Saving Money for the Wedding

It seems now that we've picked out most of the main elements and put down deposits, the game becomes about managing money. I'm sure anyone who has paid for a significant amount of their wedding knows exactly how I feel. Sometimes you worry how the bills will get paid, and on top of the normal stress a wedding provides, that's certainly not desirable.

But as I put in my last post, focusing on saving money on wedding elements where you can helps a little. Trying other ways to save money in your daily life helps as well. Some simple tips I'd suggest, but I'm sure there are a lot more include:

1. Come up with a budget and stick to it. Once you've defined it, figure out how much you can pay down vendors each month. Do not wait until the end to figure this out. I'd hate to see a bride try to find a few thousand dollars in a few days.


2. Eliminate those "extra" things you enjoy--drink less Starbucks and more home-poured coffee. Make a sack lunch instead of going out. You'll be surprised how much it saves you.


3. Get rid of monthly bills you don't really need--for example that Netflix account. I usually watch one movie from there every few months yet I'm paying $12 per month. It would be cheaper just to go down the street to a redbox.


4. Lower monthly bills by taking out that sports package you love or that HBO you can't get enough of.


5. Look to buy used items for your wedding or personal life from places like Craig's List or Ebay. Many of them are very new.


6. Find great deals on Etsy. I personally just bought my garter there. Homemade things can often be purchased cheaper there than in the store.


7. Cash out PTO. My employer allows me to cash out my extra PTO hours twice a year. With over 6 weeks of PTO accumulated right now, I am getting about $1000 for free from cashing in some, leaving still plenty of days for my honeymoon and holidays.


8. For your birthday, ask for items that would help you save money or help you purchase things for the wedding. I know I asked for Nordstrom gift cards so that I would be able to purchase shoes and jewelry for the wedding without spending my own money. Usually your family is happy to contribute this way.


9. Ask friends and family for other money-saving tips. I know there are plenty of them out there!

I encourage any of you to leave your own money saving tips in the comments section below. And just remember how happy you'll be when the wedding is over and you get to have some extra money in your pocket. Until then, remember that you only get one day and this is worth it!