So you’re getting married – congratulations! But have you started thinking about how you’re going to pay for your wedding? Chances are, you could be looking at costs between R70 000 – R200 000. It’s not cheap, that’s for sure. If your family is willing to pay, or has a wedding fund set aside for you, you’re one of the lucky ones. But if you and your partner are paying for your big day yourselves, best you bear these helpful tips in mind before you break the bank.
1 Budget
By far one of the leading causes of divorce is financial worry, so you don’t want to start your marriage by going into debt over your wedding. Have an honest conversation with your loved one about how much you can both afford to spend and make that the number you stick to rigidly.
2 Save
Take a look at your current expenditure and see if you can make any cuts(morning latte, anyone?). The more you and your partner can bulk up your budget, the better.
3 Strategise
All the bits and pieces that go into a wedding are fun, but do you actually need them? Write down a list of traditional wedding elements, or find one online, and cross off the items that aren’t completely necessary. You’ll save on money and wedding planning stress as well.
4 Negotiate
Got a friend who’s a photographer? Ask if you can get a preferential rate. Looking for a venue? Try booking during the week for a sizeable cost reduction. There’s no harm in asking suppliers for a discount or a payment plan – the worst they can do is say no.
5 DIY
Here’s where Pinterest comes in handy. Making your own decorations can help reduce costs substantially, so get out your glue gun and get cracking! A digital invite will do just as well as a printed one and homemade CDs rock as wedding gifts. Simple can still be supremely fabulous.
No matter how big or small your budget, it’s worth remembering that a wedding is just one day, while a marriage is for the rest of your life. So forget about expensive, unnecessary extras and focus on what’s really important instead: celebrating your love for each other with those closest to you.
When it comes to your bridal ensemble, where is it OK to skimp? We break down where to save and where to splurge here.
