Don’t Miss: Top 5 Wedding Saving Tips for Couples

Words by Craig Sterriker

With wedding season upon us, here are our top 5 tips for couples caught in the planning stages.

Making sure you’ve perfectly prepared everything in the lead up to your big day can be incredibly daunting. Guest satisfaction, dazzling décor and evening entertainment are only a few of the considerations couples will have to make when planning their wedding, however, one thing remains certain – it’s all going to cost you something! If you’re on a tight budget or just simply aren’t sure where to start, worry not, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 tips on how to best manage your wedding budget.

1. Save, Save, Save!

Making sure you’re on top of your finances is important for everyday living and maintaining these habits will be sure to benefit you leading up to your special day. There are several ways couples can keep track of their general expenses, helping you both remain certain that your money is being allocated correctly at all times. If you’re seeking to put aside a specific amount each month, starting a joint savings account is an excellent way to know you’re edging closer to your wedding goals, enabling you to keep track of each contribution to the overall fund. General saving tips such as switching to cheaper energy suppliers, creating monthly budgets for regular expenses and cancelling unnecessary subscriptions all contribute to making sure your dream wedding day is still on the cards.

2. Online Budget Planners

If you’re struggling to make the correct calculations during the planning stages, help is on hand. Many websites offer distinctive wedding budget planners, free to consult if you’re in pinch whilst preparing. Websites such as Joy and Hitched include customisable templates, allowing you to tailor your pre-nuptial plan to include your specific wants and needs. Keeping all of your expenses in one place is a fantastic way to stay on top of everything, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Setting realistic, attainable goals for your wedding day is made possible through these wonderful services and will be sure to fight off any disappointment and unexpected hurdles!

3. Smaller Celebrations

Getting hitched on a budget doesn’t mean your celebrations will be any less special. Many couples are opting for more intimate festivities, ditching the 300+ person grand ballroom bashes for idyllic ceremonies at smaller venues. There are several financial benefits to hosting a smaller wedding celebration; your overall costs will be certain to shrink as smaller venues typically fall within cheaper price ranges and catering costs will lower due to the lesser number of guests. Combining these factors with the sentimentality that often accompanies the private aspects of a smaller celebration will be certain to take a huge amount of stress from your shoulders when planning. Start the rest of your lives with your nearest and dearest in attendance and keep your budget in the green.

4. Focus on the Important Things

If a larger celebration is still firmly in your crosshairs, but your budget still doesn’t perfectly align with your plans, there are still ways to ascertain fantastic festivities without draining your bank account. Prioritising the most important aspects of your celebrations is the best way to ensure your money is being allocated correctly. For instance, the foodies amongst us may be dreaming of a perfectly curated gastronomic experience for their guests, but their culinary calculations haven’t left much room for dreamy décor. Whilst this may say sound like an inconvenience, alternatives such as DIY décor or an outdoor ceremony with naturally occurring views may remedy the issue, allowing you to focus on your favourite aspects when preparing. This can be applied to every area of your preparations, so make sure to place your focus on the most prominent things!

5. Smaller Service Providers and Second-Hand Suppliers

If a celebration with all the bells and whistles simply must be on the cards but your budget seemingly refutes that, seeking out less established providers could certainly be your saviour. Many up-and-coming service providers residing in the realms of entertainment, decorations and catering are on-hand to make a name for themselves and are raring to provide their services to your special day. Smaller businesses are often accompanied by cheaper price points and an eagerness to strut their stuff, so diverting your attention from the big names to those on the rise could have a fantastic effect on both your budget and festivities.

Jewellery duty also seems to be a big conundrum for many looking to propose or provide the perfect wedding band when tying the knot. Regal and expensive jewellery is always certain to turn some heads and make the recipient jump for joy, however, if your budget doesn’t allow for an expensive ring, there are ways to solve this problem. Many jewellery suppliers will allow for negotiation when choosing the perfect ring and opting for a previously owned piece doesn’t make the selection process any less sentimental. Family heirlooms also provide the perfect blend of romance and importance, welcoming your special someone into your family with no ill effects on your bank account.