Getting married is one of the biggest milestones in the relationship of a couple. However, a wedding ceremony can prove to be quite expensive because of all the things that you need to prepare. This article tackles some of your options when it comes to planning and paying for your big day.
Paying for Your Wedding: Set a Budget
When it comes to paying for your wedding, you need to be able to set a certain budget beforehand. This entails the need for you and your partner to sit down and talk about the amount of money that you are willing to spend for your wedding ceremony. From there, you need to exert the extra effort to stick to the budget that you have set. In this case, you can use certain budgeting tools to ensure that you are always on the range that you have specified when it comes to your expenses.
- Dedicate Monthly Savings
As soon as you have agreed on a budget that you can spend for your wedding, the next thing that you need to do is to come up with the money that you need. One of the most viable ways for you to do this is to set a certain amount from your income monthly for your wedding expenses. In this way, you will be able to accumulate the funds that you need to get married, and even save some to help you start your life as a newly married couple.
- Take Out a Loan
There is also the option for you to apply for a loan to cover all the expenses that you need for your wedding. Statistics show that 60% of couples take out a loan for their wedding, which they can pay back in time based on the loan agreement. This is one of the most ideal options in case you don’t have much time to prepare for your wedding. Just keep in mind to be selective when it comes to the lender that you engage with and be meticulous in clarifying the loan terms. In this way, you will be able to maximize the proceeds that you can get while minimizing the interests and additional charges that you have to pay.
- Accept Help from Family and Friends
You can also ask for the help of your family and friends to reduce the expenses that you may incur for your wedding. For instance, if your parents are offering a certain amount that will cover the cost of the venue, then there is no reason for you not to accept it. In the same manner, you can also seek the help of your entourage when it comes to preparing do-it-yourself wedding invitations or even playing music during the event. In this way, you will be able to cut down on your costs significantly.
Planning for Your Wedding: Set a Timeline
Apart from allotting a certain amount of money for your wedding, you should also plan all the other things that you need to accomplish for the ceremony promptly. This means that you need to come up with a feasible timeline with a checklist of what needs to be done. It will help if you classify the things you need to do a year before your wedding, six months prior, as well as what you need to do a month or a week before.
- A Year Before Your Wedding
A year before your wedding, make sure that you begin collecting design inspiration and pick who will be at your wedding party. In this case, you need to consider your guest list or even hire a planner if necessary. Delve into the details of your theme and style, whether it’s a traditional affair or something more unconventional, like incorporating gothic clothing elements. As you plan, allocate a budget for attire, venue, and decorations, ensuring you can manifest your vision without financial strain. As early as a year before your wedding, you can already book a venue and lock down your wedding date. During this time, you can also begin hiring a photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, band, and other suppliers.
- Six Months Before Your Wedding
Half a year before your wedding, you can already select and purchase invitations and shop for your bridesmaids’ dresses. You can also meet with your officiant and begin planning your honeymoon. During this time, it will already be ideal to send out save-the-date invitations and arrange transportation for your guests if necessary. This is also the perfect time for you to compose a day-of-the-wedding timeline, as well as to shop for your wedding rings.
- A Month Before Your Wedding
A month before your wedding, you should already secure your marriage license and mail the rehearsal dinner invitations. You should also visit the tailor for your last outfit fitting and send out as many final payments as you can. This is also the perfect time for you to confirm times for hair and makeup and all the other vendors. It will be perfect if you can assign your guest seating by this time and purchase thank you presents for your family and guests at the wedding party.
- A Week Before Your Wedding
A week before your wedding, you need to reconfirm the arrival times of the vendors and delegate small wedding-day tasks to the people that you trust. You should also send a timeline to your wedding party and pick up your dress or suit. Make sure to check in one last time with the photographer and set aside checks for your wedding suppliers. You can also begin packing for your honeymoon. Finally, make sure to relax and book a spa treatment if you wish.
You have several options when it comes to paying for your wedding such as dedicating a certain monthly amount to cover your expenses or taking out a loan. There is also the option for you to seek the help of your families and friends to reduce your wedding costs. On the other hand, when it comes to planning for your wedding, you need to set a certain timeline and list down the things that you need to do as you reach each of the points in the timeline you have set. Rest assured that with proper budgeting and planning, you will be able to achieve your dream wedding.
