Planning a Wedding? These 10 Budgeting Tips Will Help You Save Money

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be accompanied by financial stress as couples face the challenge of making their perfect day a reality within a budget. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage expenses without compromising on the celebration. Brooke Harycki, VP, Consumer Banking Regional Manager, provides 10 essential budgeting tips that can help you save money while planning your wedding.

From setting a realistic budget to embracing DIY projects, these tips will guide you through making smart financial decisions. Learn how to prioritize your spending and discover creative ways to reduce costs, ensuring your wedding is both beautiful and affordable.

Saving Strategies for Your Wedding

Saving money for a wedding can be challenging, but with some strategic planning and smart choices, you can manage your finances effectively. Here are some easy ways to save money as you prepare for your special day:

• Set a realistic budget — Start by determining your total available funds, including contributions from family, and then prioritize expenses on what aspects of the day are most important to you and your future spouse. This approach helps ensure you allocate funds efficiently and avoid overspending.
• Plan a longer engagement — Having a longer engagement can give you more time to save and avoid the financial stress of paying for a wedding quickly.
• Cut back on non-essentials — Analyze your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. This might mean dining out, less expensive coffee runs and canceling unused subscriptions. 
• Something borrowed, something blue — Consider borrowing or shopping secondhand from family and friends who are willing to lend or sell decorations at a discounted price. 
• Seek help and advice — Talk to those you trust who were recently married. Is there anything they wish they had done differently or expenses that caught them by surprise? Where'd they find deals? 
• DIY – Enlist the help of family or friends and make memories with DIY projects. For example, you could make your own centerpieces or have a crafty relative construct a photo booth. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your wedding. 
• Shop sales and discounts — Purchase items like decorations, bridal party gifts and other wedding essentials during sales. 
• Choose an off-peak date — Certain seasons, like summer or autumn, may be more expensive for hosting a wedding. Picking a less popular season or day of the week may be a more affordable alternative. For example, while Saturdays are traditionally popular and expensive, hosting your wedding on a Friday or Sunday could be less costly. 
• Declutter and resell — If you don’t want your wedding décor to sit in a closet after the wedding, sell the items online or to someone you know. 
• Plan an intimate event — If you’re willing to cut down your guest list, an intimate wedding with your closest family members and friends can be one of the best ways to save money.

By implementing these strategies, you can save money and still have the perfect wedding without breaking the bank.

Financial Tools That’ll Help You Save

There are several financial tools that can help you save money effectively. Here are some to consider:

• Open a dedicated savings account — Create a separate savings account for wedding funds. This helps you track how much you’ve saved and prevents you from dipping into these funds for other expenses.
• Automate your savings — Set up automatic transfers from your checking to savings account and set aside these funds for wedding expenses only. 
• Utilize cash-back rewards — Designate spending categories and take advantage of reward points with a cash-back credit card. Some couples may even choose to use these rewards strategically to pay for a honeymoon. 
• Leverage financial planning apps — Use financial apps to help you track spending and savings in real-time. These apps can provide insights into your financial habits and help you stay on budget. 
• Set savings goals — Define clear financial targets for your wedding expenses. Having specific goals can motivate you to save and make it easier to track your progress.

By incorporating these tools into your financial strategy, you can manage your money more effectively, reduce unnecessary spending and increase your savings over time.

Saving for the Big Day

Don’t know where to start? Connect with a Johnson Financial Group advisor for more savings tips for your wedding and to discuss options that may fit your personal financial situation, like a personal loan, Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brooke Harycki

VP Consumer Banking Regional Manager | Johnson Financial Group

As Vice President, Consumer Banking Regional Manager, Brooke is responsible for providing exceptional service to clients in Northwest Wisconsin. She encourages her team to develop long-term relationships and develop a true understanding of your needs.