Everyone knows that planning a wedding costs a good chunk of change. However, plenty of couples struggle when it comes to figuring out how to best use their budgets. Though there are plenty of obstacles you can expect to encounter, there are also just as many solutions. Review these common wedding mistakes and learn how you can maximize your budget throughout the entire planning process.
No Budget Breakdown
Setting a budget is Wedding Planning 101. Still, you might not be creating a budget that accurately reflects your wedding expenses. First and foremost, you must figure out if anyone will be helping you pay for any of the costs. If you’re making assumptions that family members will be contributing to the expenses, you could be in for a very unfortunate awakening when the time comes to pay the bill. Reach out to anyone who offered to help, get an exact idea of how much those individuals can put forward, and create a realistic budget.
The breakdown of the budget should also include any and all fees. From the tips you give the catering staff to the gas your car needs to get to the venue on time, any amount you have to spend should be documented and accounted for in your budget.
No Budget Tracking
Though it is far from easy, establishing a budget is actually the simplest part of the financial side of your wedding. What more couples seem to struggle with is tracking their spending. It doesn’t do you much good to know how much you can afford to spend on a service if you fail to remember how much you have already spent. If a particular vendor costs a bit more or less than you had initially accounted for, you absolutely want to make sure your budget reflects this change.
Monitor your spending in whatever method works best for you. Some people find an app downloaded on a digital device is the perfect solution. Other couples use the traditional pen-and-paper tactic to have a physical budget they can refer to at all times.
No Flexibility
No matter how much time you put into creating a budget, you never know what circumstances can arise and create drastic changes. Your vendors can only control so much when it comes to costs. In fact, many businesses will only provide general quotes on price at first. This is because there are all kinds of factors that can change what a service will cost. Though it can be frustrating to learn you need to spend more on a cake or bouquet, you will find that flexibility helps you get the most out of your budget.
When you know how to roll with the punches, you stand to land better deals. Should a vendor alert you to a problem, having an amiable response to the news increases the odds the business will want to work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.
No Free Services
Some vendors will allow for a free trial in order to show a couple what they can do. However, this is not always the case. In fact, many vendors have begun to charge potential clients for the trials because of the expenses related to conducting them. Before you attend a trial and assume that it won’t cost you anything, ask directly. Should you sit through a hair appointment and learn you now owe several hundred dollars, it can severely eat into your budget in a way that you didn’t anticipate.
Budgeting for your wedding can be a major headache, but you can find relief by taking your time. Have a plan from the start that covers all major expenses and takes common mistakes into consideration and you are likely to see the best possible results.
If you are planning to wed in the near future, consider these financial suggestions in order to help you save and budget for your big day.
Recent financial reports state the average cost of a wedding in Canada is about $29,450, according to WeddingWire. This number is quite high, especially when considering that younger couples make slightly less income than previous generations when weighted against inflation. Whether you plan on holding a lavish event or an intimate gathering, it is important to save enough money for your big day. If you’ve still got a bit of time before you walk down the aisle, it is wise to look into different tactics for setting funds aside. Explore these financial suggestions and learn how to save for your upcoming wedding.
Setting Financial Goals and a Budget
Having a general desire to save money is often not enough of a motivator to turn the idea into a reality. Therefore, financial experts often suggest setting goals to see greater success. Having a tangible objective to work toward can make it a lot easier for you to measure the process and determine whether or not you’re on the right path. In this scenario, your ultimate goal is to save for your wedding. To simplify matters even more, set smaller goals along the way, like saving enough for a venue deposit and similar early planning expenses.
As you create goals, you also want to set a budget for the event. Without a firm budget to work from, you run the risk of spending way more than you can afford. Do not let the national average of almost $30,000 per wedding intimidate you. It is entirely possible to set a much smaller budget and still have a fantastic event. To be as accurate as possible with your budget, talk to your partner about topics like how many guests to invite, specific traditions that need to be included, and whatever else will dictate your available funds.
Existing Debt
There is a rising issue with debt in Canada at the moment. In 2019, financial experts reported that roughly 47% of Canadians claimed to be living with unmanageable levels of debt. If this sounds familiar, you may wonder how it is even possible to pay for a wedding. While you shouldn’t let your financial obligations hold you back from making important life decisions, paying down your existing debt can be a good idea. Making higher consistent payments and paying off whatever possible can improve your credit score and increase your odds of being approved for a loan.
On the topic of credit cards, it can also be useful to look into the various reward programs you are enrolled in. Putting wedding-related purchases on cards with advantageous reward systems can do wonders for your finances. For example, it is entirely possible with some credit companies to earn enough points on wedding purchases to pay for the expenses related to a honeymoon. Take a look at your credit cards and see which option will yield you the best long-term results to make the most out of your available finances.
Making Adjustments
To accommodate a big expense like a wedding, you need to make adjustments to the way you go about your everyday routine. The less you spend on a daily basis, the more you will have to work with for your wedding. If you and your partner order food a lot, make a concerted effort to cook at home instead. Find the changes in your routine that will yield the biggest results. You might not be able to pay for the whole event with the money you save from cutting back on to-go coffee, but the additional funds will help.
Though it might seem impossible to save enough money for the wedding of your dreams, there are strategies that can improve your odds. By creating a budget early, you will be able to make the right adjustments to your spending habits in order to accommodate the many expenses related to your big day.
Planning a wedding can be a big financial endeavor. Here are a few ways to start thinking about money to help you plan for the big day.
Planning a wedding can be a very expensive endeavor. Whether you’re aiming for a larger affair or an intimate gathering, you need to have enough money in your budget to cover all associated expenses. It may seem daunting, but there are simple ways to see success. Giving yourself time to sit down with your significant other and create a financial plan can do wonders for the process. There are also a handful of simple ways you can adjust your lifestyle in order to save money for your big day.
Look over these financial suggestions on how to start saving money right now for your wedding. A little research and preparation will go a long way in your attempts to improve your budget.
Assess Your Debt
Most people in the current day and age are living with debt. Whether you’ve taken out loans to cover school or you have a few credit cards you need to pay off, being in debt can inhibit your ability to get ahead with your finances. As you discuss your budget with your partner, work on creating a plan of action for paying down your debt. While making minimum payments might seem sensible for managing your financial health, there are more advantages to getting rid of as much debt as possible.
By lowering the balances on your credit cards, you are freeing up money that can be applied to your wedding. Credit is a great way to take care of expenses like florists or caterers, but you can’t use this option if your cards are all at their max. Paying down your debt can also help improve your credit score. This will help immensely later on if you and your new spouse consider buying a home together.
Get a Concrete Figure
Saving money is a lot easier when you have a concrete goal to work toward. In order to see success from your efforts, you may want to start researching how much it is going to cost you to host the wedding you envision. Call vendors and venues and get a feel for pricing. Learn about the fees associated with obtaining a marriage license and any other costs that you might be responsible for. Put everything together and see what your entire wedding is going to cost.
The number might be high at first, but don’t let this get to you. Now that you have a number, you can start crafting a real financial plan to pay for it all. To create a realistic budget, you might realize that you need to eliminate certain ideas or select less expensive vendors than you had originally planned. You won’t be able to make these adjustments until you have a concrete number to work with. Get started on this as soon as possible, and you’ll have an easier time managing your finances.
Financial Help
Finally, think about any relatives who may be willing to provide financial assistance. Parents and grandparents will often contribute to or cover the costs of specific services. If someone in your life has offered to help, contact them and get an idea of what they can pay for. While you should not expect the assistance, taking someone up on the offer can be a fantastic way for you to get more out of your budget.
Paying for a wedding might be a financial headache, but there are a number of different ways to make it work. Saving money for your big day is all about giving yourself time to assess your finances and craft a plan of action based off what you can afford. Find a plan that works for you and your partner, and get started on saving for your future.
A backyard wedding can be closer and more intimate than the traditional church wedding.
A backyard wedding can be a great alternative to traditional nuptials in a house of worship or an expensive venue. This is great for couples who want to publicly celebrate their love and long-term commitment while saving money. Arranging such an affair takes some time and careful planning to ensure you don’t miss any of the important details. Before you dive headfirst into pulling together your intimate backyard wedding, consider these important tips.
Decide on Your Backyard Wedding Budget Early
As couples like Leigha and Todd from Ontario frequently prove, it is possible to hold a lovely affair for less. Intimate Weddings profiled the pair in a 2015 featured post, detailing how they planned their 2014 ceremony and reception. They opted to keep the guest list small, with only 24 people in attendance. They also opted for a backyard wedding with home-cooked food for their guests. As Leigha revealed, this allowed them to devote significant portions of their budget to food, flowers, and photography. Overall, the couple spent less than $5,000. Similarly, if you know your own upper limits for what you and your sweetie can set aside for your nuptials, it will enable you to make decisions and prioritise where you spend your money.
Is Your Backyard Ready?
Of course, the backyard or acreage in which you hold your nuptials must be prepared for you, your sweetie, and your guests. HGTV Canada published several tips in an October 2016 article about backyard weddings, recommending that you examine the land and layout of your yard first. The level of the ground is important, as you’ll need to know whether your land is flat or sloping, as well as the approximate number of people it can realistically hold. If you evaluate your yard and then realise it will not hold 100 people comfortably, you have a crucial choice to make: Either invite fewer people or decide on another location for your nuptials.
In addition, you must consider other factors besides the size and layout of your yard while planning. If your location boasts a lot of natural flora and greenery, you could save significantly when it comes to site decorations and flower arrangements. Moreover, you should think about how to accommodate parking for your guests as well as be prepared for any potential noise concerns from your neighbours.
A Wedding at Home Isn’t Always Cheaper
With a backyard wedding, the costs can be as much or as little as you make them. In other words, you can plan anything from a lavish, extravagant affair to a simple yet tasteful celebration. It’s all in the details—or rather, the prices of them. Shop wisely, and get a good idea of what each item will cost before paying any money or signing contracts. You’ll need to factor in extra items that you don’t require for an indoor celebration, like tents, tables, and seating. If you’re aiming for less expensive nuptials, consider these cost-cutting ideas:
Hold a breakfast, brunch, or lunchtime reception.
Choose fresh flowers for only the wedding party and ceremonial focal points.
Wed on an off-peak day or time, avoiding Saturday evenings.
Purchase inexpensive party decorations in bulk.
Design and print your own invitations and programs.
Planning Your Affair Takes Attention to Detail and Forethought
There’s no need to stress over your upcoming nuptials. Nevertheless, making sure that you take the time to plan the details is important to ensuring your backyard wedding happens with as few complications as possible. Thinking of the size of your guest list, your budget, your physical location, and other important factors will aid you in successfully arranging your special day.
Choosing the right wedding venue can be essential to making your big day absolutely perfect.
The wedding venue accounts for a large part of the budget and the look of your wedding. You really cannot move forward with any of the planning until you choose a venue. However, it can be very overwhelming to look at all the options. Consider these questions when choosing your wedding location:
What type of wedding do you want to have?
The style of your wedding is probably one of the most important considerations. If you are having a modern, elegant wedding, you want to look for places that give you those vibes. Maybe there is a place that is particularly meaningful to you and your partner, and you really want to go there. You need to think about what you want your wedding to look like.
How many guests do you expect to attend?
Even if you don’t have budget restraints, most places have a limit on how many people the venue can hold. Most places are limited by local regulations and restrictions, not because they want you to keep your guest list to a minimum. You should also remember to consider the logistics of getting everyone to this place. Is there parking? Will you need to hire a bus or limousine to transport family?
What are the budget considerations?
The wedding venue can be very expensive. You have to consider how much you want to spend on the venue for the ceremony and the reception. But your budget is not the only consideration. You should also think about your guest list. Are your friends still in school? Can your extended family afford to fly to a luxury resort? Of course, you can choose to have that expensive destination wedding, but remember that if you want people to attend, you might need to look at places that are accessible and affordable.
How much planning do you want to do and how much control do you need?
When it comes to some venues, you may be limited on the approved vendor list. You may have to work with a caterer who doesn’t offer the food you want. Some destination wedding locations have package deals, which make planning easy. However, you may not have many choices.
On the other hand, choosing a unique destination where you have a stunning backdrop may have its own challenges. You may have to work with each local vendor yourself and piece together the things you need to make guests comfortable. You have a lot of control this way, but it will take time to find the right vendors to provide what you want.
How much money do you have for vendors?
If you are planning a lovely wedding in the mountains of Banff, you may need to pay for flowers to be shipped in. You may also find that there are fewer local vendors to provide different services. Will you have to provide travel expenses for your officiant? You have to ask yourself lots of questions about your budget before nailing a location down.
Special Requirements to Consider Chile Choosing a Wedding Venue
Don’t forget to think about the weather. Even if you’re planning an indoor ceremony and reception, you should think about what the weather could do to your plans. When you get closer to choosing a venue, ask about the rules and regulations. Some churches may not allow alcohol to be served on site. You might also want to consider locations that accommodate guests with disabilities or children.
It will take time to choose the venue that fits your needs, but it’s worth the research. Don’t forget to check on deposits and contracts and make sure your date is locked in before you move forward. Confirm everything with the venue coordinator and check in with them about every other month to make sure you’re on the calendar. Have a great wedding by getting the venue right.
Due to the popularity of the movie “Frozen”, more and more people are placing their wedding date in the winter.
Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding and one of the first decisions that you have to make is the date. Some couples have a special day and won’t even think about choosing another wedding date, but many people aren’t even sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you narrow the choices and select a date that will work for you.
What’s Your Dream Wedding?
When you see yourself getting married, you have to know what you envision as your ideal. Maybe you want to be married in a lush rose garden, which might mean a late spring or early summer wedding. If you’ve always wanted to get married in a vineyard, you might have to think late September or October. With the popularity of the movie “Frozen,” more couples are thinking of a beautiful white, winter wedding. Choose a season that fits your imagination.
Consider the Weather
Even if your wedding is inside, you should take into account the weather when planning the date. If you imagine the groom wearing a tux or full suit, the middle of summer might not be the best choice. It’s just too hot to be so formal in 100-degree weather. The other factor in considering the weather is your guests’ comfort. If you’re having an outside wedding, you don’t want your guests to bake in the sun or freeze because it’s too cold. Of course, there are always unseasonable temperatures, but you can’t control everything.
Consider Your Budget
There’s a reason June, September and October are popular months to get married in, and it’s because the weather is generally fairly dependable. Vendors know that these are popular months, and the prices go up during the wedding season. If you have a strict budget, you might want to consider an off-season wedding. But you do need think about sacrifices in other areas, because specialty flowers aren’t always as readily available in off-season months. Saving money with the venue, then spending it on flowers doesn’t make the most sense if you’re trying to save money.
Special Occasions to Consider for Your Wedding Date
It might be nice to get married on New Year’s Eve, because the date will always be special in more ways than one. When considering your wedding date, you have to consider the holiday season. On Valentine’s Day, roses tend to be more expensive, which could increase your budget. If you live in a college town, you may also have to think about sports events, such as homecoming. This might make it difficult for your friends and family to find reasonable accommodations. Hotels, flights and car rentals all tend to get more expensive on holiday weekends and when demand is higher.
Another element in looking at special dates is that of those dates special to you and your spouse. Whether it’s the day you met or your grandparent’s anniversary, you may be looking at one particular date. Consider how important the actual date is versus some flexibility in scheduling.
The Venues May Have Limited Availability
Once you choose your ideal date, you have to work it out with your venues. Often, churches won’t hold weddings on Sundays because they are using the facility for their own services. With some places, you may have to work around corporate events or other weddings. Again, some flexibility is always good when planning, especially when you have a short time frame.
Decide what’s most important to you when choosing your wedding date and what you won’t compromise on. Check with family members and your wedding party to make sure you’re not planning your wedding on top of someone’s graduation from college or silver anniversary wedding trip. It will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Although you cannot plan for every contingency, you can really consider some of the most important factors in choosing your wedding date to have the wedding of your dreams.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
Everyone knows that planning a wedding costs a good chunk of change. However, plenty of couples struggle when it comes to figuring out how to best use their budgets. Though there are plenty of obstacles you can expect to encounter, there are also just as many solutions. Review these common wedding mistakes and learn how you can maximize your budget throughout the entire planning process.
No Budget Breakdown
Setting a budget is Wedding Planning 101. Still, you might not be creating a budget that accurately reflects your wedding expenses. First and foremost, you must figure out if anyone will be helping you pay for any of the costs. If you’re making assumptions that family members will be contributing to the expenses, you could be in for a very unfortunate awakening when the time comes to pay the bill. Reach out to anyone who offered to help, get an exact idea of how much those individuals can put forward, and create a realistic budget.
The breakdown of the budget should also include any and all fees. From the tips you give the catering staff to the gas your car needs to get to the venue on time, any amount you have to spend should be documented and accounted for in your budget.
No Budget Tracking
Though it is far from easy, establishing a budget is actually the simplest part of the financial side of your wedding. What more couples seem to struggle with is tracking their spending. It doesn’t do you much good to know how much you can afford to spend on a service if you fail to remember how much you have already spent. If a particular vendor costs a bit more or less than you had initially accounted for, you absolutely want to make sure your budget reflects this change.
Monitor your spending in whatever method works best for you. Some people find an app downloaded on a digital device is the perfect solution. Other couples use the traditional pen-and-paper tactic to have a physical budget they can refer to at all times.
No Flexibility
No matter how much time you put into creating a budget, you never know what circumstances can arise and create drastic changes. Your vendors can only control so much when it comes to costs. In fact, many businesses will only provide general quotes on price at first. This is because there are all kinds of factors that can change what a service will cost. Though it can be frustrating to learn you need to spend more on a cake or bouquet, you will find that flexibility helps you get the most out of your budget.
When you know how to roll with the punches, you stand to land better deals. Should a vendor alert you to a problem, having an amiable response to the news increases the odds the business will want to work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.
No Free Services
Some vendors will allow for a free trial in order to show a couple what they can do. However, this is not always the case. In fact, many vendors have begun to charge potential clients for the trials because of the expenses related to conducting them. Before you attend a trial and assume that it won’t cost you anything, ask directly. Should you sit through a hair appointment and learn you now owe several hundred dollars, it can severely eat into your budget in a way that you didn’t anticipate.
Budgeting for your wedding can be a major headache, but you can find relief by taking your time. Have a plan from the start that covers all major expenses and takes common mistakes into consideration and you are likely to see the best possible results.
If you are planning to wed in the near future, consider these financial suggestions in order to help you save and budget for your big day.
Recent financial reports state the average cost of a wedding in Canada is about $29,450, according to WeddingWire. This number is quite high, especially when considering that younger couples make slightly less income than previous generations when weighted against inflation. Whether you plan on holding a lavish event or an intimate gathering, it is important to save enough money for your big day. If you’ve still got a bit of time before you walk down the aisle, it is wise to look into different tactics for setting funds aside. Explore these financial suggestions and learn how to save for your upcoming wedding.
Setting Financial Goals and a Budget
Having a general desire to save money is often not enough of a motivator to turn the idea into a reality. Therefore, financial experts often suggest setting goals to see greater success. Having a tangible objective to work toward can make it a lot easier for you to measure the process and determine whether or not you’re on the right path. In this scenario, your ultimate goal is to save for your wedding. To simplify matters even more, set smaller goals along the way, like saving enough for a venue deposit and similar early planning expenses.
As you create goals, you also want to set a budget for the event. Without a firm budget to work from, you run the risk of spending way more than you can afford. Do not let the national average of almost $30,000 per wedding intimidate you. It is entirely possible to set a much smaller budget and still have a fantastic event. To be as accurate as possible with your budget, talk to your partner about topics like how many guests to invite, specific traditions that need to be included, and whatever else will dictate your available funds.
Existing Debt
There is a rising issue with debt in Canada at the moment. In 2019, financial experts reported that roughly 47% of Canadians claimed to be living with unmanageable levels of debt. If this sounds familiar, you may wonder how it is even possible to pay for a wedding. While you shouldn’t let your financial obligations hold you back from making important life decisions, paying down your existing debt can be a good idea. Making higher consistent payments and paying off whatever possible can improve your credit score and increase your odds of being approved for a loan.
On the topic of credit cards, it can also be useful to look into the various reward programs you are enrolled in. Putting wedding-related purchases on cards with advantageous reward systems can do wonders for your finances. For example, it is entirely possible with some credit companies to earn enough points on wedding purchases to pay for the expenses related to a honeymoon. Take a look at your credit cards and see which option will yield you the best long-term results to make the most out of your available finances.
Making Adjustments
To accommodate a big expense like a wedding, you need to make adjustments to the way you go about your everyday routine. The less you spend on a daily basis, the more you will have to work with for your wedding. If you and your partner order food a lot, make a concerted effort to cook at home instead. Find the changes in your routine that will yield the biggest results. You might not be able to pay for the whole event with the money you save from cutting back on to-go coffee, but the additional funds will help.
Though it might seem impossible to save enough money for the wedding of your dreams, there are strategies that can improve your odds. By creating a budget early, you will be able to make the right adjustments to your spending habits in order to accommodate the many expenses related to your big day.
Planning a wedding can be a big financial endeavor. Here are a few ways to start thinking about money to help you plan for the big day.
Planning a wedding can be a very expensive endeavor. Whether you’re aiming for a larger affair or an intimate gathering, you need to have enough money in your budget to cover all associated expenses. It may seem daunting, but there are simple ways to see success. Giving yourself time to sit down with your significant other and create a financial plan can do wonders for the process. There are also a handful of simple ways you can adjust your lifestyle in order to save money for your big day.
Look over these financial suggestions on how to start saving money right now for your wedding. A little research and preparation will go a long way in your attempts to improve your budget.
Assess Your Debt
Most people in the current day and age are living with debt. Whether you’ve taken out loans to cover school or you have a few credit cards you need to pay off, being in debt can inhibit your ability to get ahead with your finances. As you discuss your budget with your partner, work on creating a plan of action for paying down your debt. While making minimum payments might seem sensible for managing your financial health, there are more advantages to getting rid of as much debt as possible.
By lowering the balances on your credit cards, you are freeing up money that can be applied to your wedding. Credit is a great way to take care of expenses like florists or caterers, but you can’t use this option if your cards are all at their max. Paying down your debt can also help improve your credit score. This will help immensely later on if you and your new spouse consider buying a home together.
Get a Concrete Figure
Saving money is a lot easier when you have a concrete goal to work toward. In order to see success from your efforts, you may want to start researching how much it is going to cost you to host the wedding you envision. Call vendors and venues and get a feel for pricing. Learn about the fees associated with obtaining a marriage license and any other costs that you might be responsible for. Put everything together and see what your entire wedding is going to cost.
The number might be high at first, but don’t let this get to you. Now that you have a number, you can start crafting a real financial plan to pay for it all. To create a realistic budget, you might realize that you need to eliminate certain ideas or select less expensive vendors than you had originally planned. You won’t be able to make these adjustments until you have a concrete number to work with. Get started on this as soon as possible, and you’ll have an easier time managing your finances.
Financial Help
Finally, think about any relatives who may be willing to provide financial assistance. Parents and grandparents will often contribute to or cover the costs of specific services. If someone in your life has offered to help, contact them and get an idea of what they can pay for. While you should not expect the assistance, taking someone up on the offer can be a fantastic way for you to get more out of your budget.
Paying for a wedding might be a financial headache, but there are a number of different ways to make it work. Saving money for your big day is all about giving yourself time to assess your finances and craft a plan of action based off what you can afford. Find a plan that works for you and your partner, and get started on saving for your future.
A backyard wedding can be closer and more intimate than the traditional church wedding.
A backyard wedding can be a great alternative to traditional nuptials in a house of worship or an expensive venue. This is great for couples who want to publicly celebrate their love and long-term commitment while saving money. Arranging such an affair takes some time and careful planning to ensure you don’t miss any of the important details. Before you dive headfirst into pulling together your intimate backyard wedding, consider these important tips.
Decide on Your Backyard Wedding Budget Early
As couples like Leigha and Todd from Ontario frequently prove, it is possible to hold a lovely affair for less. Intimate Weddings profiled the pair in a 2015 featured post, detailing how they planned their 2014 ceremony and reception. They opted to keep the guest list small, with only 24 people in attendance. They also opted for a backyard wedding with home-cooked food for their guests. As Leigha revealed, this allowed them to devote significant portions of their budget to food, flowers, and photography. Overall, the couple spent less than $5,000. Similarly, if you know your own upper limits for what you and your sweetie can set aside for your nuptials, it will enable you to make decisions and prioritise where you spend your money.
Is Your Backyard Ready?
Of course, the backyard or acreage in which you hold your nuptials must be prepared for you, your sweetie, and your guests. HGTV Canada published several tips in an October 2016 article about backyard weddings, recommending that you examine the land and layout of your yard first. The level of the ground is important, as you’ll need to know whether your land is flat or sloping, as well as the approximate number of people it can realistically hold. If you evaluate your yard and then realise it will not hold 100 people comfortably, you have a crucial choice to make: Either invite fewer people or decide on another location for your nuptials.
In addition, you must consider other factors besides the size and layout of your yard while planning. If your location boasts a lot of natural flora and greenery, you could save significantly when it comes to site decorations and flower arrangements. Moreover, you should think about how to accommodate parking for your guests as well as be prepared for any potential noise concerns from your neighbours.
A Wedding at Home Isn’t Always Cheaper
With a backyard wedding, the costs can be as much or as little as you make them. In other words, you can plan anything from a lavish, extravagant affair to a simple yet tasteful celebration. It’s all in the details—or rather, the prices of them. Shop wisely, and get a good idea of what each item will cost before paying any money or signing contracts. You’ll need to factor in extra items that you don’t require for an indoor celebration, like tents, tables, and seating. If you’re aiming for less expensive nuptials, consider these cost-cutting ideas:
Hold a breakfast, brunch, or lunchtime reception.
Choose fresh flowers for only the wedding party and ceremonial focal points.
Wed on an off-peak day or time, avoiding Saturday evenings.
Purchase inexpensive party decorations in bulk.
Design and print your own invitations and programs.
Planning Your Affair Takes Attention to Detail and Forethought
There’s no need to stress over your upcoming nuptials. Nevertheless, making sure that you take the time to plan the details is important to ensuring your backyard wedding happens with as few complications as possible. Thinking of the size of your guest list, your budget, your physical location, and other important factors will aid you in successfully arranging your special day.
Choosing the right wedding venue can be essential to making your big day absolutely perfect.
The wedding venue accounts for a large part of the budget and the look of your wedding. You really cannot move forward with any of the planning until you choose a venue. However, it can be very overwhelming to look at all the options. Consider these questions when choosing your wedding location:
What type of wedding do you want to have?
The style of your wedding is probably one of the most important considerations. If you are having a modern, elegant wedding, you want to look for places that give you those vibes. Maybe there is a place that is particularly meaningful to you and your partner, and you really want to go there. You need to think about what you want your wedding to look like.
How many guests do you expect to attend?
Even if you don’t have budget restraints, most places have a limit on how many people the venue can hold. Most places are limited by local regulations and restrictions, not because they want you to keep your guest list to a minimum. You should also remember to consider the logistics of getting everyone to this place. Is there parking? Will you need to hire a bus or limousine to transport family?
What are the budget considerations?
The wedding venue can be very expensive. You have to consider how much you want to spend on the venue for the ceremony and the reception. But your budget is not the only consideration. You should also think about your guest list. Are your friends still in school? Can your extended family afford to fly to a luxury resort? Of course, you can choose to have that expensive destination wedding, but remember that if you want people to attend, you might need to look at places that are accessible and affordable.
How much planning do you want to do and how much control do you need?
When it comes to some venues, you may be limited on the approved vendor list. You may have to work with a caterer who doesn’t offer the food you want. Some destination wedding locations have package deals, which make planning easy. However, you may not have many choices.
On the other hand, choosing a unique destination where you have a stunning backdrop may have its own challenges. You may have to work with each local vendor yourself and piece together the things you need to make guests comfortable. You have a lot of control this way, but it will take time to find the right vendors to provide what you want.
How much money do you have for vendors?
If you are planning a lovely wedding in the mountains of Banff, you may need to pay for flowers to be shipped in. You may also find that there are fewer local vendors to provide different services. Will you have to provide travel expenses for your officiant? You have to ask yourself lots of questions about your budget before nailing a location down.
Special Requirements to Consider Chile Choosing a Wedding Venue
Don’t forget to think about the weather. Even if you’re planning an indoor ceremony and reception, you should think about what the weather could do to your plans. When you get closer to choosing a venue, ask about the rules and regulations. Some churches may not allow alcohol to be served on site. You might also want to consider locations that accommodate guests with disabilities or children.
It will take time to choose the venue that fits your needs, but it’s worth the research. Don’t forget to check on deposits and contracts and make sure your date is locked in before you move forward. Confirm everything with the venue coordinator and check in with them about every other month to make sure you’re on the calendar. Have a great wedding by getting the venue right.
Due to the popularity of the movie “Frozen”, more and more people are placing their wedding date in the winter.
Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding and one of the first decisions that you have to make is the date. Some couples have a special day and won’t even think about choosing another wedding date, but many people aren’t even sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you narrow the choices and select a date that will work for you.
What’s Your Dream Wedding?
When you see yourself getting married, you have to know what you envision as your ideal. Maybe you want to be married in a lush rose garden, which might mean a late spring or early summer wedding. If you’ve always wanted to get married in a vineyard, you might have to think late September or October. With the popularity of the movie “Frozen,” more couples are thinking of a beautiful white, winter wedding. Choose a season that fits your imagination.
Consider the Weather
Even if your wedding is inside, you should take into account the weather when planning the date. If you imagine the groom wearing a tux or full suit, the middle of summer might not be the best choice. It’s just too hot to be so formal in 100-degree weather. The other factor in considering the weather is your guests’ comfort. If you’re having an outside wedding, you don’t want your guests to bake in the sun or freeze because it’s too cold. Of course, there are always unseasonable temperatures, but you can’t control everything.
Consider Your Budget
There’s a reason June, September and October are popular months to get married in, and it’s because the weather is generally fairly dependable. Vendors know that these are popular months, and the prices go up during the wedding season. If you have a strict budget, you might want to consider an off-season wedding. But you do need think about sacrifices in other areas, because specialty flowers aren’t always as readily available in off-season months. Saving money with the venue, then spending it on flowers doesn’t make the most sense if you’re trying to save money.
Special Occasions to Consider for Your Wedding Date
It might be nice to get married on New Year’s Eve, because the date will always be special in more ways than one. When considering your wedding date, you have to consider the holiday season. On Valentine’s Day, roses tend to be more expensive, which could increase your budget. If you live in a college town, you may also have to think about sports events, such as homecoming. This might make it difficult for your friends and family to find reasonable accommodations. Hotels, flights and car rentals all tend to get more expensive on holiday weekends and when demand is higher.
Another element in looking at special dates is that of those dates special to you and your spouse. Whether it’s the day you met or your grandparent’s anniversary, you may be looking at one particular date. Consider how important the actual date is versus some flexibility in scheduling.
The Venues May Have Limited Availability
Once you choose your ideal date, you have to work it out with your venues. Often, churches won’t hold weddings on Sundays because they are using the facility for their own services. With some places, you may have to work around corporate events or other weddings. Again, some flexibility is always good when planning, especially when you have a short time frame.
Decide what’s most important to you when choosing your wedding date and what you won’t compromise on. Check with family members and your wedding party to make sure you’re not planning your wedding on top of someone’s graduation from college or silver anniversary wedding trip. It will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Although you cannot plan for every contingency, you can really consider some of the most important factors in choosing your wedding date to have the wedding of your dreams.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
