4 Tips To Getting Married On A Shoestring Budget

by zyla courtney i am a bloger

Getting married is perhaps one of the most indelible experiences of your lifetime. As you’re celebrating the start of a new life with someone you love, it’s reasonable to want the occasion to be perfect from top to bottom. However, with how expensive weddings can be, the concern over money can sometimes make this process incredibly stressful. Not to worry, though; there are many things you can do to save money on your wedding. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your dream wedding on a budget:

Know What You Can Afford

Like any other big expenditure, knowing the exact amount you’re going to spend is vital in order to start a savings plan. While most of us know weddings are expensive, the cost can vary greatly depending on where you go and what you’re looking for. According to The Knot, the average wedding cost comes in around $35,329, which is quite the hefty price tag for most people. It’s better to over-prepare than under-prepare, though, so if you have time to save, always err on the side of setting aside “too much.”

First and foremost, sit down with your significant other to work out what both of you want and envision for your wedding day. Although it might require some compromise, having a vision you’re both satisfied with in mind is a key first step in planning a budget wedding. Start doing some research as to what your estimated costs will be, accounting for incidentals and any other roadblocks or last minute surprises that might sneak up on you. From there, look at your monthly income and see how much you could potentially contribute to the fund.

With the right savings plan, you can not only have the money to afford what you need for your wedding, but you can do it without taking on any unnecessary debt. While saving can be a tedious process, it will set you up for success as you establish your budget and make decisions about affordability. Your savings account is your baseline for what your ultimate wedding budget looks like, and all the hard work you put into building that piggy bank may even inspire you to be more resourceful than you thought.

Look Out For Deals On Essentials

As the wedding industry is changing constantly, it’s important to think outside the box on wedding day essentials. There are so many options for saving money on a wedding nowadays; for example, many couples are opting to develop their own Spotify playlists in lieu of hiring an expensive DJ or band to entertain guests at the reception. According to Fox Business, the average wedding dress goes for around $1,100, but online vendors like Azazie can offer you a custom bridal gown for a fraction of the price, and you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to try it on! Be on the lookout for deals like these, as they’ll save you a ton in the long run.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Friends And Family

Considering that most people know how expensive weddings can be, don’t be embarrassed to ask your friends and family for a little help. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to ask them for a loan, either; you can ask them to tap into their networks to see if they can find you a deal on a wedding essential. Your cousin may know a graphic designer who can print your invitations and stationary at a discount, for example, or your best friend may have a family member with a catering service who’s willing to cut you a deal.

According to Value Penguin, nearly 45 percent of the total budget for a wedding goes toward the venue, so if you can find someone with a farm or a beautiful piece of land you can use for the event, the money you’d save could be tremendous.

Check in with your significant other and brainstorm if there’s anyone in your immediate network who might be able to help out. Even if it’s something minor, those little things can add up pretty quickly. Of course, you should always offer some form of compensation for these kinds of favors, even if the other party refuses payment because they love you so much. Just because they don’t want to take your check doesn’t mean you can’t send a nice gift or take them out to a fancy meal as thanks for the money they saved you.

Be Patient

It’s not always ideal, being patient and possibly pushing your wedding day back might be a good step in terms of affordability (and time to save). According to Brides, the average engagement lasts around 12 to 18 months, which is already a decent amount of time to get funds organized, but it’s completely acceptable to wait a little longer if it means being closer to the wedding of your dreams.

If you’re in dire need of the legal status of marriage (for example, if your spouse is in the military and you need to add benefits or move to a new state together), there’s nothing wrong with filing the paperwork and having a courthouse wedding to make things official, then celebrating with the big wedding and reception later. After all, the wedding itself is really just about celebrating your love, not whether you signed on the dotted line that day. You may even be able to get twice as many anniversary gifts out of your soon-to-be husband, so it could really be a win-win for you.

Did you get married on a shoestring budget? How did you make your day beautiful with limited resources? Share your tricks and tips in the comments!