You've probably heard many people say that your wedding day is the most important day of your life and although this is somewhat true, this pressure of making it a day to remember is the reason why so many couples spend their first years of married life climbing out of debt. The reality is you're never going to forget your wedding day, no matter how big your wedding bill. I've created some great tips so that you don't start married life climbing out of debt. After all, who wants that?
1. Make a pre-wedding vow
When you get married, you vow to spend the rest of your lives together through richer or poorer. Why not create a pre-wedding vow to not get into debt for the sake of your wedding. Given that the most common cause for arguments between married couples is finances, this will surely get you off to a good start. It means that you'll have to use savings that you already have in place or create a savings plan to pay for your wedding. Learning how to save money is good practice for after you're married too.
2. Create an ideal budget and stick to it
Now forget the whole idea of weddings costing a fortune! This will only limit your thinking. Given that the average wedding in the UK is over £14,000!! A lot of people think that they need a hefty amount to get married and so they may budget £5,000 because they're on a budget but even this they can't yet afford, so rather than coming up with a budget of how much you think your wedding will cost, think of an amount that you'd actually be happy to spend and stick to it.
3. Remember what the day is about
There are so many original ideas on the internet that it's easy to get carried away and come in way over budget. Your wedding is ultimately about you marrying the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. You mustn't forget this! It really isn't about fancy chair covers or flashy invites.
4. Focus on what's important to you
For some people, the fancy chair covers and flashy invites are what's important but it may be that for them, the wedding transport isn't so much of a big deal and they're happy to have their mum drop them off at the wedding venue. You need to focus on what matters to you and eliminate the things that you don't want or need. Don't incorporate things just because it's the 'done thing.' This will instantly cut costs.
5. What is traditional?
In this modern age, traditions are no longer a necessity. You can pick and choose what you'd like to incorporate into your big day. You don't need to have the traditional £2,000 wedding dress, instead you could opt for a stunning wedding gown off the high street for as little as £250 and still feel like a million dollars as you walk down the aisle.
6. Think outside the box
For example, why not double up your favours with your entertainment. You could hand out sparklers to each of your guests as wedding favours and light them up as soon as it gets dark. Who doesn't enjoy the magic of sparklers and what's more, they make for great photo opportunities. Or perhaps you could have drinks dispensers on site and pay a small corkage fee instead of paying hundreds on a drinks package.
7. Have fun
Last but certainly not least, have fun and enjoy your big day. This is, of course, the most important thing to remember. And what a better way to enjoy it than knowing the wedding is paid off. With no dreaded debts hanging over you, you'll be able to simply enjoy your lives as husband and wife.