Saving For Your Wedding Day

Congratulations – you’re engaged! When you first begin to plan your wedding with your partner, you need to identify what you both value in terms of what money can buy. It’s great to talk to other married people about the money lessons they’ve learned, blunders they’ve made, and the general advice they can share about budgeting for the big day.

There are some individuals who hate carrying a balance on their credit card, while others are fine having a balance of several thousands of dollars, or even more.

Some people want to splurge on high-quality wedding items because of their values and desire, while others are fine with more inexpensive products. Knowing what is true to the two of you will help you avoid financial arguments about your wedding and enjoy the process.

I believe that creating a budget and financial goals for your wedding, is more than just a budget, it will start your marriage off on the right foot.

Step One: Identify Your Financial Values

Culture plays a big role here, but you do not have to make the same financial choices as your parents, especially if you are the ones paying for your wedding. Do you want a small, intimate ceremony with close friends, or a big bang of a wedding? Do you want a bigger honeymoon, or do you want to save that money for your future family?

All these questions will help you identify your wedding budget goals, and are a great way to see if you’re aligned on your money goals in life. It’s also nice to know your partner on this level before you’re married and have your finances legally bound together.

Step Two: Set a Budget

When you set your wedding date, you should begin doing research at the same time to find what you can and cannot afford. I highly recommend paying for your wedding in advance and planning how much can be taken out of your savings instead of paying for your wedding after you get back from your honeymoon. Do this by carefully examining (and listing) your income, expenses, and wedding goals.

After this, you’ll be able to have a savings target. You can start paying for everything you need in advance, from your dress to your venue to your catering. Begin with the most expensive items first, and move down the lines from there. Ask your friends on advice if you’re worried you’re paying too much for something, and visit plenty of blogs and media websites like Bride Club ME to get a good idea on price ranges.

Step Three: Borrow Pieces

Along with being a major wedding tradition in many cultures, borrowing items for your wedding day is a great way to offset certain costs. Family heirlooms such as jewelry, hair accessories, and cutlery will make your wedding day even more special. You can also get help from your bridesmaids by borrowing the perfect pair of shoes for your dress, or parts of the centerpieces they used at their own wedding.

Step Four: Get Crafty

There are many different wedding elements, that you can make on your own or commission from an individual instead of paying a company for what you need. Many brides today save money on their reception place cards, booklets, and other paper products by designing and printing them on their own. You can arrange your own wedding flowers with a little guidance too.

Step Five: Get Help From Your Talented Friends

Ask some of your talented friends to share their skills with you on your special day in place of a gift. This is especially appropriate if your venue is a bit smaller than average. Close friends who sing, do wedding photography, or love to watch after children should be considered.

Remember that your wedding will probably be the first major financial projects the two of you work on together. By identifying what’s important, setting goals, and working together, you’ll be creating a framework for even more projects in the future. Doing plenty of research and doing your math will keep you from over-spending for the stress-free wedding of your dreams.

To live happily ever after, you don’t need Tiffany pearls or a couture wedding dress. All you need for a spectacular wedding that is true to you and your husband-to-be.

Good luck on your special day!

xo Janelle xo

Looking for more expert wedding planning advice? Click here.