Create a realistic budget

Even before you start making any plans for your big day, sit down with your partner and set a strict budget. Look at how much you want to spend on your wedding and then create a list of 3-5 must-have items or vendors, so you can be aligned on where the majority of your budget will be spent.

Having a budget that both of you commit to following will allow you to account for any inflated prices of services or vendors as you start adding up the price of everything you want to have versus what you can afford to have.

Ask for custom packages

When you’re shopping around for vendors and see the packages they offer, look closely to see if everything that’s included is right for your wedding. Some of these premade packages might have too many services or extra items in them that don’t fit your budget or your needs.

To help keep the price down, make a list of exactly what you need and want from that vendor. Then reach out and see if they are willing to create a custom and less expensive package for you.

Start saving now

Inflation is upping the cost of just about everything, from catering costs to your floral arrangements. If you’re eager to plan the wedding of your dreams but these rising costs are making that more challenging, begin saving for your wedding as soon as possible.

Set a goal for how much cash you want to put aside every month and see what you need to cut back on to make that happen. The more you save ahead of time, the more you can extend and expand your wedding budget.

Look for monthly discounts

Quite often, wedding vendors and stores will offer seasonal discounts. Sign up for email newsletters that your favorite vendors have, follow them on social media, or even reach out and ask them to keep you posted when they are offering a sale.

Searching for discounts can save you money on your dream dress or even on a package offered by a wedding photographer, if they run an end-of-year discount offer.

Buy items earlier than needed

If you happen to stumble upon a good deal on something you need for your celebration, but your wedding date is far away, consider stocking up ahead of time.

You might find incredible discounts during the holiday season, at the end of the year, or even in the summer on items like wedding invitations, decorations, and outfits to wear during your wedding adventure. If you find what you always wanted, grab it at the best price you can find.

Rent or buy used instead of new

If you start to see prices are getting higher and higher, consider renting or buying items used instead of news. You can use websites like Still White to find preowned wedding dresses and can search inside local community groups to find wedding decor that others are selling after their wedding. Plus, there are websites like Something Borrowed Blooms, where you can even rent your wedding flowers, sharing them with another local bride getting married on that same weekend.

Skipping something brand new could save you big-time.

Lock in rates for vendors

Some couples like to plan for their wedding far in advance. Even if your celebration isn’t for a year or two, you might want to consider locking in rates for vendors now. In addition to inflation changing prices, a lot of wedding vendors will increase their prices every year. If you book them in advance, you can snag a 2022 price for a 2024 wedding, potentially saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

DIY what you can

If you have the time and a bit of a creative spirit, you can save money by DIY’ing items for your wedding. Consider making your own party favors, signage, or even centerpieces, to save hundreds of dollars along the way. While you’ll be able to hold on to more money this way, you will spend more time doing projects yourself. If you go the DIY route, make sure you start working on these items ASAP.

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