Weddings being expensive is an open secret that almost everyone desires. Thus, most people include this goal in their long-term plans. This is because the high-cost wedding pales into comparison when you see yourself marching across the aisle, saying your vows, and celebrating your new life with your partner.
However, not everyone is in the same boat. According to reports, people spend an average of $28,000 pre-pandemic on putting together a wedding celebration. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise why others prefer a more practical way to achieve an exquisite wedding without breaking the bank.
Plan early
Deciding to get married doesn’t mean you have to do it right away. You can always set a time to make sure everything is in place. Moreover, planning will give you more chances to set a reasonable budget and stick with it. This way, you can minimize the items and services you want based on what you need.
Set a list and monitor where your money is going. This can range from choosing the ideal location, selecting affordable venues, and exploring nearby quality bridal dress boutiques that offer professional services for your entourage. This will also allow you to score great deals and packages on your bridal and wedding needs.
“We” in Weddings
Getting married is a union of two people. This means your decisions will not affect you alone anymore; therefore, you need to work as a team. You should discuss and agree upon various things and situations that will affect both of you. That includes having children, moving to a better neighborhood, accruing debts, and having the wedding that you want.
Thus, it would be best to clarify your priorities early on. Studies show that misunderstandings and skyrocketing expenses will most likely lead to divorce and separation. So, ensure that both of you are clear on the outcome and costs you want for your dream wedding.
Temptations are inevitable. If you aren’t careful, you may find yourself drifting farther from your initial goal and spending more than what you bargained for. Therefore, having a solid support system and conditioning your mind to what you want will anchor you towards your objectives.
If it doesn’t feel right, strike it out
The truth is, there is no one rule to do a wedding, nor a right or wrong process for it. There is only the outcome you want to achieve. Therefore, you are free to do what you want to fit the program into your budget, even if that means removing unnecessary parts, including too many flowers, decorations, and other elements. This is especially true if you think these will only burn your savings and prevent you from enjoying your special big day. Moreover, having a limited guest list will help you save from renting bigger spaces and expenses on food, drinks, invitations, and souvenirs.
You may also inform your guests to refrain from bringing plus ones as this will only defeat the purpose of your goal. In addition, normalize not inviting people that do not sit well with you. That includes that one workmate you only know by face, that friend you talked once or twice in college, or that relative who only has bad words for you.
Know that it’s okay to set standards on your own wedding, especially if it benefits your mental health and happiness. Remember, this day is about celebrating your newfound love and peace so, the last thing you would want is someone ruining it for you. Don’t be afraid to voice your preference, and know that they will respect and understand your decision if they care about you.
Downsizing the number of your wedding attendees will help you have a solemn and more intimate ceremony with the people who matter most. In a way, this will also help curb the spread of COVID-19 since you’d have to follow social distancing protocols and health guidelines. More than enjoying the party and not going over the budget, you should make sure to put safety a top priority. This will give you and your guests a memorable day together and allow you to focus more on what’s important.
Of course, you can always turn to virtual weddings for much cheaper expenses, particularly if you’re on a tight budget or if your loved ones cannot travel far due to restrictions. However, suppose you plan on pursuing a traditional wedding without going overboard. In that case, you can always use materials that fit well with your plans by making sure you follow the budget you set for yourself.
