So, you've decided to take the plunge and dive into the crazy world of wedding planning, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup! If you're looking to avoid breaking the bank while still having the time of your life, then kudos to you! Keep on reading for my fab 5 tips to help you out.
I speak from personal experience that wedding planning can be stressful, but with careful consideration and pre planning, it is possible to have a beautiful and meaningful celebration without overspending. I can admit I was rushed while planning our wedding, and one thing I would change is being intentional to slow down and think. My advice is to establish your priorities so that you can allocate your budget wisely, consider alternative options to save money without compromising quality. By approaching the planning process thoughtfully, you can create a unique wedding that reflects your style and values. Remember these tips to stay within a reasonable budget and enjoy the journey of planning your special day.
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Tip #1 - Establish a budget
I know this is a tough one, but have a wedding budget heart-to-heart with your fiancé! Ask your partner what amount they feel comfortable spending on your wedding day. Disclaimer: You may want to do some light research on what couples have been spending on weddings lately, but industry experts say the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $35k and experts say that the floral cost of a wedding event is typically 8-10% on average. I strongly recommend having this conversation with your partner early on. You can also discuss if you will be funding the wedding yourself or if parents and/or loved ones are wanting to contribute and if so, how would they prefer to contribute. This way, you have a good starting point to build on. Never assume, always ask, it will save you so much time in the long run!
Tip #2 - Determine the top priorities
It's time to take a moment to sit down and confidently determine what aspects truly matter to you for this special day. Whether it's that dream dress you've always envisioned or the perfect venue and photographer you've been longing for, now is the time to make it happen. If you and your fiancé are set on your dream venue, don't hesitate to prioritize allocating more of the budget towards it, even if it means making adjustments elsewhere, such as opting for simpler stationery or beverages.
"Don't feel stupid if you don't like what everyone else pretends to love." - Emma Watson
Tip #3 - Opt for a modestly sized bridal party
Ah, yes. The task of thinking through who you'd like to involve in the bridal party is not one to take lightly. Remember these are the gals (and guys) you're asking to stand beside you on the biggest day of your life. Depending what season you're at in life, you may have a huge group of friends or even a small group. Either way, you owe it to yourself to stop and think about who is likely to still be your bestie in the next decade or two. It's as simple and as complicated as that. And on top of all that - wedding flowers and bridal party gifts aren't necessarily cheap. If you end up with 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen, that's 20 extra bouquets/boutonnieres and bridal party gift(s)! Just think it through and know that there are other ways to involve your friends in your big day if you decide to keep it small. You can have them sing your favorite love song as you walk down the aisle, or recite a poem or verse at the ceremony. You can even have them be your officiant! You can have them as ushers or give them a shout out in a speech that you prepare. If you simply must include your gals and cannot envision your day without them in your ceremony lineup, talk to your florist about ways to keep costs down and see what suggestions they offer!
Tip #4 - Consider hiring a wedding planner as soon as possible
I know you might be thinking, "Oh no, that's just another vendor to hire," and technically it is, but the idea here is to start off early with them and have them help you along in your wedding planning journey. I highly recommend working with a wedding planner because many of them can provide a list of preferred vendors, wedding planning timeline, regular check-in's, wedding day timeline, day of coordination, assistance with set up/break down of personal items, point of contact for vendors, etc. All of this will save you time and money in the long run! I speak from personal experience here when I say a great wedding planner is a great investment in your own well-being. In terms of cost, wedding planners usually offer different packages to suit your needs - whether it's Full Service planning, or Day of Coordination, or something more customized. At the very least, I highly recommend a day-of coordinator. They will take so much off your plate so you can enjoy your day without stressing about the little things. Just trust me on this one!
Tip #5 - Be true to yourself
Lastly, remember to be true to yourself. This day is a celebration of the love between you and your partner. Keep in mind that if someone is not financially contributing to your wedding, their suggestions are simply that - suggestions. This is your day, not your mom's, not your grandma's, not your auntie's. These moments will create cherished memories, and you'll want to look back knowing you did what was best for yourself! Be grateful for their input, then confidently steer the conversation elsewhere if needed. Ultimately, what truly matters is that you are marrying the love of your life, and you are your strongest advocate.
Deep breaths
Remember: This day is a joyous celebration of the love between you and your partner. If it won't have an impact in 5 years, don't waste more than 5 minutes of your valuable energy on it. Lean on your support system and trust that you are fully capable!
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