Financing a wedding

The honest wedding budget (Germany):

Biggest items:

• Venue & catering: €5,000–15,000 (the largest single item, 30–40% of the budget)
• Photographer/videographer: €1,500–3,500
• Dress/suit: €1,000–3,000
• Rings: €500–3,000
• Flowers & decoration: €500–2,000
• DJ/band: €500–2,500
• Invitations & stationery: €200–800

Saving tips that really work:

✅ Marry in the off-season (November–March): 20–40% cheaper
✅ Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday: 15–25% cheaper
✅ Keep the guest list consistently small (every guest costs €80–150)
✅ DIY decorations and invitations
✅ Save 12–18 months in advance by standing order

Golden rule: no debt for the wedding. Better to celebrate on a smaller scale than to start married life with a loan.