Is Planning a ‘Perfect’ Wedding Giving Your Budget the Blues?Planning ahead, staying flexible, and adjusting expectations can make for a beautiful day without stress and a broken budget 

Separate Your Needs and Wants

Weddings can come with a plethora of additional costs that you may not have considered, which is why it’s crucial to separate your needs and your wants before you start spending money. It’s also a great exercise in managing money as a couple – if you haven’t already started.

Together, brainstorm a list of everything you feel a typical wedding has, i.e. professional engagement/wedding photos and videographer, paper invitations, renting a limo to take you to the venue, purchasing expensive wedding favours, etc.

Next, look over the list together. If you’re indifferent to certain items or would prefer not to include them, you can simply eliminate these costs. For example, if you’re serving dessert after dinner at your reception, you may want to skip the three-tiered wedding cake – they’re expensive! – in favour of something less pricey and more manageable like cupcakes or a homemade cake. Or better yet, make the cake your only dessert!

Then, identify things you do care about and consider how you can include them without breaking the bank. For example, if you have your heart set on a specific wedding dress designer, keep an eye out for sales or look for second-hand options. You may be able to get a gorgeous dress at a much lower price because it was worn once or is from a previous season.

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Build a Wedding Budget That Suits You Both

Once you’ve created a list of your ideas, you can build a wedding budget that suits you both. It’s important to set a budget that you can afford because you don’t want to start your marriage with a pile of debt. Be realistic about expenses and expectations and consider how you’ll be paying for your wedding. By starting your planning early, there’s also more time to save up for the big day.

One of the biggest expenses of a wedding is the venue. If you’re willing to think outside the box, you can save a significant amount of money by choosing a non-traditional venue or booking for an off day or in the off season. Consider having your wedding at a park, beach, or even a family member’s backyard. These types of venues are often much cheaper than traditional wedding venues and can provide a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Catering food and drinks can quickly add up when planning a wedding. But you don’t have to break the bank to provide delicious food and drinks for your guests. Consider having a potluck-style reception, where guests bring a dish to share or go with less costly choices from your caterer. You can also opt for a brunch, lunch, or dessert reception, which tend to be less expensive than a dinner reception.

When it comes to wedding décor, invitations, and other trimmings, DIY is your friend. Or someone else’s DIY if they’re selling their décor after their own wedding. This can be especially helpful if you’ve chosen a specific theme for your wedding. Making what you can on your own can save you a significant amount of money, and it can also add a personal touch to your special day. If you have a wedding party or other friends and family who want to get involved, consider making your own centerpieces, table settings, and even your own bouquets. You can also design and print your own invitations, which will save you money on expensive invitation packages.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re open about your budget and any limitations around it, friends and family members may be willing to pitch in and help. Ask them if they might offer their skills and services at the wedding, free of charge, as their gift to you.

For instance, see if there are individuals who might want to help with food prep and cooking, bar service (if applicable), emceeing or even officiating at the ceremony. This can not only save you money, but it can also take the pressure off those who may not be able to afford a financial contribution as a wedding gift. Perhaps, more importantly, it can also bring your loved ones closer together and create a sense of community around your special day.

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