As pop culture likes to remind us though, that joy could be tempered by the stress of planning – and paying – for the big day.The good news is that with some careful consideration, your dream wedding doesn’t have to come hand-in-hand with a crazy price tag.
As you begin planning your upcoming nuptials, before all else, you need to sit down with your husband-to-be and discuss your current financial situation. Check your individual credit scores and reports at Credit Karma to make sure your finances are in good shape.
Once you’ve created this financial vision and ballpark budget for how much you want to spend, it’s time to outline a more detailed budget. Agree on what aspects of the wedding are most important to you as a couple and allocate the budget accordingly.
Changing up the location where you get married will help you bring costs down quickly with little sacrifice. Explore renting a non-traditional wedding space. Weather permitting, a pavilion or outdoor area can be charming.
Thinking differently can be a smart financial choice
Limit the bar selection to beer and wine, or a signature cocktail. If you shop for a dress at retailers like J. Crew, you can find simple, elegant wedding gowns without the eye-popping price tag. You can cut back on stationery costs by printing invitations and save the date cards yourself.