Alright, here it is, my first blog post ever! And, what else would I talk about, other than the VERY first thing a bride should do when she begins to plan a wedding, which is also the thing that everyone loves to hate — THE BUDGET!!! This can be a really hard task if other people are involved (who wants to ask mom or dad how much they will be contributing, and when you will have the money in your hand). But, if it is just you and your soon-to-be spouse contributing, things (can be) a little easier.
Since no one wants to REALLY discuss money here are my tips for making, following, and learning to love your budget, right here for you to read in private.
1. Be realistic! Okay, so spending $50,000 on your wedding day would be great. But, if you don’t have a spare $50,000 hanging around—YOU WILL BE OKAY!!! Planning a wedding under $10,000 is possible, you just have to work harder and….
2. Don’t buy the first thing you see! So, you know that you have wanted blue accents for a looooonnggg time, and you see these cute little blue diamonds while out shopping, and of course you automatically think they would look amazing on your head table. Great! But, take away the IDEA of the little blue diamonds and search other places for cheaper options. You would be surprised on what you may find while looking — maybe even something better than the first version of the little blue diamonds at a cheaper rate, or maybe it will make you see that your little blue diamonds weren’t such a good idea in the first place.
*** The exception to this, is a wedding outfit you absolutely love (if it fits into your budget) ***
3. Stick to your plans! If you have budgeted $20,000, then that is your budget, meaning that is what you can comfortably afford! Okay, so you planned a Stag & Doe and made a profit of $6000, and at your bridal shower your great-aunt Edna gave you a cheque for $2000 (thanks Auntie!). And now you feel like you want to take all your extra cash and roll around in it. Don’t! Take this as an opportunity to pay off an outstanding invoice. That way you now don’t have to spend $8000 of your own money. Part B of this point is to make sure that you do not overspend….. We get it the $5000 dress is so much prettier than the $1500 one but YOU CANNOT SPEND AN EXTRA $3500 on a dress you cannot afford. And, don’t spend Aunt Edna’s money on it either you will need it for your last-minute expenses.
4. There are ALWAYS last-minute expenses! There is always the…oh yeah I forgot to set aside cash to tip vendors/buy lunch for my bridesmaids & groomsmen/pay for my hairdo/get a last-minute shot of whiskey. Be sure that both you and your soon-to-be-spouse have some extra cash on you for the big day (money that wasn’t included in your budget).
5. Don’t be afraid to ask! You never know what you can get at a discount or even FREE. Asking vendors if they know anyone who can do something else for your wedding is always a good idea. For example, ask your wedding venue if they know a name of a good photographer. If they do, the photographer might offer a discount… you don’t know until you ask, right?!
6. Learn to love your budget! Make a list of all things related to your wedding (i.e. food, dress, venue, photos) and number them based on importance. If you don’t really care about the wedding cake, don’t pay a million dollars for it, this will help you love your budget.
7. When in doubt follow this chart!
8. A wedding coordinator can always help you plan and use your money more efficiently 😉
xo,
Julie