Wedding planning can be a hectic job and sometimes can get very expensive. Sometimes, decorations in unnecessary locations can increase your budget dramatically. So you should be mindful when planning your wedding and making arrangements. Listed below are some tips to help you save money while planning your wedding:
Create a budget
Most couples are juggling the many expenses of their wedding at the same time, including deposit payments and decor rentals. Using a Google Sheets account to keep track of expenses, income, and balances due will help them stay on track. If one or both of you are spending more than the other, address this issue early. Otherwise, you’ll be putting yourself under a lot of stress as the big day approaches.
Check on your affordability: When creating a budget, you should first determine how much you can afford to spend on various aspects of your wedding. You should set a separate account for wedding expenses. Then, do a little research to determine how much weddings cost in your area, and enter all final payments to vendors into this account. After you have a general idea of spending, you can determine how much to budget for certain expenses.
Ask for contribution: After you have calculated the amount you’ll need for your wedding, you’ll need to determine who is willing to contribute to the wedding costs. Ask each family member to contribute a specific amount, and then add up all contributions to create a realistic budget. You may be able to work out a plan to cut back on monthly expenses to ensure that the wedding remains within your budget.
Organize your time
Organizing your time for wedding planning is a difficult job. Therefore, delegate tasks to other people in your family or friends. If you have a large group of people responsible for different aspects of the wedding, assign each person specific jobs based on their personality traits.
Make decisions early: Getting your time organized for wedding planning means you won’t spend countless hours second-guessing yourself. Decide early on what is essential and what you can delegate to others. You’ll get things done quickly, saving you lots of time by doing this. For example, wedding planner Kathy Nichols recommends making big decisions early in the planning process so you won’t scramble at the last minute.
Block hours: Organizing your time is an essential skill for any bride. Time can fly by when you’re planning a wedding. Using your time efficiently can help you accomplish everything you need to. Block out certain hours of your day to do all of the tasks you need to complete each day. Additionally, make time for social outings, hobbies, and date nights with your partner. It will go a long way in ensuring that you have ample time for everything in your life.
Make a to-do list
Once you’ve decided to get married, it’s important to have a to-do list for the wedding itself.
Review the checklist: Your ceremony will reflect who you are as a couple, so you’ll need to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Before the big day, make sure to review the checklist with your wedding planner to ensure that everything is on track. It’s also a good idea to check with the venue to ensure that you can use their resources.
Finalize things: During the late stages of your wedding, make sure you finalize the guest list, check to make certain hotel room blocks available, and choose your wedding hashtag and photo-sharing app. Start sending invitations to your guests. You can also use e-invite to send invitations to your guests. It is also a good idea to finalize the list of your wedding day guests and make a playlist for your reception.
Plan non-wedding activities
While you’re busy organizing and executing the wedding itself, remember to plan non-wedding activities. While it may be tempting to spend every day at the wedding, spending a little time outside the wedding planning process is better.
Go for a non-traditional wedding: One way to do this is to schedule time for each partner to contribute to the planning process. As long as the two of you are comfortable with the details, a non-traditional wedding is just as lovely.
Prepare a wedding checklist: A wedding checklist can help couples manage their time and tasks more effectively. With everything on one list, you’ll have a better idea of how much you have left to accomplish before the big day. Use a free wedding planning checklist to stay on track and ensure that everything is completed before the big day. This may include reception, seating chart, flower basket, ring bearer pillow, and toasting flutes.
Start a new ceremonies: Many couples have unity ceremonies, where they pour wine and beer into a common vessel to mark their union. This can start a family tradition and be an excellent way to incorporate an environmental aspect into your wedding. You can also consider having your pet participate in the ceremony as a ring bearer, flower girl, or best man. The possibilities are endless to start a new tradition!
Take an off: After the wedding, take a weekend off to do something you both enjoy, like going to a museum or concert. A weekend off will help ensure that the last-minute details of your wedding are completed, and the days leading up to the wedding will be less stressful. Make sure to have a vacation with your new partner as well! It’s a special weekend to share. Enjoy every minute of it!
Ensure guests know where to go
One of the most important things to think about when planning your wedding is the transportation for your guests. Some guests may want to take a car or rent a hotel. Providing bottled water for guests to drink is a great idea, especially if the trip is long. You also need to think about childcare arrangements. A hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service is a great idea as well.
Prepare a guest list: It is essential to create a guest list well before the wedding date. Parents contributing financially will have a say in the list, but remember that each venue has a maximum number of guests, so don’t over-invite. Once you’ve established the guest list, send out save-the-dates far in advance so that your guests can plan accordingly.
Prepare an itinerary: Have an itinerary ready for your guests. Include important information, such as when the ceremony and reception will occur, who will host the reception, and what guests should wear. You should also include tips for finding cheap airfare and hotels. Make sure to include contact information for local hotels and movie theatres. A detailed itinerary will make it easier for your guests to find where to go and what to do while they’re there.
Provide enough information: It is important to provide enough information to make your guests feel comfortable on your wedding day. Providing them with the details they need to know will ensure their visit is memorable. Additionally, consider the weather forecast to provide for your guest in a better way.
Take care of yourself
Though planning your wedding can be hectic; however, you should make sure to take care of yourself regularly. Taking brisk walks or a mid-day meditation break can help relieve stress and boost your energy levels.
Additionally, make sure you get enough sleep every night. Working late can sap your energy and focus. Set aside one hour each day for meditation or yoga if you can. If you can’t find time to do these activities, consider hiring a virtual assistant. Typically, this will only cost you an hour or two and free up your time for other wedding planning projects.