How To Avoid Wedding Bills & Have Wedded Bliss
Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for popping the question, Christmas Day is the first. Getting engaged and having a wedding are very expensive events. Once you have made the commitment, it is time to think MONEY.
Over 2.3 million happy couples tied the knot last year. The average bill was in the ballpark of $19,000. That is a great deal of money to be dishing out when you are just starting your life together, but we hope to make the ride less scary and more fun – without tossing out all your green.
Follow our straightforward financial plan and we pledge that your wedding will not only be beautiful, but it won’t max out every credit card you own, either.
Discuss your financial situation and figure out who is going to pay for what. Sit down and figure out how much everyone can afford to donate to your wedding. It is usually a good idea to speak with each family separately, or it might be a good idea for the bride and groom to speak with their own families first. It’s not going to be the easiest conversation in the world, but it’s crucial to know what kind of budget you’re working with from the start.
It is becoming very common for couples to pick up at least a portion of the tab, so you should come to the table with an estimate of what you can contribute, based on what you have saved and how much more you can put aside between now and the wedding day. Strive for saving about 20% of your combined monthly take home pay, if you can afford it. If you can’t afford it, consider having a smaller wedding or seeing if other close relatives would be up to pitching in. No matter who is footing the bill – your parents or yourself – you have to set up a wedding budget to keep costs within reason.
Set a Workable Time Frame. Set a wedding date that will allow you and your family time to store up funds for wedding-related expenses.
More Work. If money isn’t readily available, consider getting a second job to supplement the wedding budget. Or, simply cut the budget.
Set Limits. Invite 100 guests instead of 150. Set a limit first and then create a list that falls within those guidelines. For example, first cousins may be invited, but second cousins not. Have two bridesmaids instead of ten. Serve three courses instead of five.
Do It Yourself. Enlist the creative talents of relatives and friends who can help you make your wedding gown, create floral arrangements or even bake your wedding cake for you. Coordinate the alcohol, make the favors, and address your own envelopes.
Loosen Up. The less formal the affair, the more affordable. Instead of a sit-down dinner, go for a casual brunch or barbecue. Get rental cars in lieu of limos. Choose a morning or afternoon wedding. They’re less expensive than evening affairs.
Pick And Choose. Indulge in a designer dress but go barefoot. Ditch the hors d’oeuvres and spend all you have for food on exquisite entrees. Serve a great cake and skip the dessert table.
PUT IT OFF. Get silver wedding bands now and upgrade to platinum on your first anniversary.
Coordinate With Others. If another wedding is being held within a few hours of yours in the same location, perhaps you may be able to share some of the costs of flowers and decorations.
If you have recently become engaged, CONGRATULATIONS! And remember, your wedding should be about celebrating love and family, not a big show that you might have to pay for over the next 10 years or more!