Planning on Tying the Knot? Say ‘I Do’ to Saving!

By Charlestien Harris

June is a very popular month for weddings – often considered the third most popular month after September and October! You’ve probably heard the phrase “tying the knot” used to describe a wedding ceremony. This week, I want to share some thrifty ways you can save money and not break the bank when planning your big day.

 

When my late husband and I got married, we were both working and had four children between us. We needed to be especially mindful of our spending. So, we put our heads together and came up with a plan.

 

Here are just a few of the ideas we used to have a beautiful wedding while saving money at the same time:

 

1. The Venue
   One of the first questions to answer is when and where you’ll hold the ceremony and reception. For us, the decision was easy. If you’re a member of a place of worship, one of the perks may be the ability to host personal events, such as weddings, at the facility. Many churches also have fellowship halls that can be used for receptions. While there may be a small usage fee, it’s often far less expensive than renting an outside venue.

 

2. The Food
   Another money-saving idea came from a friend who owned a catering business. Providing food for your guests can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, depending on your guest list. Our friend’s gift to us was catering the wedding. We purchased the ingredients, and she prepared the menu. It worked out perfectly, and we were thrilled with the results. Even if you don’t have a friend who caters, someone in your circle might know someone who does!

 

3. The Photographer
   This time, it was my husband’s turn to help us save. He had a friend who took photos and videos for various events, and his gift to us was to capture our wedding. Great idea – except he forgot about the event! Thankfully, our family and friends took plenty of pictures, and we still ended up with some great shots. We saved money, but this is one area where you might want to hire a professional. Just be sure to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value.

 

4. The Cake
   The cost of the cake depends on your guest count, the number of tiers, and RSVPs. As a former Extension Agent, I often planned community programs. One such program was on cake decorating, and the presenter I invited agreed to make our wedding cake for a very reasonable fee. Her cake was her gift to us for featuring her in the class. Tap into your connections – you never know what friends and family might offer until you ask.

 

5. The Dress or Suit
   This was a bit of a challenge, but we made it work. While some believe you should spare no expense on the dress, that doesn’t have to be the case. Thrift stores can be a great resource, and bridal boutiques sometimes offer $99 sales or discounts on discontinued styles. I found a dress I loved at a great price, and my husband found a black suit for $99 as well.

 

6. The Honeymoon
   This can be another costly part of the celebration. We decided to wait until we could afford a trip we truly wanted. A good friend offered to watch the kids, so we went to a nearby town, enjoyed a nice dinner, and spent a quiet evening at home – just the two of us. That time together was priceless. Later, we took a weekend getaway to San Antonio, Texas, and had a wonderful time.

 

7. The Planner
   Planning a wedding can be hectic, but it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a part-time planner or coordinator can save both time and money. A planner typically manages the event from start to finish, while a coordinator focuses on the ceremony itself. Knowing the difference can help you decide what you need. Creating a vision board or having a clear idea of your desired wedding style can also help reduce costs by streamlining decisions. Keep in mind that formal weddings are usually more expensive than informal ones.

 

Our wedding cost us around $500, and we were married for nearly 36 years! Planning a wedding involves setting a budget, creating a guest list, choosing a venue, selecting vendors, and making key decisions about the ceremony and reception. As you can see, our strategy focused on thoughtful planning and leveraging our network. With a little creativity and effort, tying the knot doesn’t have to be stressful – or expensive.

 

For more information on this and other financial topics, you can email me at charlestienharris77@gmail.com or write to me at P.O. Box 1825, Clarksdale, MS 38614.

 

Until next week – stay financially fit!