Why Spending $25,000 or More on a Wedding May Not Be the Best Financial Choice

February 25, 2025

Every couple wants their wedding day to be a magical celebration. But when the average wedding costs over $25,000, it’s worth considering if a lavish one-day event is worth the long-term financial strain. The good news? You can still have a beautiful and meaningful wedding while saving tens of thousands of dollars. By choosing a more affordable option, like The Farm at River's Edge, and reallocating those savings, you can set yourself up for a more secure and fulfilling future.

Here’s a look at why spending $25,000 on a wedding might not be the best financial decision—and what else you could do with that money.



Alternatives to Spending $25,000 on a Wedding

1. Purchase a Reliable Car

A dependable car is more than just a convenience; it’s an investment in your everyday life. Buying a reliable vehicle for $15,000 to $20,000 could save you stress and repair costs for years to come. With the remaining amount, you could tuck away funds for future needs or even add upgrades to enhance your car ownership experience.


2. Upgrade Your Honeymoon

If travel fuels your passion, why not splurge on creating unforgettable honeymoon memories instead of stretching your budget for a single wedding day? Imagine upgrading to a luxury Caribbean escape or extending your trip to explore Europe, Asia, or South America. With an extra $10,000 or more in your pocket, you could craft the adventure of a lifetime.


3. Pay Off Debt

Debt weighs heavily on financial freedom. Whether it’s student loans, credit cards, or other financial obligations, using part of your wedding budget to pay down debt can relieve stress and improve cash flow. Knocking out even $10,000 of debt could significantly change your financial outlook while giving you peace of mind.


4. Invest in Your Future

This one is the game-changer. Instead of pouring the extra $15,000 into your wedding day, consider investing it in the stock market. With an 8% annual rate of return, here’s how that $15,000 could grow over time:



  • 10 years: Over $32,000 
  • 20 years: Over $70,000 
  • 30 years: More than $150,000 


That’s a substantial amount to fund future goals like buying a home, starting a business, saving for your children’s education, or retiring early.


Affordable Wedding Venue

The Case for Choosing an Affordable Venue

Choosing an affordable wedding venue doesn’t mean sacrificing charm or beauty. Take, for instance, The Farm at River's Edge, a picturesque and budget-friendly gem that charges just $4,500 for a Saturday Wedding. Surrounded by natural beauty and offering versatile spaces perfect for any style of ceremony or reception, it’s proof that elegance doesn’t have to break the bank.



By opting for a stunning yet affordable venue like The Farm at River's Edge, you could save over $21,000 compared to the average $25,000 wedding cost. That’s money you could redirect toward any of the options above—or to create a cushion for unexpected expenses in your first years of marriage.



What Would You Do with the Extra Money?

Here’s the ultimate question for couples to consider as they plan their big day: What else could you do with the extra money saved by spending less on your wedding? 


  • Would you prioritize experiences, like traveling more widely or having an upgraded honeymoon? 
  • Would you focus on improving your financial health by paying down debt or starting a retirement fund? 
  • Would you set yourselves up for future milestones by investing now?


Ultimately, the choice is yours, but reframing your wedding budget as an opportunity to build a better future can open up endless possibilities.


Be a Little Frugal Does Not Mean Sacrificing

A wedding is a celebration of love, not a measure of how much money you can spend. By rethinking a typical $25,000 wedding budget, you can create a beautiful day full of meaningful moments while also giving yourself a head start on your dreams. Affordable venues, like The Farm at River's Edge, prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for savings. 



Whether you invest in your financial future, pay off debt, or take the trip of a lifetime, the money saved by choosing an affordable wedding makes it all possible. After all, your marriage is the real investment that will grow over time—just like those $15,000 stocks could. What will you choose to prioritize for your future?



FAQ's

  • What makes investing saved wedding money a better financial choice?

    Investing allows your money to grow over time. For example, if you invest $15,000 in stocks with an 8% annual return, it could grow to over $150,000 in 30 years. This could fund retirement, a home down payment, or your children’s education—opportunities far more impactful than one expensive day.


  • How can I find affordable wedding venues without sacrificing style?

    Look for venues like The Farm at River's Edge, which offers charm and beauty for just $4,500. Research community halls, parks, or boutique venues that are budget-friendly but still offer a stunning setting. An affordable venue lets you design the day of your dreams while keeping costs in check.


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