How To Have A Fabulously Fiscal-Friendly And Flashy Wedding

With the average U.S. wedding costing more than $26,000, according to costofwedding.com, an online tool that lets you estimate the approximate price of your wedding by entering in certain criteria, it's no wonder some people go as far as financing the event with their 401(K) account. (For the record, there are many risks involved with doing so!) Benzinga researched how to best trim wedding costs and simultaneously incorporate fabulously flashy trimmings.

Be Glamorous, Not Glitzy

Stick to simple decorations and incorporate a less-is-more décor. Simplicity is not necessarily synonymous with plain. In fact, simple can be quite a statement since too many decorations may create a cluttered look and integrating neutrals will help to streamline the display.

Cash In On Classy

Opting for a classic dress allows you to benefit from seasonal sales. Even though vintage never really goes out of style (many women would agree that having the staple button-down cardigan and pencil skirt in their closet never failed them), designers still need to cycle out dresses for the next season. So don't shy away from the sale rack.

Save On The Shoes

Practicing post-season "podiatry" when planning a wedding may prove to be even easier than simply cashing in on off-season dress sales. Stores like Nordstrom, Inc. JWN, Macy's Inc M, even Target Corporation TGT and TJX Companies Inc TJX sell shoes that are wedding wearable. Sure, many women want to wear slippers with a fairy-tale fit (very Cinderella-esque!), but you don't need to break the bank to find such shoes, especially because they likely won't serve as the statement piece anyway. Leave that to the dress.

Venture Away From The 'In Vogue'

Consider booking an off-season wedding. According to bridebox.com, the most popular times of the year to get married are between late spring and early fall (i.e., May through October). Christmas and Valentine's Day also tend to be popular dates, making December and February close seconds. Due to simple supply and demand, venues are typically less expensive to book for the months of November, January, March and April.

Additionally, opting for a day of the week that is less popular can also help defray costs. Since Saturdays are typically the most popular day of the week no matter which month a wedding is scheduled for, it's becoming somewhat of a trend to host a Friday wedding to trim costs.

Dine Differently

Traditionally, wedding hosts choose between a plated or buffet-style meal. Cocktail-style receptions offer the variety and low costs associated with buffets, but add an air of avant garde. According to brides.com, non-traditional cocktail-style receptions, while they could be viewed as too casual, are a more economical option than a plated meal. However, if done correctly, a cocktail-style reception could be quite elegant. Choose the hors d'oeuvres carefully and consider setting up tall, ornate appetizer tables.

Be flashy and fabulous at your wedding and keep money in the bank by adhering to these tips. Remember that you'll be financing for your new future together!