will use all those table numbers? A designer. Plus, you won’t have to waste time the day-of asking family members and the bridal party to place chairs or steam linens. Source: Alex Gukalov/Shutterstock.com Cake to cut, cookies for guests: Instead of spending hundreds on a large cake to serve everyone, opt for a small round cake to cut during the reception and then order cookies in individual bags for guests to enjoy and take as favors. Two birds, one stone! And the cost is much less, too. Purchase a consigned dress: The wedding dress is not only a show-stopping moment, but it’s also one of the most expensive. Purchase a consigned dress to save lots of money! Gently used, consigned wedding dresses are usually under $1,000. Go for silicone: Instead of the traditional metal, consider opting for silicone rings. This is especially if you’re looking for engagement rings for active lifestyles. You’ll want to ensure you choose rings that will withstand sweat, smell and anything else.