With all the talk of spending cuts and tax rises, some brides are understandably a bit worried about their wedding plans being effected in one way or another. I have put together a few tips to keep you calm and in control of your budget so you don’t have to worry about every penny.

Money pile seen on Viktorijos

• Know your budget - It is boring, but if you do need to think about your budget, it is unfortunately necessary! A surprising number of couples start planning without deciding a budget – which is fine for those with no money worries, but not fine for everyone. Keep track of what you are spending and when payments are due, so you are not faced with any surprises later on – as things quickly add up!
• Get creative - Making your own centrepieces, favours or invitations and matching stationary can save a lot of money, as well adding a personal touch to the day. Hobbycraft and EBay are fantastic for crafty bits such as card, ribbon, embellishments, favour boxes and florist accessories.

1 – DIY Invites seen on PRLog 2 – Birdcage seen on BravoBride 3 – DIY Cookie Favours seen on Intimate Weddings

• Insurance and backups - It is certainly advisable to take out wedding insurance at the outset to protect against unforeseen circumstances. You should also have the details of backup suppliers at the ready, just in case the wedding dress shop/photographer/florist is unable to provide the service promised. Your wedding planner would have trusted emergency suppliers that can step in at short notice.

• Use “The Sales” - Practically everywhere you go at the moment there is some kind of sale or special offer – take advantage! Find out when your local wedding dress shops are having their sales and get there early! Some other items easy to purchase at a discount are bridesmaid dresses, accessories, shoes, favours etc. You can even save money on your honeymoon by looking out for flight sales and hotel offers.

Shopping lady seen on Alice’s Closet

• Spread it out - It is very tempting to put off buying the bits you need until “nearer the time”, but this is the worst thing you can do as you end up with the cost coming all at once. Make a list of all the things you need to purchase for the wedding and spread the buying over the months leading up to the big day, so you do not get a shock having to pay for it all at once!
• Get married “off peak” – A wedding on a Friday or Saturday in the summer months will usually cost more, so why not go for a beautiful winter wedding, or get married on a Sunday or weekday. Venues and also other suppliers often offer discounts for weddings at these off peak times.

Winter Wedding seen on Kadee’s Wedding

• Enlist the services of a wedding planner - Some people may think they do not want the extra cost of a wedding planner when they can plan it all themselves! This is however a bit of a false economy as a good wedding planner will save you time, money and stress by using their professional knowledge, fabulous contacts and trusted suppliers to build your perfect wedding day. A major advantage of a wedding planner is that suppliers usually give discounts to planners brides, not available to the general public.
• Something borrowed - Most brides will want something borrowed to go with the traditional “something old, new, borrowed, blue” rhyme. Perhaps your sister or friend got married recently and they have a beautiful veil or sparkly tiara gathering dust or even 200 tea-light holders under their bed!

Tags: My Articles, Wedding Budget, Wedding Tips

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