Say “I Don’t” to Debt: 4 Ways to Keep Your Veil above Water
When it comes to investments, a bride’s wedding is one of the most important she and her groom will ever make. It’s not always easy spending green. But don’t let the money situation turn into a source of stress. Like anything else, it’s all a matter of approach.
1. Prioritize the elements that mean the most. At first blush this might seem a little obvious. But most brides are so excited to be getting married, it’s very easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of the process without really sitting down to evaluate the little things that might be the most important to them. Really investigating all options and thinking about what will last and what will be remembered will go a long way toward keeping that initial excitement from turning into stress.
2. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Just like in high school, just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you have to. Peonies may be the hot flower of the season, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth shelling out money that would be better used toward the perfect dress or a venue that’s more your style.
3. Decide which details you can manage on your own. This can be a little easier said than done, and not many brides necessarily have the time to DIY their wedding in full. However, there are some skills that have become a little more mainstream over the years. Designing your own invitations or ceremony programs, for example, is becoming a popular practice. Meanwhile, more and more brides are choosing to do their own hair and makeup on their big day. Whatever your skills, take them into account when assembling the wedding budget.
4. Set a realistic budget from the start, and stick to it no matter what. The biggest thing a bride-to-be and her groom can do for themselves when setting out on the journey of wedding planning is to be realistic about what they can afford and keep their focus on elements that fall within that number. Unbelievably gorgeous weddings are put together on a dime every day, and many brides are accepting that very challenge for all kinds of reasons.
Photos courtesy of Kristin Faye Photography
Join the conversation! What’s your best wedding budget advice?
