There’s nothing like experiencing the whimsical magic of a wedding. However, weddings are notoriously expensive. By the time you’ve paid for the dress, the venue and the food, you’ve easily spent tens of thousands of dollars. Thankfully, you don’t have to drain your savings to have a beautiful day. The key is to be intentional and methodical about how you spend.
Get creative and sentimental by curating a wedding that’s full of heart and personality. Truthfully, this is achievable without the high price tag. Whether you’re just starting to plan or knee-deep in details, the following tips will help you spend wisely on everything from affordable engagement rings to wedding invitations.
1. Create and Commit to a Realistic Budget
It’s tempting to start window shopping and add endless items to your online cart. Before you press the “Buy Now” button, take time to create your budget. It’s essential for helping you spend wisely. Besides, there’s no reason for your love story to put you and your partner into unnecessary debt.
Start by combing through the typical line items of a standard wedding. Decide which ones matter most to you and your partner. If you’re a musician who dreams of live music at the reception, budget accordingly. On the flip side, if the cake isn’t a big deal, skip the custom five-tiered masterpiece and grab a simple sheet cake instead. It’s all about prioritizing what makes your day meaningful to you and your partner.
Once you know your total budget, assign a specific dollar amount to each category. Don’t forget to add a line for unexpected expenses. That buffer will help you stay within budget when unexpected last-minute surprises arise.
2. Select Affordable Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
In today’s marketplace, finding high-quality, hand-crafted and affordable engagement rings and men’s wedding bands is easier than ever. With variety and accessibility at your fingertips, it’s completely possible to discover gorgeous options that fit your budget.
Rings don’t have to crush your finances. Conflict-free rings are always ideal, but it’s okay to explore your options. Morganite, sapphire and Moissanite are long-lasting stones that are just as breathtaking, yet significantly cheaper than more popular engagement gems. Keep an eye out for deals on bridal sets and bridal earrings. Do your research to find excellent deals online.
When it comes to men’s wedding bands, look beyond gold and platinum. If you’re seeking durability, style and affordability, titanium, stainless steel and tungsten are perfect alternatives. If you’re interested in incorporating a customized look, consider bands that are made using materials like meteorite or wood.
3. Plan a Budget-Conscious Honeymoon
For many couples, the honeymoon experience is romantic, special and unforgettable. With those goals at the forefront of planning sessions, you don’t need to spend an obscene amount of money. Once you’ve created the line item for your honeymoon, customize an experience that fits the budget.
While international travel is lovely, it’s not mandatory. You can save a lot of money simply by booking a domestic trip. Consider an off-season beach spot or a cute, quaint town filled with charming shops. You might decide to visit a major city with a diverse nightlife. If you and your partner can be flexible with the dates and location, this provides some room for you to take advantage of more deals.
Do extensive research to uncover deals on flights and hotels. Download apps that provide notifications when there are specific sales. Look for bundle options on flights and hotels as well. If you want a larger budget for your honeymoon, consider placing a honeymoon fund in your wedding registry. This allows guests to help you create your dream honeymoon experience.
4. DIY Your Stationery and Invitations
Many couples are often surprised by the costs associated with save-the-date messages and wedding invitations. But in reality, most people toss printed materials shortly after saving the date digitally. Knowing this, consider using customizable templates online. There are online platforms that offer stunning, budget-friendly invitation templates and options that are easy to personalize.
Once your design is ready, you can print the invitations at home or use a local print shop to save even more money. Living in a digital world gives you room to consider going fully virtual for certain items (save-the-dates, thank-you cards, RSVPs). From menus to programs, lean into your inner designer and DIY your wedding stationery. You’ll save money without sacrificing style.
5. Fine-Tune the Guest List
The guest list can get tricky. Not only do you develop a list of people you want to attend, but your family members might have their lists of co-workers, friends who knew you when you were born and more. However, it’s better to keep the guest list as small as possible. Consider the people who mean so much to you and your partner. Think about the people whom you actually lean on as a part of your village. If you don’t want to take this person out to dinner and pay for it, they shouldn’t attend your wedding.
6. Say Yes to Renting the Dress
Wedding dresses can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Even when you find the perfect dress, you may still need to make alterations and adjustments. Instead, try some cost-effective options. If you want to buy and keep your wedding dress, start by looking at reselling sites and second-hand shops to find new or gently used options that are deeply discounted.
If you’re okay with a rental option, there are numerous online rental services available. Get creative with the style and cut of the tuxedo and dress. If you have a friend who does alterations, consider creating a non-traditional look that’s eye-catching, custom yet still affordable.
Final Thoughts
Most people won’t care or realize how much money you’ll spend. They’ll remember how the experience made them feel. They’ll remember how much fun they had. They’ll look back at the photos and videos and laugh at the sweet moments. While you don’t want to choose a ring that will make your finger turn green, don’t become obsessed with really high price tags. Focus on making the experience meaningful and fun. Get creative with your budget, and focus on celebrating the beautiful love you’ve found within your partner.
