Frugality is essential to everyone, but we are often called in the Bible not to love money and be wise with it. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19. So, you may be finding yourself, as a couple, trying to plan your most blessed event but wanting to maximize your budget anywhere and everywhere you can. And while you may have dreams of finding money, that may not manifest itself in time to pay for all the needs of your wedding. So, let’s take a look at how you can plan your perfect wedding and stay within budget.
Consider The True Cost
The average wedding in the US these days clocks in around $30,000. That is a lot of money, no matter who you’re asking! So, think about areas where you can really minimize your cost – and ask yourselves the actual price of each “necessity.” Do you really need a professional hairstylist and make-up artist? Chances are, you know someone that can take care of that for you, or you can even do it yourself. With the average wedding venue counting for half the entire wedding cost around $15,000, forgo an actual venue in itself and opt for a traditional church wedding or even get married in your home or yard with your pastor officiating.
Following the above tips, you can spend money on things that will help you capture the memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. While searching for “wedding planners near me,” you’ll want to hire someone that understands you mainly wish to find help searching for the best videographers, bands, or DJs for your reception and photographers. Those are where the real memories are made (the dancing and partying), and the professional quality of the videos and photographs of your big day are paramount. So, invest in those above fancy venues and rehearsal dinners. The average cost of a wedding dress sits around $1,500, which is a sound investment as well. Your wedding gown could very well become an heirloom piece that your family treasures and your future daughter could wear. The same is true of the engagement ring, so if you’re the groom-to-be reading this – the average cost of an engagement ring is about $6000; look at this as an investment in a family piece of jewelry to be treasured for years to come. Or, maybe you are already in possession of such an heirloom, and that’s several thousand dollars saved right there!
Keep Things Simple
The memories that people walk away from are seeing your profound love for one another being acknowledged in front of friends and family and, most importantly, God. Following the service, you can keep things simple when it comes to setup. Simple folding tables with a beautiful table cloth and DIY’d centerpieces with candles and flowers that suit your theme are all you really need. People will remember the reception for the dancing, the laughing, the love, and the overall ambiance – which you don’t have to pay through the roof for. Make sure you communicate all of this to your planner. If you decide not to go with a planner, make sure you get your tribe of family and friends involved in helping you plan so you don’t begin to feel overwhelmed.
Pray For Perfection, But Don’t Expect It
We all know that “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7. But, we also understand that every bride wants their day to be perfect. You have to surrender to the fact that there will be hiccups when it comes to your big day. Your planner will be there to ensure that you run into as few as possible (and notice even less of them); that is why a planner is such an excellent investment. But, the inevitable will happen, and you need to let go and accept that things may go wrong in one or two areas. This is not important; what is essential is the beautiful journey you and your fiance are committed to starting with one another.
Planning your wedding, although stressful, is such an exciting time. Remember, the best is yet to come. Congratulations and many blessings!
