Spring and Summer are the two most wedding-heavy seasons of the year. Nothing’s better than great weather and a backdrop of sprouting flowers on your big day. Well, there is one other thing that may one up it, and that’s saving money!
Check out these 6 money-saving tips to consider when planning your big day:
Set 2 Budgets Instead of 1
Many couples seem to always fall short when it comes to overages that will certainly pop up. Almost everyone goes over their initial budget. So, to bypass an awkward conversation with your father about coughing up more money to lend you, why not make your own safety net?
Think two steps ahead by setting not only one budget, but two. Have one budget for your ideal costs (a.k.a. what you want to pay). Then, set another for your expected costs (a.k.a. what you will pay, rounded up). This can be as simple as setting a wedding budget of $10,000 but actually saving $15,000 with a safety net of $5,000 to go to overages.
Ask For Help
The power of real relationships will go the distance when it comes to
your wedding day. Friends and family will often offer their help or services and you should take them up on it!
If you have a cousin who decorates on the side, ask her for those extra vases. If you have a mother who is a beast in the kitchen ask her to make appetizers or cater the entire event. Every little bit helps and you’d be surprised at how much you will save in the end.
Plan Early To Save Money
The early bird gets the worm… This can certainly hold true in literally every situation, but it fits perfectly in line especially with finances.
When you’re planning something big like a wedding, starting early on your plans will allow you to save in an efficient manner and cut down on costs. Flights are cheaper if booked earlier, wedding venues have specials in off-peak months, and so do hotels.
As soon as you say, “I will”… start planning!
Skimp on The Big Details, But Invest in The Small
When I say skimp, I mean find an equally beautiful, but lower cost alternative. This could be opting for a
wedding outside versus renting a chapel. However, when it comes to the little things, like food, wine selection, and live music versus an iPod, go for it!
Never Pay For Something You’re Not Completely Happy With
Too many brides shell out thousands of dollars to end with a feeling of being gipped out of the experience they were sold by wedding planners, vendors and venues.
If you were not 100% happy and felt that it was in their power to have made it better, don’t pay full price. Which brings me to my last tip…
Everything is Negotiable
Yes, everything. From your gown to the roses, everything comes with a price tag but the cost is never fixed. Remember people are human and they make mistakes. An error is bound to happen no matter the case, make sure to pay attention and always be aware of your options.
Also, do your research! Research to find out if that same dress is selling at the next store for half-price.
Let people know you’ve done your homework and you’ll never fall short.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
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