It was the perfect date followed by the perfect proposal. Or maybe it was a casual conversation that revealed you both couldn’t imagine a life without the other.
Whatever the circumstances, congratulations on your engagement! Now all that’s left to be done is pick a date, plan the wedding, go on your honeymoon and live happily ever after.
Did you know the average wedding in the United States costs about $30,000?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of cash just sitting around waiting to be spent. What I do have, however, is a list of great military discounts for your wedding that can help you drop the cost while still having an amazing day.
Save money on your military wedding with these military discounts on everything from your engagement ring to your ceremony venue.
Military Discounts for Your Wedding
The Ring
Diamonds or gems, simple or ornate, an engagement ring and wedding bands can take a healthy chunk of your budget. Stretch your dollars while still finding the perfect ring by checking out these fine retailers:
- Zales & Kay Jewelers offer a military discount, but the amount varies by location, so check with your local store.
- Kranich’s Jewelers
- Allurez
- International Diamond Center
- E.M. Smith Jewelers
- Wonder Jewelers
- Samuels Jewelers
- Larson Jewelers
The Dress
Wedding dresses don’t come cheap, but these retailers offer discounts to military brides.
In addition to military discounts, many national and local retailers regularly offer free or deeply discounted dresses to military brides.
Do a Google search for “free military bride wedding dress” and visit any interesting links. If you’re planning on a long engagement, set up a Google alert for the search so any new opportunities land right in your inbox. (Thanks to NextGen MilSpouse for this great tip!)
The Tux
The bride isn’t the only one who gets to dress to the nines at their wedding. Check out these discounts on both purchase and rentals of tuxedos for the big day.
The Venue
Many national hotel chains offer military discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask if they will extend that discount to their ballrooms and entertainment areas.
Destination wedding venues often offer military discounts. Check out this great list of wedding venues complied by MOAA. Each one offers a great military discount on wedding packages.
The Honeymoon
- Consider a cruise for your honeymoon and check out this list of cruise lines that offer military discounts
- Sandals Resorts offer a 10% military discount
- Environmentally conscious? Travel to Sri Lanka and take a private conservation tour, take a private cruise on a chartered yacht or learn to cook in Italy. Check out this great list of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures perfect for a honeymoon — and all complete with military discount.
Other Ways to Save on Your Military Wedding
No matter the expense, it never hurts to ask for a military discount. Even 5% or 10% can really add up when your florist, cake baker, make-up artist, hairstylist, and photographer all offer you a special rate on your special day.
Search for Veteran or Military Spouse Vendors
Be it caterers, photographers, DJs or officiants, one great way to land a fabulous price is to look for service providers who are military spouses or veterans. Find veteran- and military spouse-owned business in your area by searching the Veteran Owned Business Directory. Many offer military discounts.
Get Married on Post
If you live close enough to an installation with a chapel big enough for your event, consider getting married on post. Typically, use of the on-post chapel is free and chaplains marry couples as part of their military duties. Some installations also have community centers or consolidated clubs capable of hosting wedding receptions.
