How to Save Money for Your Wedding
Once you add up your catering costs, the price of the dress, suits and venue hire you may soon find yourself looking at one hefty bill. Traditionally the parents of the bride and groom assist with the finances but what about couples without that sort of help? There are many ways you can save up the finances you need to put on the wedding of your dreams.
Put away a percentage of your pay
Work out what you need to get by each month and then decide what percentage of your pay you can live without. Each pay cycle put that percentage away into a special account with a high interest. If your pay fluctuates you may find yourself putting more in on months where you earned a higher amount. In no time you should see this bank account grow from nothing to a few thousand dollars which can certainly help when it comes to your wedding plans.
Cut out eating out
This may seem like a strange one but you would be surprised by how much money you save by not spending it on eating out. A nice dinner in a restaurant may cost you upwards of $50 for two people once you include drinks and an entrée. This extra money could be the entire cost of one guest at your wedding.
Think of your savings as purchases
If you think of the money you save as tangible things you can purchase for your wedding you will begin to see where you can save to add more to your day. For example, if you normally purchase two coffees a day at $4 each, that is $40 in five days that you can save. Turn that thought into an item – if you don’t drink coffee for a month, you can purchase the expensive invitations you want instead of the cheaper option. Alternatively give your savings a name. Your catering will be per head, so when you save the amount for one person give it a name, “Aunt Ethel has been paid for!” As you work through your guest list you will be able to see if you need to save more or if you are on track.
Sell items you no longer need
If you recently moved in with your husband or wife-to-be you may have a few double ups with your items. Sell the extra TV or extra couch you don’t need and put that money toward the wedding. Every little bit counts. Try selling any of your old items too, anything you don’t need could be turned to cash you didn’t know you had.