From engagement to marriage: How to plan a budget-friendly wedding
So, you have finally plucked up the courage to ask your partner to marry you. But what happens next? Find out how to plan a budget-friendly wedding.
Once you and your partner have agreed to marry, you have lots more decisions to make! Choosing a ring is the obvious first step, but what comes after the proposal?
The thought of planning a wedding and staying on a budget can seem like an impossible task. Luckily, we’re here to help with some tips to take you from engagement to marriage without breaking the bank.
Finding the ring
Finding the right engagement ring when you are on a budget can be challenging. You want one that is perfect yet within your price range. Staying within budget is extremely important so that the two of you can have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
One of the best ways to stay on a budget is to set the limit you can spend on the ring. Without a limit, a talented salesperson may talk you into spending more than you wanted. In fact, many couples are going ring shopping together to have an idea of the type of ring their partner likes.
It’s not uncommon for a woman to choose an engagement ring she likes to ensure her partner knows exactly what she wants. After all, if you’re going to be wearing this ring forever, it might as well be something you like, right?
Now, if budget worries you, one thing to note is that lab-grown diamonds are almost identical to mined diamonds other than their price tag, allowing you to find the perfect ring without the astronomical price tag, in most cases. So when looking at rings, be sure to check out beautiful lab-grown diamonds.
Start planning the wedding when you get engaged
Even if your wedding is not for another year, it is essential to start planning immediately. Many people will procrastinate, believing they have a lot of time before the wedding. Procrastinating may cause you to rush, overspending because you did not have time to call and price check multiple places.
Set a date
Decide if the two of you want to get married in the summer, spring, fall, or winter. This step will make setting a date easier. If you are thinking about having a destination wedding, this will also influence your date.
Set a budget and stick to it
Setting a budget and sticking to it is more complicated than most of us believe. During the excitement of wedding planning, it can be easy to underestimate costs and inadvertently go over budget.
One way to help with this is for you and your partner to keep each other accountable. The cost of the wedding does not indicate if your marriage will last. The only thing that can determine if your marriage will last is the two of you.
Create a guest list
When creating a guest list, even if you are sticking to close friends and family, you would be amazed at how quickly 50 guests can turn into 150. It is essential to remember each person you invite may bring a significant other, which doubles the number of people that come.
The more people, the more the cost of the wedding rises, so stick to the most important people in your life. Sometimes it can be hard to locate someone important to you that you’ve lost touch with, but if they’re a key part of your life, reach out to them or you may regret it.
Chose your wedding party
The wedding party is another area that can get expensive quickly. Typically, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen each get a gift from the bride and groom. Figure the costs of the gifts into your budget when deciding how many people you want in the wedding party.
Choose where the wedding will take place
Location is vital when planning your wedding. There are many inexpensive options when looking for the perfect wedding location. You could opt for your church if you have one, at the beach, or in the park; some state parks even let you have your wedding there.
The type of food you will serve if any
There are many different ways to keep the food budget low. Opting for dessert only, having a potluck, or if it is in your budget, have it catered. People who have their weddings in locations such as the beach or park may decide to have a cookout or go out to a restaurant.
Pick out your wedding dress
Find a wedding dress you love. When you are looking for a wedding dress, think outside the box. You do not have to stick to high-end dress shops; consider looking in local thrift stores and places that sell vintage dresses as well.
Remember, this is your wedding, and any planning you can do ahead of time will only make your special day go as smoothly as you could ever hope.
