Location, Location, Location. Your hometown wedding could cost you big bucks, or it could just cost you surprisingly less, depending on where you live.
“Obviously, cost of living plays a huge role in couples’ wedding budgets,” said Karina Timmel , editor-in-chief of Get Married magazine in a statement. “In this weakened economy, it really pays to research and think not only outside-the-box, but possibly outside your immediate vicinity.”
According to a new study by Get Married Media in West Virginia, who compiled national wedding budget information, the priciest area was no surprise, New York City who had an $24,700 average. Other pricey places include Washington D.C. ($21,858), Northern New Jersey ($21,247),the U.S Virgin Islands ($20,917) and Hawaii ($17,488).
The wedding savers were found in West Virginia with an average of $6,935, Oregon ($7,697), Utah ($7,852) and Montana ($8,059).
For those who live in expensive areas, wedding planners can save by holding a “mini” destination and picking a cheaper area that’s nearby and easy to access by guests.
“New York City is a great example. With easy access to highways and mass transit, you and your guests can make a quick trip to Philly or venture further upstate to enjoy the rustic charms of Woodstock, both of which will cost about half of what you would normally pay if you chose to get married within the New York City metro area,” Timmel said in a press release.
If you do however want to host a hometown wedding and live in a pricier area, other ways to save include picking an off-season wedding date and buying native flowers and food!
