Money Monday: Don't Break the Bank

We’re back with another Money Monday and this week we’re discussing something we feel is extremely important in the wedding planning process – staying within budget. Breaking the bank for your wedding is a trope the bridal industry tries to sell you, but the wedding of your dreams doesn’t have to come at such a high price. It’s up to you to do your research and make smart choices that are right for you. If you’re finding it hard to stay within your wedding budget, trust us, you’re not alone! Nearly 60% of couples increase their initial budget because of “must-have” items they encounter during their wedding planning process. Whether you just started planning your wedding or are in the middle of it, here are a few tips to keep you from overspending on your wedding!

Have A Well-Defined Budget

Take the time at the beginning of planning your wedding to decide on a realistic budget. That means taking a hard look at all your finances and finding out whether or not your parents will be contributing monetarily to your wedding. Once you arrive at your maximum budget, factor in a buffer for any unexpected charges or fees and roughly determine how much money you have to spend on each aspect of your wedding, i.e. venue, catering, attire, music, etc. This will help you look for vendors in your price range and still have room for two or three “must-have” additions you may come across in the process.

Photography by Jessie Wyman & Christina Anne

Keep Your Decor Simple

The easiest way to save on decor is to choose a venue where you can host your ceremony and reception. This would allow you to decorate both wedding spaces for a cheaper price. But, even with separate venues, you can still save on decor by not over decorating. Let the space speak for itself and try to accentuate the elements that are already present in the venue. If there are trees, hang some string lights to brighten up the space, or instead of floral centerpieces, opt for more personalized decor like books.

Photography by All The Little Stories Photography

Look For Local Vendors

Not only would you be supporting local businesses, but it would save you a lot of money on items like venues, food, and flowers. Out-of-season flowers that are grown elsewhere tend to run a higher price than in-season, locally grown flowers. Believe it or not, making this one minor change can save you hundreds of dollars by eliminating transportation costs. Always make sure to communicate with your vendors about how much you’re looking to spend, that way if they are out of your price range, you will know before you fall in love with their venue or products.