ATLANTA — Wedding season is typically in late spring to early fall. It’s the peak time that couples choose to walk down the aisle.
However, with inflation, everything from catering to venues is costing a lot more. It’s why many couples are breaking tradition and getting creative to save on their big day.
Ken and Mamie McRae have been married for a year. They often reflect on their wedding day with pride.
“I always say to him, 'I’m so happy we did what we did,'” said Mamie.
Their wedding was no extravagant affair but rather an intimate ceremony with those who mattered most.
“The venue for the wedding was at my parents’ house because my dad could not be moved. He was in a hospital bed. I didn’t have flowers; I think we had candles. And we didn’t have a big reception. It was a cocktail hour,” she explained.
At a time when wedding costs are rising, the McRaes were determined to create a special day without going over their budget.
“It’s been traditional to have these large lavish weddings and events. Getting into debt before you even get started with life. That doesn’t make sense,” said Ken.
According to wedding planning company Zola, the average cost of a wedding in Atlanta this year is $30,514. The biggest expenses include the wedding venue, long guest lists, catering and photography.
Check out the interactive bar graphic below to see how Atlanta compares to other metropolitan areas based on the average cost of a wedding in 2024.
Tips to save money on weddings in Atlanta
Atlanta wedding and event planner Jihan Bradford encourages cost-conscious couples to be flexible about when and where they get married. She also said different food options can save you money.
“You can have a food truck or small bites. Getting married on a Thursday or different times during the week or getting married during the day is a big money saver,” explained Bradford.
She says many brides and grooms can cut costs by getting married in a park or other publicly owned spaces. They can also rent more affordable venues through websites like Peerspace.
Other couples are adding cash funds to their registry to cover wedding costs.
“It’s looking at what you have, not what you don’t have. Look at what you have available to you,” said Bradford.
Bradford said couples should identify what’s most important to them and spend the most in those areas.
The McRaes spent about $10,000 on their wedding. They say their priority was making sure their guests could feel their love and feel special about being part of their ceremony.
Those are two things you can’t put a price tag on.