There’s nothing more exciting than planning for the day that you get to marry the love of your life, but it comes with its own set of challenges too. Money is one of the largest stressors for soon-to-be brides and grooms, but setting a budget for your big day and having a plan in place can make all the difference. We have collected a few ways you can have the wedding of your dreams without hurting your wallet too much in the process. 

The funding for your wedding may be coming from your own pocket, so there is no better time to start saving than right after your engagement. Start by reviewing your current finances to find areas in which you can save and set aside money for your big day. 

Focus on your largest expenses first, as cut-backs from these costs yield the most savings. Then address the smaller costs, like your daily Starbucks or going out to eat every weekend at your favorite restaurant. Step one would be trying to refrain from these and other similar daily spending habits. Put all the extra cash from these types of expenses in a jar or bank account. Label it “wedding funds” to keep your eyes on the prize. As this account of jar grows, your drive to save more and excitement for your big day will grow too. 

If your parents or loved ones are contributing to your wedding day, sit down and determine specific elements they can fund, or what portion of the budget for your big day they can assist with. If this isn’t an option you may want to consider a wedding loan. Wedding loans incur minimal interest and can be paid off post-wedding in manageable monthly installments.  If you need a significant amount of money and already own a home you may want to consider using a portion of your home’s equity. It will help cover larger expenses to fund your dream wedding and take some of the pressure off. Any type of loan or financial help from a relative could be the extra boost you need when creating a budget for your big day.

With your funds outlined, you can begin to design your wedding budget in a way that works best for you and your partner. Create a list of needs, want’s, and must-haves. This will be the basis for your budget and determines the areas where you may be able to save and where you can spare no expense. 

Use this list to categorize each expenditure from most to least expensive, prioritizing as you go. Be sure to do your research, collect estimates from vendors, and take stock of what you already have prior to designing your budget as well. This will give you a more accurate total and allow you to save the right amount for your big day.

Leave a section in your budget that will act as an emergency fund in the case surprise expenses arise. No wedding is void of hiccups here and there, so being prepared ahead of time will reduce stress and prevent you from having to tap into your personal savings. 

Now that you have a budget, it’s time to stick to it! Overspending can be easy to do when in the planning phase, and sometimes the reality of how much you spent doesn’t set in until after you say “I do.” 

To prevent overspending, set up a separate savings account that does not exceed the overall total you calculated in the budget for your big day. Make sure this account is not connected to your personal savings as well. Deposit any contributions from loved ones and be sure to monitor how much money you are depositing and withdrawing. This will keep you on track and will also help when it comes to decision making while planning. 

It can be easy to overcharge on your credit cards too, which can lead to high levels of debt. Don’t start your life together drowning in financial stress. Try to pay with cash when possible and use checks that withdraw from your separate wedding account instead of charging your credit card. 

Finding the right vendors for your wedding takes time and research. Keep the budget for your big day in mind, determine what vendors you need vs. want, and create a list. Begin with the perfect location, with all other vendors revolving around where your wedding will take place.  All vendors have varying prices, it is important to shop around. It also never hurts to ask vendors you really like that seem to expensive if they have any options or packages that may better fit the budget for your big day. 

If you get stuck, reach out to a wedding planner to help design your wedding and connect you with vendors. A wedding planner will help you stick to your budget and take some responsibility off of your shoulders. Knowing the industry well, they can connect you with the right vendors and take care of all the minor details, sometimes at a discounted rate! You’ll also be able to remain on schedule and have every detail of your wedding day accounted for with little to no stress on you.

As you search for vendors and iron out the finer details of your big day, you might find that you are exceeding your budget in some areas. Don’t fret – instead, get creative! Scavenge your home for small items you might be able to use and already own. Design them to match your theme or have some stylish mismatched decor.

DIY projects can save you tons and will give your wedding a more personal touch. For decorative pieces to make your venue feel more festive, purchase affordable craft supplies, and make your own! Cut out old photos of moments you have shared with your partner and use them as a decorative story throughout the reception space. Reach out to friends and family too for some ideas and items they feel would fit in with your overall theme. 

For larger expenses like the venue or catering, consider scheduling your big day in the offseason or on a weekday for cheaper rates. Shrinking the guest list can also help to reduce costs. Go through the list with your partner and limit it to close loved ones for a more intimate celebration. If you just can’t seem to trim the guest list down, consider cutting back in other areas like food.

Budgeting for your wedding should also include your post-wedding plans, like a honeymoon. Setting yourselves up for an easy transition to newlyweds will give you more time to relax after the stress of planning your wedding, and make it more affordable to spend your honeymoon in your dream location. Check out this list of helpful ways to save for your perfect honeymoon. 

This can also be a great way to save for a new home, car, or even home furnishings to combine your styles into a home for both of you. Still keep a budget in mind when saving for these items, and don’t rush. You have the rest of your lives to spend with one another, so take each step one at a time.