If you’re like most women, you’ve been daydreaming about your wedding your entire life.
From old Disney movies to Pinterest boards and more, you’ve been taking inspiration for your big day.
But, now that you’re about to walk down the aisle, it’s got you worried – the flowers, that fabulous destination, the food, the dress – how much is this actually gonna cost?
That’s an excellent question! A better question to ask is, “How can I plan a stunning, unique wedding that won’t take decades to pay off?”
Here are 3 pocket- and sanity-saving tips to plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank:
Set a Budget
Sit down with your partner and have an official discussion about wedding finances. Determine who’s paying for what, how much money you’re willing to invest in the event, and how much is required for everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
It’s important to get a sense of exactly what you want first. Then, do some research on what things tend to cost. Connect with your partner to determine what some of the non-negotiables are.
Your wedding budget should be based on those non-negotiables with a little extra breathing room for anything unexpected.
Remember, your wedding is an investment, but it’s your marriage that’s the most important.
You don’t have to go all out during this pivotal day. Consider investing some of those funds into your post-wedding life, including your honeymoon, down payment on a house or another priority.
When it comes to setting a wedding budget, remember it’s important not to go into debt. Yes, this is a huge celebration, but you want to start your marriage off full of abundance – not stress about doing it big and then working hard to pay it all off.
Get clear on a wedding budget and stick to it. No matter what your income, there are countless options to ensure your big day is one for the history books.
Consider All Your Expenses
Just like when celebrating other milestones, it’s easy to go overboard with expenses.
As you’re setting your budget, be sure to do your research on all the potential expenses you could incur for your wedding. Include items you might not even expect.
Expenses for weddings typically include the venue, catering, clothing such as the dress or tuxedo, alcohol, jewelry, makeup artists, officiant, wedding planning, videographers … the list can be long.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, airfare, accommodations, and other costs should be factored into the equation.
That’s why it’s key to understand what your non-negotiables are so you can accurately plan your expenses.
Think Beyond the Wedding
So many couples invest the majority of their time and energy into wedding planning. We get it – it’s incredibly exciting! It’s also a stressful time with so many details to nail down and checks to sign.
However, one of the biggest things to consider when planning a wedding that doesn’t require much money at all:
What will life look like for you and your partner after you’ve said, “I do?”
Sure, your wedding can come in under budget and still be stunning and unique, but what’s even more important than your wedding is the marriage.
Here at The Marriage Movement, our mission is to give you the tools to prep for your wedding and beyond with wedding planning, day-of coordination, marital prep courses, and officiant services so married life can be just as beautiful and memorable as your big day.
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Need help curating a stellar, stunning, and unforgettable wedding – and making sure your success as a couple lasts long after you’ve said, “I do?” Contact us at The Marriage Movement to help you thrive at every stage of your pre- and post-wedding life.