Grace Retirement

Spending for a wedding can be intimidating. But you dont actually have to spend so much to have a beautiful wedding. You just have to be very smart about it. Here are some hacks to help you plan your wedding within your budget:

Hack no. 1: Have a budget

This isnt really a hack. Its actually the most practical thing to do. Check your finances. Consult your partner and your family as to how much you can afford for this wedding. Pro tip: planning on who spends for what helps lessen the financial burden.

Hack no. 2: Plan and work on that budget

Once youve set your budget, you can start with your plans. Make sure you have a vision and a theme. What type of wedding do you want? Where do you want your wedding to happen? When are you having it? This will make things easier and can actually help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Hack no. 3: Prepare a guest list

As you plan for your wedding, it's very important to have a guest list early on. Start listing the priority guests. They are the ones without whom you can't imagine getting married. Then add those folks who will be nice to have around on your special day. Arrange them according to priority, so when the budget runs low, you can easily cut the list.

Hack no. 4: List your priorities

Aside from your wedding guests, also list the different elements of your wedding that you consider priority. For instance, having a beautiful wedding dress might be on top of your list. You might also want to prioritize the venue and the food.

List your "must haves" and your "nice to haves." The must haves are your priorities, while the nice to haves are those things which you'd like if you have some money left in your budget. Choosing which ones to prioritize all depends on your personality as a couple.

Hack no. 5: Use the spend or splurge technique

In relation to your priority list, you should also list things that you have to spend on, and those that you can splurge on. Picture it as dividing your budget like a pie. Your priorities in this list will also get a bigger share of the pie.

Hack no. 6: DIY some of the details

Doing things yourself can also help a lot when planning a wedding within your budget. It's one good way to cut costs. Take a look at your plan and see if there are some details that you can take care of yourself. For instance, you can work on your own invites. These little things can actually make a huge difference.

Hack no. 7: Choose the best value

Lastly, it's very important to be keen on your suppliers. Take time to look for the best quality at a price within your budget. There's also no harm in trying to haggle.

In order for your wedding to go as smoothly as planned, it's important that you use a checklist. A good checklist will give you clarity and help you be more organized, from the preparation to the wedding itself. Decide on the type of wedding you want and build from there.

SET YOUR BUDGET

Everything you do should be closely based on your budget. Otherwise, you'll only have unnecessary stress and even debt. Be clear with your partner about how much you're willing to spend. Also, agree on which aspects of the wedding that you'll prioritize.

MAKE A GUEST LIST

You have to decide early on who the people you'll invite to the wedding are. Be extremely careful in adding people to your list, especially if you have a limited budget. Also, make sure that you don't forget any person that you or your partner feel must be invited.

CONCEPTUALIZE THE THEME

You need to decide on a theme early on, for the details of the wedding to be consistent. You have to decide on the type of wedding you want.

It's helpful to hire a professional wedding planner in doing this. But most importantly, choose a theme that best resonates for you as a couple.

RESERVE VENUES

Reserving the venues as early as possible is important, especially if you're planning to have the wedding indoors.

SEND INVITATIONS

As soon as you're sure of the date and venue, you may send the invitations right out. Sending invitations earlier will give your guests more time to reserve the given date, and prepare for the event.

PREPARE YOUR ATTIRE

After having a clear theme, decide on what your outfits will be. This is one of the most complicated parts of the wedding, especially for the bride, since she will have to make sure that she shines the brightest on that day.

Deciding on and preparing the dress early on will give her more peace of mind.

RECRUIT PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

Usually, the photographers and videographers will not only cover the event itself, but also the preparation time and the prenuptial photo shoot.

TALK WITH THE EVENT ORGANIZER

It's vital that you communicate clearly with the event organizer. If possible, communicate with them right after you decide on the type of wedding you want so that they will have more time to think of ideas that can be done on the program.

HIRE A CATERING SERVICE

This is applicable if your chosen venue is not offering a catering service. Check the quality of food and beverages, the manner and schedule of serving, and other details. Make sure that all your guests will be catered to.

SET A TIME TO JUST RELAX

After doing all you can to make your wedding as fabulous as possible, take some time to de-stress. If possible, delegate all remaining tasks so that you can have time for yourself before the wedding. Make it a point that you and your partner will enjoy the wedding ceremony, free from stress and anxiety. After all, that is your day!