Many women envision their dream wedding long before a proposal even comes into play. They’d most likely already mentally picked out elements such as their wedding dress, flowers, venue, cake, and centerpieces by the time they start officially planning. Platforms like Pinterest inspire lots of would-be brides to dream beyond expectations, showcasing a plethora of unique ideas that they would love to incorporate into their own ceremonies and receptions.
However, what often goes unnoticed is the steep price attached to these picturesque, dream weddings. Before embarking on the journey of wedding planning or committing money towards it, here are seven expensive wedding planning errors that brides commonly make. Steer clear of these, and you’re on your path to a perfect wedding.
1. DEFINE YOUR BUDGET
Setting a budget before setting the date for your wedding is imperative. A thorough understanding of what you can and are willing to spend on your wedding helps delineate costs before making any purchases or committing any funds. By doing this, you avoid overspending in one area and being forced to hold back in others. This can lead to dissatisfaction, which is absolutely not how you want to feel about your wedding day.
2. AVOID OVERSPENDING ON THE DRESS
The dress is important, but it is not the whole wedding. Being realistic when it comes to the cost of your dress is essential. Consider all the other elements of your wedding yet to be planned and paid for, accounting also for hidden costs that come with the dress like alterations, accessories, and the appropriate undergarments.
3. FOCUSING ON SPECIFIC FLOWERS
Many brides become attached to certain flowers without considering their availability and price in a particular season. Some flowers are just more expensive. Check out what flowers are in-season and reasonably priced, you might find equally beautiful alternatives at a lower cost.
4. UNDERESTIMATING THE OVERHEAD OF AN OUTDOOR EVENT
Whilst an outdoor wedding may appear cheaper, there can be unexpected costs such as renting chairs, tents, bathrooms, heaters, fans, and lights. Ensure you plan for these in your budget so as not to be caught off guard.
5. FAILING TO FULLY REVIEW CONTRACTS
It’s crucial to carefully read every single contract you engage in for your wedding. From the DJ to the wedding planner, to the catering services, make sure to understand fully know what you’re paying for and any charges that may ensue.
6. GOING IT ALONE
While it seems like a money-saving decision, undertaking wedding planning on your own without professional help can actually be more costly. Wedding planners, despite their costs, can guide you through the industry and help you find quality services at the best prices, ultimately keeping you within your budget.
7. LACKING PRIORITIES
Don’t get lost in the minutiae of wedding planning. Understand which aspects are of utmost importance to you. Whether its the food, venue, or flowers, decide on your priorities, and allocate your budget accordingly.
Keep in mind that a beautiful wedding doesn’t need to break the bank. With a sound understanding of potential costs and careful planning, you can avoid common financial pitfalls. By sidestepping these costly wedding mistakes, you can host a beautiful wedding while keeping within your set budget.
What were some of the pitfalls you encountered during your wedding planning? Do you have any money-saving tips to share?
