She Strengthens

A Debt-Free Wedding: How We Pulled Off the Impossible

As I reflect on my recent nuptials, I’m still in awe of how my husband and I managed to pay for our entire wedding without going into debt. It wasn’t easy, but our hard work and smart financial decisions paid off – literally.

A Clean Slate

We knew that starting our marriage with a clear financial conscience was crucial. So, we worked tirelessly to save up for our big day over six months, allocating funds to different expenses as we went along. Our goal was to avoid debt and enter our new life together with a clean slate – and a clear Visa statement.

A Weekend to Remember

We opted for a weekend-long celebration in Canmore, Alberta, a stunning town surrounded by mountains. To make it more affordable for our guests, we rented out a beautiful bed and breakfast, which included breakfast and accommodations for all 36 of us. We charged our guests a reasonable $200 per person for the entire weekend, covering food, drinks, and activities.

A Relaxed Itinerary

We ditched traditional wedding festivities and created a more laid-back schedule. Thursday was movie night, Friday was the ceremony and reception, Saturday was a fun-filled kickball game, and Sunday was a farewell breakfast. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Coming in Under Budget

The best part? We came in $7,000 under our original estimate and broke even! It was a huge accomplishment, and we felt like we’d saved all that money just to put it back in the bank.

Breaking Down the Budget

Of course, not every expense was perfect. I splurged on my wedding dress and jewelry, but my husband scored a great deal on his suit. We also invested in our bridesmaids and groomsmen, and our homemade wedding favors were a hit.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize that flexibility is key when it comes to wedding planning. Smaller weddings offer more opportunities for DIY projects and cost-cutting measures. It’s also essential to prioritize what matters most to you and your partner.

The Bottom Line

Weddings are expensive, no matter how you spin it. But with careful planning, smart financial decisions, and a willingness to think outside the box, it’s possible to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.