Weddings can be extremely expensive. It’s not unusual for a
couple or their parents to spend several thousand dollars on their ideal
wedding. Although not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend, all couples
want a day that will be perfect, memorable, and unique. There are ways to have the day of your dreams
without going into massive debt.
Develop a budget. It’s
very important to draw up a budget so you can see your anticipated expenses in
black and white. Budgets change; you may
spend more or less on certain things, but try to stick to the numbers you’ve
agreed on as much as you can. Discuss your budget with your fiancé regularly
and keep track of your spending—fighting over your wedding isn’t the best way
to start your life together.
Decide where to
splurge. If you’re on a limited budget, choose a few “must have” items and
splurge on them. Do you want an amazing dress, the best venue in town, tons of
flowers, the most in-demand DJ or entertainment, or an incredible cake? Or are
you willing to trim expenses for the ceremony and reception and have an
unforgettable honeymoon, or have something very low-key and save your money for
a large post-wedding expense, such as a down payment on a house? Look at your budget and see where you can save
money or eliminate something completely. Maybe you’re happy printing your own
invitations or you decide you don’t want favors for your guests. Cut back on
some areas so you can spend more on others.
Keep your guest list
under control. You want your nearest
and dearest friends and family with you on your special day, but you don’t have
to invite every acquaintance you’ve
ever had. And don’t feel obligated to invite that great aunt you met once when
you were five and barely remember. Huge weddings can be overwhelming and
impersonal, not to mention expensive! Most reception venues charge a per-plate
fee; even more affordable options like a buffet or family-style serving can get
pricey if your guest list keeps growing.
Do it yourself. As
mentioned above, you can keep costs low if you do some things yourself.
Invitations, favors, centerpieces, and escort
cards are just a few items that are relatively easy to make yourself (and
therefore easy to customize to show some of your personality as a couple). Some brides get very ambitious and design or
sew their own dress or make their own wedding cake! If you have the skills and
are willing to put in the time, do as much of the wedding prep as you can!
Use talent/skills of
friends and family. Do you have a relative who’s a whiz with a needle and
thread, a pro at arranging flowers, an
expert baker, or has another skill
that could help with some aspect of your day? Why not ask them? They’ll likely
be touched that you asked, and if they use this skill professionally (for
example, they own a bakery or flower shop), they could probably get you what
you need at a deep discount or offer their service as a gift.
Ensure that everything goes smoothly on your big day with a
wedding and special event insurance policy. ETA Benefits Group works with
several carriers that sell this type of affordable coverage. Contact us to get
a no obligation quote!
Did you stick to your budget for your wedding? Was it low-key or over the top? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
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