Simply put – be wise and choose the most economical option, but is it really as simple as that when you wish to have a fairytale wedding?

Wedding planning could be a fun and exciting activity but it could also turn into a stressful and daunting experience if you don’t plan your finances well.

It’s very important to start this process by outlining a clear total budget from the beginning and after allocating it across the different expense streams. Think about what’s most important to you and what you are not willing to compromise. Is that the venue, your appearance, the wedding location, the size of the wedding? Do you wish to have those magazine-like photos and the most spoken about entertainment? All of these are factors to consider and discuss with your other half so you know which part of the pie will be most costly. Once you have a clear picture of your priorities, it will be easier to decide where to allocate your resources and where you can cut back. If you’re wondering how to handle a tight budget, focus on creative solutions, such as DIY elements, trimming the guest list, or choosing an off-peak wedding season to reduce costs. Remember, it’s the meaningful moments and the people you share them with that truly matter, not the extravagant details.

Do your homework

Research the vendors in your area in order to get a reality check of how much things actually cost as when a wedding day is mentioned, the prices of products and services substantially increase. If you don’t have the time or energy to do this yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a professional wedding planner as they know all the bargains and usually have an established relationship with local vendors. Although you might see it as an unnecessary expense, it might work out cheaper due to their contacts and negotiation power and surely less stressful for you.

Track your spending

Once you’ve done your research, create a spreadsheet with all the expense streams you can think of and list all the separate parts which go into each category. It will be helpful to create three columns for ‘estimated’, ‘modified’ and ‘actual’ costs so you have room to update it as you progress through the planning stages.

It’s a good idea to start with the venue as this is usually the biggest cost. Make sure that you ask all necessary questions when you call vendors for offers, including whether the offer includes taxes, if meal prices for children vary and exactly what is included in the package so you avoid last minute surprises. Don’t forget to estimate some cash for tips which caterers will be expecting to receive.

Add a last row for extra expenses to cover all small things which you’ll likely forget. Try not to spend this money upfront and only dig into it when absolutely necessary.

Make sure you have it figured out where exactly the funds are coming from so you are not left stressing out when the payments are due. If family and friends are willing to chip in for some expenses have it noted.

 List your priorities

Identifying your priorities at an early stage can aid you distribute your budget in the right way for you. If you wish for a tropical destination wedding then tying the knot in Florida could be the perfect location for you. Maybe your appearance is high in your priority list and if that’s the case you should carefully consider all the items you will need to purchase and the special treatments and procedures you might want to undergo to have that extra glow on your big day. Don’t forget about perfecting your smile as you will be the center of attention with many flashing cameras and up close encounters on the day.

Don’t forget that this is ‘your’ big day and you should do things which make you happy as a couple and not spend your money on things which ‘should’ be there. Try to be selfish rather than pleasing everyone as no matter what you do, someone will always have a complaint. Choose the colors you like, the food you enjoy most and the playlist which brings you butterflies.

Be smart and negotiate

Whether you choose to do the planning alone or you hire a professional, don’t settle for the first offers you are presented with. Ask for more vendors, compare offers, check the packages carefully and don’t be fooled. However do respect the vendors and if they tell you there is no room for a reduction don’t pressure them. Usually small businesses don’t have much ability to wiggle but maybe the big boys can offer something better if asked.

Be flexible

As much as you’d like for your day to go as perfect as possible this is almost impossible. It’s totally normal for something to go wrong and not according to plan. The most important thing is not to stress and sweat about it, just try to be cool and come up with a plan B. Remember that guests don’t know how you had things planned, so no one will understand if something has to change at the last minute. Only you know the details, so don’t let them ruin your day.

If the shade of the roses is slightly off your imagined color, give it a miss and don’t fuss about it. Don’t take it personally if someone is running late and they miss the family photo. Be flexible with the vendors and your guests and most importantly be flexible with yourself and try to enjoy every moment of your day rather than stressing about the small stuff.

Wrap up

Planning a wedding as a couple you need to figure out a lot of I dos before you say the big ‘I do’ on the day. Determine the top three most desired wedding dreams you each have and try to give them a priority so you are both happy to continue the planning process knowing your dreams will be met. This way you can try and economize on the low priority items and you wouldn’t feel sad to do so. Remember to stay flexible and be willing to compromise to have a stress free experience. Check out some popular wedding blogs to get some ideas and inspirations and kick-off the process with full energy.