Finding Money For Your Wedding

You just got engaged. Congratulations! Now begins the process of planning the perfect wedding. However, it won't take long to discover that weddings are expensive. If you're like most people, you will have to do a lot of budgeting and saving to be able to afford exactly what you want. Don't be discouraged, though. There are lots of options to be able to be financially ready for this big step in your life.

​1. See if you can get discounts

You don't have to be a coupon master to be able to find some discounts. Search online to find discounts on everything from the venue to the food. If you have friends or family in the wedding business, see if they might be able to give you a discount. You can even offer to trade services if you are an expert in something that they might need. Remember that if you get a discount from someone you know, they are doing you a favor, and the more grateful you are, the more likely they are to help you or other people in the future. With some searching, you may be able to save a significant amount of money.

2. Enter contests

At any given time, there are dozens of contests to win wedding dresses, free stays in hotels, or other wedding things. Look locally at bridal shows or for information in wedding-related stores and online. Even if you don't win, you can't win by not trying, so you might as well enter and see if you get lucky enough to have some of those expenses taken off your plate.

3. Use a financial planner

A financial planning service and planners can help you know what to do with the money you have and use it in the wisest way. They can help you have realistic expectations for what you can do for the wedding and after. While you're there, you can also discuss your budget for after you are married to start off your marriage in the best financial position. Going in together to discuss finances can set up for a stronger relationship because it will help you see where the money is going and how to use your money more wisely.

4. Rent what you can

A lot of people buy the things they need for the wedding, but there is no reason you have to. You could rent the tablecloths, chairs, centerpieces, picture frames, and even the dress if you want to. Decide which things you are likely to use afterwards and think about buying those, but if you are only going to need it one time, think about the possibility of saving a little bit of cash by renting.

5. Get married off-season

Unless you have your heart set on a certain time of year or there is a restriction on the time you can get married, consider getting married during the off season, such as during the winter after the holidays. Because wedding planners, florists, and venues are not as busy, you may be able to get cheaper prices for the things you want and need.

Wedding can be expensive, but there are certainly ways to save some money in the process. By using these tips and your own ideas, you can use those hundreds of dollars you save toward a honeymoon or for starting a new life together. Although it might take more time to research these methods, the money you save will be worth it in the end.