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INTRODUCTION
As an introvert, I never thought I'd get married or have a wedding. Life had other plans, and I met the man of my dreams, and now I had to plan a wedding. However, I didn't want to have a wedding impact our financial future. Planning a wedding and working towards financial independence takes intentional effort. Still, with the right strategies, you can have a wonderful wedding day without compromising your financial goals. Here are some wedding planning and budgeting tips that often go unnoticed but can impact your special day.
30 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS FOR A WEDDING THAT SUPPORTS YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNER
While it might seem like an added expense, a wedding planner can save you money in the long run. They have industry connections and can negotiate better deals with vendors. I say a “professional” wedding planner because several people do this on the side and do not have the same connections or perspective of the industry.
In addition, a good wedding planner can give tips and help you prioritize your budget to create the wedding of your dreams without going crazy. A wedding planner also pays attention to the details leading up to your day so you can focus on other things you need to take care of. I wrote about other reasons why I hired a wedding planner. A professional wedding planner's experience can help prevent costly mistakes and reduce stress.
2. CREATE A SEPARATE GMAIL ACCOUNT FOR WEDDING STUFF
Another wedding planning tip is to create a dedicated email account for all wedding-related correspondence. This separate email helps keep you organized without overwhelming your inbox with wedding stuff. Essential emails won't get lost, and you can easily share the account with your partner to stay on the same page.
3. FOCUS ON QUALITY, NOT THE CHEAPEST PRICE
When selecting vendors, consider factors like quality of service, reviews, and your rapport with them. Having a professional wedding planner to bounce ideas with can help you choose what is best for your wedding day, not just what is cheapest in the budget.
A slightly more expensive vendor who understands your vision and is reliable can be worth the extra cost. My fiancé and I wanted a reception venue near a beautiful lake for under $1000. We were excited about the prospect until we drove there. We realized we had to drive through a small trailer park to get to the venue. There is nothing wrong with trailer parks, but we didn't want to drive through one to get to our wedding reception venue. We ultimately went with a more expensive venue that overlooked a river and felt more aligned with our wedding vision.
Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it is right for you on your wedding day. Focus on quality that suits your budget, not the most inexpensive option to save money.
4. HAVE WEDDING BUDGET RANGES
Setting budget ranges for your expenses can be a wedding planning tip game-changer. I discussed wedding budget planning in more detail in this blog post. Instead of fixating on exact amounts, establish flexible budget ranges for different categories such as venue, catering, attire, and decor. This approach allows for more realistic planning and helps accommodate unexpected costs without derailing your entire budget. By giving yourself a range, you can prioritize essential elements while having the flexibility to adjust as needed, ensuring you can have a beautiful wedding that aligns with your financial goals.
5. SET UP A WEDDING WEBSITE
A wedding website provides guests with all the necessary details, reducing the questions you must answer. It can include venue directions, accommodation options, and your registry. Plus, websites like The Knot.com can make setting up your wedding website for free. In addition, the website can also serve as a “save a date” so you don't have to spend money on letting everyone know you are getting married.
6. READ, SIGN, AND KEEP TRACK OF THE CONTRACTS
Always read, sign, and collect contracts from your vendors. Ensure everything you've agreed upon is in writing to avoid misunderstandings or hidden costs later. In addition, make sure the contracts have the correct times and expenses you want for your wedding. Your wedding planner may ask for the contracts so they can manage all the vendors for you, but double-check that everything is correct for your wedding day.
My fiancé and I had to correct a couple of contracts. Our initial contract for our DJ didn't have the correct timeframe for our wedding. We would have regretted not reviewing this contract and discussing corrections with the vendors. It takes some time, but reading the contracts and understanding what you are getting is essential in creating your wonderful wedding.
7. CUSTOMIZE YOUR WEDDING ESSENTIALS
You don't need everything that wedding budget planners recommend. Your wedding planner may give you a budget or list of things to consider. The Knot also has a ‘budget tracker' for the wedding with various ‘essentials' like a videographer, limo, or additional parties. You get to decide what you need and want for your wedding. If a videographer or limo doesn't fit your vision, feel free to omit them. Focus on what's important and skip the non-essential things for you and your wedding celebration.
8. CONSIDER CANDLES INSTEAD OF FLOWERS
Choosing candles over flowers for your wedding decorations can be beautiful and cost-effective. Candles create a warm, romantic ambiance and work well in various ways, from centerpieces to aisle markers. Unlike flowers, candles have a longer shelf life, allowing you to purchase them well in advance without worrying about wilting.
Candles are often less expensive than elaborate floral arrangements and can be reused or repurposed for future events. They also come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making matching them to your wedding theme easy. Candles can achieve an elegant and timeless look while staying within your budget.
9. PLAN OUT YOUR PURCHASES
Now that you have your budget essentials, you must plan your purchase throughout your engagement. Look for sales during the holidays. Buying items during sales or using discount codes can significantly cut costs. Websites like Rakuten can also help you save money and give you cash back. We purchased many bridal party gifts and wedding dress accessories during the holiday sales and saved so much money. You can also save or allocate money around quotes for your vendors so that you stay on track with the finances for the wedding.
10. LIMIT THE SPECIALIZED WEDDING STUFF
Avoid spending too much on monogrammed or bride-specialized items. Why? Because you probably won't use them after your wedding. Focus on practical gifts and decorations that you can use beyond your wedding day, such as home décor items or kitchen gadgets. Or get jewelry that can be reused for a later event, so you aren't spending much money on something that will only be used once. Planning for the future can help you save money over the long run, so consider practicality when purchasing wedding stuff.
11. HAVE A PLAN B FOR YOUR WEDDING
Have a backup plan for your venue in case of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or double-booking. Your wedding planner can recommend all the “what ifs” for your wedding day. Plan B is essential for an outdoor wedding or to go outside. You don't want to ruin your wedding shoes because it is raining outside. A backup plan can relieve some stress if something doesn't go perfectly.
12. CONSIDER WEDDING INSURANCE
Wedding insurance can cover unexpected events that could disrupt your wedding and can be your “plan B.” What if your vendors get sick? What if a tornado rips through your outdoor venue? If you have an outdoor wedding, consider wedding insurance. Weddings can be expensive, and wedding insurance can help protect your financial investment and further develop your “plan B” if needed.
13. PURCHASE YOUR OWN ALCOHOL
By buying alcohol in bulk from wholesalers like Costco or liquor stores, you can often secure better prices than venues or caterers. Additionally, you can choose your favorite brands and types of alcohol, ensuring that your guests have a selection that caters to their tastes. Some states even allow for the return of unopened bottles, providing a potential reimbursement for unused alcohol. With careful planning and coordination, purchasing your alcohol can result in significant savings without sacrificing the quality of your wedding reception.
14. TAKE A PREMARITAL COURSE
Prewedding counseling or courses can strengthen your relationship and prepare you for married life. A good course will address communication, family planning, and money management. In addition, some states will give you a discount for your marital license if you've taken a premarital course. Even though this course isn't directly related to your wedding, it is an investment in your relationship with your future spouse.
15. CREATE A CASH FUND WITH YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY
Wedding planning websites like The Knot.com can make it easy for you to set up a wedding registry and cash fund for free. Contributions from your cash within your wedding registry can help start or bolster your family emergency fund. This future fund can provide an excellent financial foundation for the future. If you have at least $1000 from your wedding, you have a decent emergency fund to start your new life with your future spouse.
Another tip: ensure your emergency fund is in a high-yield savings account in a separate bank. We used a high-yield savings account at Wealthfront, which had a 5.0% APY in 2024. These accounts will earn you more interest over time and, if they are at a different bank, will be less tempting to use daily.
16. INVEST IN YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
Although you are planning a wedding, and a wedding can be expensive, this is just one day in your financial journey. You can start investing while planning a wedding to create your desired future. If you invest just $50/month, that money will grow exponentially over the next 10-30 years. Plus, you can watch your money or net worth grow even though you spend on your wedding, which is incredible.
You can build wealth beyond your wedding day by educating yourself, empowering yourself to act, and encouraging yourself to invest and learn about personal finances. Now is the time to learn about finances or how to improve your financial well-being further.
17. CONSIDER A CHILD-FREE WEDDING
When planning our wedding, many of my friends said, “It would be ok if you wanted a child-free wedding.” Why? Because your friends who are parents may need a break. Plus, your friends will have more time to focus on enjoying the celebration with you rather than watching out for their children. A no-kids policy is perfectly acceptable if you prefer a more adult atmosphere. If you want children, plan babysitting or activities for them.
18. PLAN ADEQUATE PHOTOGRAPHY TIME
Ensure your photographer can capture all the key moments from your wedding day. You can also talk with your photographer about the pictures you want with your family and friends. The last thing you want is to realize that you don't have photos of the moments you want to capture.
19. WEAR YOUR SHOES FOR ANY ALTERATIONS TO YOUR DRESS
Wear the same shoes for your dress alterations that you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the perfect fit. The alterations will use the height of your shoes. If you take them off or change your shoes, the dress may be too long, and you'll trip or have extra fabric to manage on your wedding day.
20. PLAN MEALS FOR YOUR WEDDING PARTY AND VENDORS
Plan meals for your wedding party and vendors to energize everyone. Having food available can prevent last-minute food runs and keep the day running smoothly. Sometimes, the caterer will include meals for the vendors without extra costs; ask to ensure this if possible. Otherwise, you'll have to include this in the budget.
21. WALK THROUGH THE WEDDING DAY LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION TIMELINES WITH YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Go through the minute-by-minute plan with your maid/man of honor to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone knows their roles. Organize transportation for your wedding day, ensuring no delays in moving between venues. Ensure everyone knows who drives what cars and plan an extra 30-minute buffer for arrival time. You may need to hire transportation for everyone to make things simple. Walking out how the day will flow makes things clear for everyone and will be less stressful for you.
22. HAVE CLEAR SIGNS TO DIRECT GUESTS TO YOUR WEDDING VENUE
Having clear and well-placed signs at your wedding ensures guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Signs help guide guests to different areas, such as the ceremony space, reception hall, restrooms, and parking, reducing confusion and stress. They also provide essential information like the schedule of events, seating arrangements, and directions for activities. By clearly communicating essential details, signs help your guests feel comfortable and informed, allowing them to focus on celebrating your special day.
23. DESIGNATE A CLEANING CREW
On your wedding day, the last thing you'll think about is cleaning up the venue. For this wedding planning tip, I recommend you ask and assign family and friends to help with cleanup after the wedding to save on venue cleanup fees. A cleaning crew can handle tasks such as clearing tables, disposing trash, picking up your gifts, and tidying up the venue, allowing you to focus on celebrating and saying farewell to guests.
24. PLAN YOUR WEDDING BEAUTY ROUTINE
This may go without saying, but planning your beauty regimen is an important wedding planning tip. Getting your hair, makeup, and nails done professionally ensures you look your best and feel confident on your wedding day. You can do all this yourself if you want to commit the time and resources. Whatever you do, make sure you have a plan for it and include this in your budget. Before committing to a makeup artist or stylist, you should plan for demo trials. Plan this out so you don't have any unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.
25. MAKE TIME FOR REST AND SELF-CARE
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so these wedding planning tips are invaluable. Include self-care and rest in your wedding preparation. Regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and relaxing and rejuvenating activities can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. Remember, a well-rested and relaxed bride can handle the challenges of wedding planning more effectively and enjoy the journey to the big day with a positive mindset.
26. INVEST IN A STEAMER
One wedding planning tip that no one talks about is getting a steamer. Having this tool on hand for your wedding day is a practical investment that can save you from last-minute wardrobe mishaps. A steamer ensures that your wedding attire and those of your bridal party remain wrinkle-free and picture-perfect throughout the day. Whether it's smoothing out creases in your wedding gown or touching up linens and tablecloths, a steamer is a versatile tool that can rescue you in various situations.
27. DELEGATE SOMEONE TO MAKE SURE THE MARRIAGE LICENSE GETS SIGNED
When the wedding day happens, everything will be a blur. You will be so excited about the day, but you must get the marriage license signed to marry legally. Assign a reliable person to ensure your marriage certificate is signed and submitted.
28. MIND YOUR MINDSET
Your thoughts about your wedding will influence your emotions, and your feelings will affect your actions, which will impact your wedding. So, mind your thoughts and mindset throughout this planning process. This wedding planning tip is essential. Your mindset shapes your wedding experience, from the planning process to the actual day.
Approaching wedding planning with a positive, grateful, and flexible mindset can help you navigate challenges with resilience. Focusing on the joy of celebrating your love and the significance of your commitment can keep things in perspective and prevent stress from overshadowing the experience. Ultimately, your mindset sets the tone for your wedding day, influencing your knowledge and guests' experiences.
29. ACCEPT THAT THINGS DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE GREAT
The next wedding planning tip that supports your future is to accept that things don't have to be perfect to be great. While striving for perfection is natural, it's essential to recognize that imperfections are what make moments memorable and authentic. Embracing the uniqueness of your wedding day, with its unexpected twists and turns, allows you to focus on the joy and meaning behind the celebration rather than fixating on minor details.
Whether it's a slight hiccup in the schedule or a last-minute change of plans, approaching these moments with flexibility and a sense of humor can turn them into cherished memories. By letting go of the pressure to achieve perfection, you open yourself up to a more relaxed and enjoyable wedding day filled with genuine moments of love and connection.
30. ENJOY THE DAY
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life. While it is a big day and you are trying to manage everything, including your finances, it's equally crucial to savor every moment. One of the best wedding planning tips I can give is to remember that this day marks the beginning of your journey with your future spouse. Do your best to enjoy this time. Embrace the little imperfections, laugh together, and soak in the celebration with your loved ones. By prioritizing what truly matters—your relationships and your commitment—you'll create priceless memories without letting financial worries overshadow your special day.
CONCLUSION
By incorporating these wedding planning tips, you can create a beautiful wedding day and establish a solid financial foundation. Plan for the future and enjoy the process!
IN SUMMARY
Wedding Planning Tips for a Wedding that Supports Your Financial Future
- Hire a professional wedding planner.
- Create a separate Gmail account for wedding stuff.
- Focus on quality, not the cheapest price.
- Have a wedding budget range.
- Set up a wedding website. Set one up for free at The Knot.com.
- Read, sign, and keep track of the contracts.
- Customize your wedding essentials.
- Consider candles over flowers.
- Plan out your purchases. Use Rakuten to save and get cash back on purchases.
- Limit the specialized wedding stuff.
- Have a plan B for your wedding.
- Consider wedding insurance.
- Purchase your alcohol.
- Take a premarital course.
- Make a cash fund. Consider using a high-yield saving fund at Wealthfront.
- Invest in your financial future.
- Consider a child-free wedding.
- Plan adequate photography time.
- Wear your shoes for any alterations to your dress.
- Plan meals for your wedding party and vendors.
- Walk through the wedding day logistics and transportation timelines.
- Have clear signs to direct guests.
- Designate a cleaning crew.
- Plan your wedding day beauty routine.
- Make time for rest and self-care.
- Invest in a steamer.
- Delegate someone to make sure the marriage license gets signed.
- Mind your mindset.
- Things don't have to be perfect to be great.
- Enjoy the day.
What tips will you use to save money on your marvelous wedding?
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