November 12, 2016 – Posted by Herbert

Bundles of flowers, over the top venues, gourmet dinners and the like are all likely to present themselves when you begin planning your big day. But this fairy tale is happening in the real world, so how do you organize (and budget for) the right event for you?

Even more importantly, the more stressed we feel, the greater the chance of bridezilla making an appearance when you and your fiancé disagree on the arrangements. Here’s some tips to keep things cost effective, all while enjoying the planning process as a couple.

Tip #1: Make a budget

This may not be the most exciting part of getting married, but it is very necessary for your peace of mind, future plans, and your relationship. Block out a few hours before you get the planning process underway. Go to a quiet coffee shop, just the two of you, and work out ideas about expenses.

List all the things that need to be paid for, from the cake to the honeymoon. Make certain that, along with listing these things, you decide who is responsible for what. Are his parents covering the rehearsal dinner?

Are yours cutting the photographer’s check? There are traditions about who pays for venues and extra parties, but many weddings are breaking from the norm these days. Do what works for you and your fiancé!

Tip #2: Don’t give out favors

I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Everyone gives favors, right? Wrong! During your party, allow your guests to feel special in other ways such as requesting songs, or thanking them for coming individually. Make your bash so much fun that the little bag of pastel mints is the furthest thing from their minds when they leave for the night.

Or, if you are really concerned, invite them to take home any leftover desserts they might want for later. The favors are no big deal, really, but not having them can save a few hundred sometimes. Think about it – when was the last time you thought about a wedding favor? Well, until now, that is…

Tip #3: Work with what you’ve got

Once you decide on a wedding venue, spend some time looking around it from different angles and taking pictures. What does it already have going for it that could help you save on décor?

For example, perhaps you are having the ceremony in a garden and can do with very little in the way of decorations. Maybe the building has a great view or fantastic architecture. Play it up. Keeping the embellishments minimal will save you time and money.

Tip #4: Shop for your wedding rings online

One of the biggest cost of a wedding comes from the costs of buying a diamond ring and the corresponding wedding bands. Shopping online can effectively save you 50% of the costs compared to buying a diamond ring in a physical store. When we are talking about transactions worth thousands of dollars, this equates to substantial savings.

Here’s a list of the best jewelry stores that are reliable and offer good value for money.

Tip #5: It’s your day – own it!

Sometimes well-meaning friends or family members make requests that you either don’t want, or would significantly stretch your purse strings. Even though these people love you, if they keep insisting on the $10,000 cake, it is alright to kindly but firmly inform them that you already have an idea of what you would like to do and have a budget to stick to. Remember that this is your moment – and it should feel like it!

Tip #6: Make a plan, to not plan

This is a stressful time in your relationship, with all the decisions that need to be made, and so many life altering things taking place. Set aside a few moments now and then to get together with your fiancé, and not discuss the wedding.

Go to dinner or the park, and chat about life, work, each other, basically anything but the wedding. One day, you will look back and your wedding will be just a day. A beautiful, happy one, but there is a whole lifetime after that, which you will spend together. Make that a priority.

Celebrating your wedding without letting it take over your life is ideal. Remember your family, friends, and especially fiancé during this special time. Yes, your event is important, but everything will get done eventually, and getting to your nuptials without a money meltdown will save you time and sanity.

So relax, make a budget, make time for your spouse to be, and enjoy the ride! Make it a goal to look back on this day fondly, with great memories and a solid start to your marriage.