How to Make a Wedding Budget for The Big Day

As we officially enter spring, we’re seeing wedding season arrive in full swing. With weddings costing more and more each year, many people are struggling to keep up with these rising costs. According to the Knot, the national average cost of a wedding in 2018 was $33,931. That’s more than some individuals make in a year, so it’s no wonder so many couples are fighting to make ends meet.​

With so much pressure to keep up with the big wedding trend, how do you survive your own wedding without going broke? For most Americans, a large wedding isn’t worth losing your life savings over. Here’s how to make a wedding budget that will let you financially survive your wedding without compromising on the romance. 

1. Talk to Your Partner

The first step is to simply talk to your partner. You need to have a realistic, honest talk about money and expectations leading up to your wedding. You might be surprised to learn you and your special someone aren’t on the same page about major purchases like this. 

There’s a lot of evidence that supports couples who are on the same page about money are more likely to stay together. This definitely applies to wedding as well. If you’re dead-set on having a budget wedding but your partner is ready to go into debt for the same big day, this might be a sign you’re not ready to say “I do.”

2. Ditch the Wedding Magazines

Everywhere you look you’ll see big, extravagant weddings that have skipped no expense. Is this truly the reality? If you only ready wedding magazines, it’s easy to think there’s no other “right” way to throw a wedding.

In reality, weddings come in all shapes and sizes. A small intimate affair with your friends and family is all you need, if even that. That isn’t to say you can’t splurge in some areas, but break up with the wedding magazines that claim you “need” this and that to have a magical day. 

3. Avoid the Largest Expenses

Much of the expensive wedding process has been normalized, but that doesn’t mean you need to accept this in your own budget. Some of the largest expenses include the engagement ring, the dresses, and the event space. 

Avoiding these large expenses will go a long way to making your big day less costly. For examples, looking for affordable wedding and bridesmaids dresses will reduce the overall cost dramatically. Don’t drop thousands for something that will be worn for a few hours. Check out these Bridesmaid Dresses & Wedding Dresses | Azazie for inspiration.

4. Ask for Help

While you might not feel comfortable asking your friends and family for financial support for your wedding, don’t be afraid to recruit them in other ways. If your aunt is a fabulous baker, why not ask for her assistance making a DIY wedding cake? If your friend is the best go-to bartender in your friend group, see if they’ll bartend for an hour or two at your wedding. 

These small contributions make your special day even more personal, and you’d be surprised how much money you can save with these small changes. You have talented people in your life already, so why not bring them into this big day?

Host a Budget-Friendly Wedding You Can Afford

As we said before, it’s possible to have a wedding you love on a budget. With so many TV shows, movies, and magazines idolizing these over-the-top extravagant weddings, it’s hard to realize this isn’t necessary. 

Your wedding day is about sharing in a moment of declaration with your partner, not about spending the most money. Surviving your wedding financially isn’t always easy, but it is possible.