There are really two steps to setting your wedding budget. The first step is in fact setting the budget. The second step is finding ways to save money on that budget.
Weddings are not cheap, so anything you can do in order to save some money will be helpful to you. Plus, any extra money from your budget could go toward some extra fun on your honeymoon!
Setting Your Budget
In order to set an accurate budget you really need to take some time to do some research first. You may only have a certain amount to spend, and you may realize that even just the flowers will throw your budget for a loop.
Start off by finding the costs of everything, from the amount it will cost to get wedding invitations made and sent, to the cost of you catered wedding reception. Write it all down before you set your budget amount.
This way you can see how much you’ll need for the wedding you want. You may be able to find a family member or two willing to pitch in toward costs as their gift to you if your dream is more than the money you have available.
Saving Some Money
If you find that you just can’t cover the cost of your dream wedding, you don’t need to call the whole thing off. There are things that you can do in order to save money.
For starters, look for a wedding venue that offers a lot of extras in their wedding plan. If you find a spot that can cover the wedding, the reception, the tables and chairs, and even the catering, you may get a great package deal.
You can also save some money by cutting back on a super long guest list. Your long lost cousin 2,000 miles away might come, but do they need to be there. Just because someone is related to you doesn’t mean they need to be at your wedding.
The same goes for every single one of your co-workers. If you hang out outside of work you may want them there, but if not, don’t bother. No one is going to fault you for having a short guest list. Everyone knows weddings aren’t cheap.
Try Some DIY
A lot of couples are jumping on the DIY wedding bandwagon these days. It’s a great way to save money, even if it is a little more time consuming.
Create your own decorations, make your own bouquet, and design your own invitations. If you compare the cost of doing it yourself, even with the time it takes to do it, to that of paying someone else it’s like you’ll see huge savings.
Your wedding doesn’t have to put you in debt. Instead of stressing, just take a little time to make a plan that saves you money and pain!
