Weddings are getting more and more expensive, so how is anyone supposed to make their vision a reality without draining their entire bank account? Here are seven ways to make it even easier to say “I Do” to the wedding of your dreams without the financial hangover that comes after the honeymoon.
Set a Realistic Budget
You can dream big, but if you ever want those dreams to come true, you’ll have to ground yourself in what is and isn’t possible. Consider all potential expenses and what you’re willing to spend on them. This should include major expenses, like the venue, or less expensive but still impactful ones, like flowers. Know where you’re willing to rearrange, make adjustments, or even cuts to get what you really want.
Open a Wedding Savings Account
Having a savings account that’s just for your wedding makes saving for it an automated thing rather than something you have to do actively. It can help you set up specific savings goals, and by automating your contributions, even small, consistent deposits can eventually make an enormous contribution to your dream wedding!
Think About Other Ways to Fund Your Wedding
Saving money is a great way to fund your wedding. But you might also want to consider other funding sources, like personal loans or crowdsourcing platforms. Crowdsourcing might sound tacky, but you could always ask for contributions to your wedding in lieu of traditional gifts.
DIY (Where It Makes Sense)
DIY and “dream wedding” don’t always seem like they belong in the same sentence. But if you’re a crafty person, there are many elements you can create yourself for a fraction of the price. Creating invitations or decorations for your wedding will not only save you money, but add a personal touch to the wedding you can’t get anywhere else.
Schedule Your Wedding During the Off-Peak Season
Weddings held during peak seasons or on popular dates (like Saturdays in June) tend to be more expensive. Consider hosting your wedding during the off-peak season or on a weekday. You’ll likely find lower venue and vendor prices, giving you more flexibility to allocate funds to other areas of your wedding.
Negotiate With Vendors
Many people are uncomfortable with negotiating prices. But if there’s any time to get over that fear, it’s when you’re spending thousands on your wedding. Note that it’s generally considered bad etiquette to overly negotiate with smaller businesses or freelancers, like wedding photographers. You should still respect they’re hustle and that their rate is what it is. Still, you can give them your budget and see if there’s anything they’re willing to do on their end rather than demand they meet you where you are.
Track Your Spending
Keep a close eye on your spending as you plan for your wedding. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and ensure you’re staying within your budget. Regularly reviewing your finances will help you identify areas where you may be overspending and allow you to make adjustments before it’s too late.
