The Bride on a Budget

02222018-weddings

Published by Taylor Financial Group (for women)

I will always remember the complete euphoria of being newly engaged. I pictured the wedding of my dreams in my mind and just knew that between my dress, the venue, and the gorgeous florals, I was going to have an unforgettable day. However, reality hit me like a pile of bricks once we got into the nitty-gritty of wedding planning and saw how much money we could be spending! My thinking was completely flawed – I had no idea that something as simple as invitations can cost over a thousand dollars! So, my then fiancé (now husband) and I got ourselves on a budget AND still managed to have the wedding of our dreams.

Here’s how you can make your wedding the happiest day of your life, without making it the most expensive.

Determine how much you can afford and who is paying for what

As you begin planning the details of your wedding, it’s a good idea to first sit down with your significant other to discuss your long term financial goals and figure out what makes the most sense as a wedding budget based on your future goals. Having this conversation will allow you both to set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary disagreements down the line. It’s also important to have a conversation with your families if you will be receiving financial support from them to pay for your wedding.

You can use our “Getting Married” planning checklist to help you and your soon-to-be spouse stay on track.

Track your wedding expenses

After you and your soon-to-be spouse determine how much you and/or your family are willing to spend, it’s time to set up a final wedding budget. Below are items you’ll want to include in your budget:

  • Reception costs – Venue, food, decor
  • Ceremony costs
  • Wedding dress, shoes, suit, etc.
  • Wedding cake
  • Wedding rings
  • Florals
  • Entertainment
  • Photography/Videography
  • Invitations
  • Party Favors

It’s also a good idea to discuss the questions on our Money and Marriage worksheet to help establish a money management plan that will work for both of you.

Start saving

Once you know how much things are going to cost and you have your budget set, it’s time to start saving. You may need to make some sacrifices in order to meet your savings goals for your big day. Things like daily coffees, gym memberships, vacations, and shopping trips might need to be put to a halt while you save. Try making coffee at home or exercising outdoors (the fresh air will do you good!).

Also, it’s important to keep your Emergency Fund whole and not dip into it for wedding related matters. Life happens whether you’re planning a wedding or not, and you may find yourself needing that money for a true emergency.

You can also check out our June Monthly Planning Letter for some summer savings tips that could assist you in saving some extra money for the big day.

Consider a small & simple wedding

Small and simple weddings can be just as beautiful as large fancy ones. The only difference is the amount of money that you’ll save. At the end of the day, your wedding celebration is only going to last one day and your marriage will hopefully last a lifetime. That’s why it makes sense to step into your marriage financially sound, rather than blowing a ton of money before you even tie the knot.

Try a destination wedding. They tend to be smaller and cheaper in nature since fewer guests are able to make the journey. You can even invite family and friends to show up early so you can have an extended vacation before the big day! You can also have a shabby-chic backyard wedding. It’s fun, low-key, and way more affordable then renting out space in a venue. For more ideas on how to keep your wedding simple yet beautiful, check out this website.

As always, feel free to call us if you need help with budgeting and taking control of your financial future. We can guide you and help you pursue your goals.

 

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