She Strengthens

Planning a Dream Wedding on a Budget: 6 Essential Tips

As a newlywed, I’ve learned that planning a wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with some careful planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful and memorable celebration without sacrificing your financial stability.

Setting a Realistic Budget

My husband and I got married in May 2019, just three weeks after my college graduation. We were fortunate to have our parents’ support, which allowed us to plan our wedding and related festivities on a budget of $8,000. While this may seem like a modest amount compared to the average U.S. wedding cost of $30,000, we still had to make some tough decisions to stay within our means.

Creating a Budget That Works

The key to our success was creating a detailed budget that accounted for every aspect of our wedding. We made a spreadsheet to track our expenses, including vendor quotes, payments, and tips. This helped us identify areas where we could cut costs and make adjustments as needed. By doing our research and prioritizing our spending, we were able to have a stress-free honeymoon without worrying about financial burdens.

Thinking Outside the Box

One of the biggest expenses for any wedding is the venue. To save money, we opted for a non-traditional venue that didn’t have a markup. By having our wedding on a Sunday, we also saved an additional $500. However, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of an alternative venue and day of the ceremony, including the impact on your guests.

Enlisting the Help of Friends and Family

We were fortunate to have talented friends and family members who were willing to lend their skills to make our wedding day special. From photography to music, we were able to save money by involving our loved ones in the celebration. Just be sure to offer to pay them for their services, and be grateful if they choose to offer a discount.

Finding Affordable Alternatives

Instead of opting for a brand-new wedding dress, I chose to go with a consigned dress from a local shop. Not only did I save money, but I also felt good about reducing waste and supporting a charitable cause. Additionally, we opted for minimalist bouquets featuring mostly greens, which added a touch of elegance to our decor without breaking the bank.

Rethinking Traditional Choices

When it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands, it’s easy to get caught up in the tradition of diamonds. However, the diamond industry has a dark side, from conflict diamonds to environmental damage. Consider opting for alternative stones, such as sapphires or rubies, or lab-grown diamonds, which offer a more affordable and ethical choice. Ultimately, the symbol of your love should reflect your unique relationship, not just follow traditional norms.