Your wedding day has probably been something you’ve dreamed about for a long time. You want to be sure it’s a beautiful event you’ll always remember. Chances are, you don’t have all the money in the world to spend, so it’s also important to stay within your budget. With some careful planning, it is possible to save a great deal of money. Follow these frugal wedding tips to get started.

Determine Who’s Paying

One of the first ways to save money on your wedding is to figure out who is contributing to the total cost. You can’t plan your budget if you don’t know where the money is coming from and how much you have to work with. This first step will help you to set a complete budget.

Decide How Many to Invite- and Stick to It

Once you have a total budget, you can get a better idea of how many guests you can afford. The number of guests you want to invite will affect nearly every other aspect of your wedding planning, from the venue to the menu. That’s why it’s important to come up with a realistic ballpark at the beginning of your wedding planning process and go from there. If you have a clear idea of your budget, be sure to determine the appropriate number for guests and stick to it. Adding even a handful of other guests may increase the costs dramatically. 

Create Your Must-Have List

There are some things that will be more important to you and your soon-to-be spouse. Both of you should come up with a wish list of your must-have items so that you can determine where your budget should be spent. For example, you may think it’s worth it to splurge on your wedding gown. If that’s the case, you’ll need to be frugal when it comes to some of the smaller items, and that’s okay. You can find things like beautiful foil invitations and centerpieces at a discount if you shop strategically. Prioritize your non-negotiables and plan accordingly.

Do Your Research

Once you know where your money is coming from and how much you have to spend, along with what’s most important to you, it’s time to begin your research. It can be tempting to book the first venue you love, but that could be a big mistake. You’ll want to compare costs and ask questions. Sometimes there are hidden fees, so take time to look into everything before signing contracts. It’s also crucial to be sure you’ve accounted for all of the details. You don’t want to be hit with an unexpected expense at the last minute. Taking the time to research wedding planning, compare costs, ask the right questions, and double-check your lists will be worth it in the long run.

Check the Numbers

Finally, you’ll want to find a way to layout the numbers to be sure you’re on the right track. Many couples will use a spreadsheet for their wedding planning. Others may prefer an app specifically designed for the purpose. With a tool like Google Docs, you can share your document with others who are contributing funds. Be sure every expenditure is listed, along with the projected cost for each. You can update your sheet as you go along in your planning. It’s easy to make adjustments. As long as you keep up with each change as it occurs, you should have a good idea of where you stand on your initial projected budget. If you find you’re in danger of going over, you may need to cut some costs or find some creative cost-cutting measures.

Hopefully, you now have some great ideas to have the wedding you’ve always wanted on a budget you can afford. These frugal wedding tips will ensure your big day goes off without a hitch and without breaking the bank.