Is Planning a ‘Perfect’ Wedding Giving Your Budget the Blues?
Planning ahead, staying flexible, and adjusting expectations can make for a beautiful day without stress and a broken budget 

While wedding planning can be an exciting time for couples, it can also be an emotionally and financially stressful one. With the average cost of a wedding in Canada now exceeding $30,000, it’s no surprise that many couples are feeling the pressure to keep up and (somehow) manage the costs. Adjusting your expectations and letting go of some of the more excessive traditions around weddings can save you money and stress while still creating a unique and special day to remember for years to come. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Tips to Make Your Wedding More Affordable

Timing is Everything

Articles about weddings typically start appearing in the Spring and Summer months – i.e. “wedding season”; so you may be wondering why we’re tackling the topic later in the year. Quite simply, when it comes to weddings and budgeting, starting early is crucial and opting to do things a bit less traditionally – like getting married “off-season” for example – can help you save a lot of money and stress.

Timing is everything when it comes to planning a wedding – budget friendly, or otherwise. The earlier you start planning the event, the more space you will have to negotiate with your vendors and explore options, plus you’ll have a buffer if – or more likely, when – orders or other items are delayed.

In addition to giving yourself the time and space to plan your wedding, choosing a less traditional time of year to get married can often save you a significant amount of money. Speak with vendors about reduced rental fees during slower times of the year. Summer and early fall are high-demand seasons, so having a winter wedding for example, could be far less expensive because it’s the slow season for vendors. As an added bonus, because they’re not swamped with other orders and demands, working with vendors off-season means you might get more of their focus and attention on your event.

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Communicate With Your Vendors

When planning your wedding, communicate regularly with your vendors and don’t be afraid to discuss your budget and ask them for advice. Your florist will know which flowers are in season and/or grown locally (and therefore, less expensive), and your caterer may be able to suggest adjustments to your menu to help you manage costs. Your wedding venue manager may also have great suggestions on how to save on other areas like décor, table settings, and more. Knowledge is power; people in these roles are essentially wedding experts and can be extremely helpful. The more you learn from them, the better.

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Separate Your Needs and Wants

Weddings can come with a plethora of additional costs that you may not have considered, which is why it’s crucial to separate your needs and your wants before you start spending money. It’s also a great exercise in managing money as a couple – if you haven’t already started.

Together, brainstorm a list of everything you feel a typical wedding has, i.e. professional engagement/wedding photos and videographer, paper invitations, renting a limo to take you to the venue, purchasing expensive wedding favours, etc.

Next, look over the list together. If you’re indifferent to certain items or would prefer not to include them, you can simply eliminate these costs. For example, if you’re serving dessert after dinner at your reception, you may want to skip the three-tiered wedding cake – they’re expensive! – in favour of something less pricey and more manageable like cupcakes or a homemade cake. Or better yet, make the cake your only dessert!

Then, identify things you do care about and consider how you can include them without breaking the bank. For example, if you have your heart set on a specific wedding dress designer, keep an eye out for sales or look for second-hand options. You may be able to get a gorgeous dress at a much lower price because it was worn once or is from a previous season.

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Build a Wedding Budget That Suits You Both

Once you’ve created a list of your ideas, you can build a wedding budget that suits you both. It’s important to set a budget that you can afford because you don’t want to start your marriage with a pile of debt. Be realistic about expenses and expectations and consider how you’ll be paying for your wedding. By starting your planning early, there’s also more time to save up for the big day.

One of the biggest expenses of a wedding is the venue. If you’re willing to think outside the box, you can save a significant amount of money by choosing a non-traditional venue or booking for an off day or in the off season. Consider having your wedding at a park, beach, or even a family member’s backyard. These types of venues are often much cheaper than traditional wedding venues and can provide a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Catering food and drinks can quickly add up when planning a wedding. But you don’t have to break the bank to provide delicious food and drinks for your guests. Consider having a potluck-style reception, where guests bring a dish to share or go with less costly choices from your caterer. You can also opt for a brunch, lunch, or dessert reception, which tend to be less expensive than a dinner reception.

When it comes to wedding décor, invitations, and other trimmings, DIY is your friend. Or someone else’s DIY if they’re selling their décor after their own wedding. This can be especially helpful if you’ve chosen a specific theme for your wedding. Making what you can on your own can save you a significant amount of money, and it can also add a personal touch to your special day. If you have a wedding party or other friends and family who want to get involved, consider making your own centerpieces, table settings, and even your own bouquets. You can also design and print your own invitations, which will save you money on expensive invitation packages.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re open about your budget and any limitations around it, friends and family members may be willing to pitch in and help. Ask them if they might offer their skills and services at the wedding, free of charge, as their gift to you.

For instance, see if there are individuals who might want to help with food prep and cooking, bar service (if applicable), emceeing or even officiating at the ceremony. This can not only save you money, but it can also take the pressure off those who may not be able to afford a financial contribution as a wedding gift. Perhaps, more importantly, it can also bring your loved ones closer together and create a sense of community around your special day.

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We’re Not Wedding Planners, But We Can Help With Budgets and Managing Money

If you and your beloved are struggling with the budgeting aspect of planning your special day, we’re not wedding planners, but our friendly, accredited financial counsellors can help you create a wedding budget that you’ll both fall in love with. And the money skills you learn will help you manage your money as a couple later on. Our appointments are free and confidential, no invitation needed. Reach out to us to learn more.