It does not matter how grandly you have planned to get married or how many people you wish to invite to your wedding, but the significance of financial planning should never be underestimated. You may be planning a grand affair with 300-plus guests or an intimate ceremony in your backyard with only the closest people in attendance.
Brides in New Jersey always look for ways to save money. We all know how tough it is to set a wedding budget and stick to it. Let us help you and provide some tips to save money for your wedding.
1.Being honest and talking about money
Before spending money for your wedding, such as hiring a wedding venue, you must be honest and talk about money matters with your partner. As a couple, you must be aware of each other’s finances, including their debt and income.
You must decide to collaborate and get an idea of how much you would like to spend on the big day. An honest and open discussion would ensure you never disagree later on.
2.Starting a savings fund together
It can prove immensely helpful and even help you book one of those outdoor wedding venues you have been eyeing for quite a while. So, as soon as you get engaged to one another, decide how much each one of you allot to the fund every month.
If you can save even some money, you will be able to start your married life with at least some financial protection.
3.Create a budget and stick to it
If you want to get married at one of the luxury wedding venues, this is something that you must do. A vague idea of how much money you will have to spend on your wedding will never be helpful. Have money in a separate checking or savings account, and use it to pay your wedding bills.
This way, it would be easier for you to track your savings throughout. It would provide an idea of the kind of money that you have left in the account.
It would be better to dedicate one credit card to meeting all the expenses you incur in your wedding.
4.Talking to family members about their contribution
Sit down with your parents and any other family member you think would be willing to contribute financially to your wedding budget. A lot of couples make the mistake of avoiding this conversation.
Because, truth be told, talking about money can get rather uncomfortable. This discussion would tell you who could contribute to your wedding and who would not. It helps you plan properly right from the start.
5.Compiling a preliminary list of guests for the wedding
It is significant to consider the number of people you will invite to your wedding would go a long way in determining the budget. It is a crucial factor to narrow down the choices you have in wedding venues.
It is always better to have two lists – A and B –. The question that needs to be asked is who goes on which list. The A list should comprise the people closest to you, such as your immediate family members, closest colleagues, and friends.
6.Deciding on the time of the year
It is a crucial conversation because it helps manage expectations, narrows down venues, and compile a planning timeline. For example, have you always imagined that you would get married outside on the water? That is great, but in that case, you would probably have to look at June, July, and August.
On the other hand, do you want to get married in the fall with an hour devoted to outdoor cocktails? In that case, you should get married in September or early October at the latest. The thing is that you have to be realistic with your timing.
7.Hiring a wedding planner
The importance of this particular step cannot be stressed enough. When you are getting married, you must hire a wedding planner. It does not matter how organized, stylish, or experienced you are in planning a wedding.
You would need the professional support that wedding planners can provide at different times throughout your wedding, especially during the design and planning process. It is another reason you have wedding planners these days offering customized planning from the first day and full services along with a la carte add-ons.
8.How many guests can the wedding venue hold?
If you know the capacity of a wedding venue, it would be helpful to create the guest list accordingly. At the very least, it would help you decide on the wedding venue depending on the guest list designed.
Make sure to ask the wedding planner about the limits the venue may have on the number of guests for different times of the day and in terms of sitting and standing guests. Ask about specific spaces where you would want to hold your wedding.
9.How much does the venue charge?
Pricing is one of the most crucial aspects to finalize before determining the venue where you are getting married. Does the cost charged by the venue match your budget? It is significant to ensure that you have a clear outline of all the costs you would incur for getting married at that venue right from the start to the end.
It means that you avoid getting hit with those hidden costs. However, this lets you compare the venues, before making a final decision.
10.Does it offer catering services?
If you are not planning to throw the wedding party at a private space such as a family warehouse, you can be sure that these wedding venues – hotels, party halls, and marriage gardens – would have their catering services too.
In some venues, specific caterers get access to the kitchen, safety, and health facilities. Of course, it is always better to get married at an all-inclusive wedding venue. That way, you get to save money.
Conclusion
Apart from what we have said so far, there are several other steps that you can try in this regard. Try to save as much money as you can. Prioritize the most critical aspects of the wedding for you.
You must not let your wedding bankrupt you and try to limit the guest list as much as possible. Try to talk with a financial advisor if need be. In the end, remember it will be a beautiful day.