From choosing decorations and centerpieces, to deciding on the dream tailor-made dresses for you and your bridesmaids, weddings are one of the biggest and most memorable milestones in our lives. While wedding planning can be exciting, we don’t always take into account the financial toll “the perfect wedding” can have on the pockets of you and your significant other, but never fear, by following these six tips you can be financially savvy on your big day and long after!
1. Have the money conversation!
Sit down and discuss your goals, values, interests, and relationships. This will help to determine how finances will be prioritized and the roles and responsibilities within the marriage. Be sure to continue going on money dates and speak openly about finances, post-nuptials. If you are in need of further financial consultation, there are professionals who specifically meet with couples to go over conversations to create financial expectations within the marriages.
2. Open a savings account, specifically for money for your wedding, and develop a budget!
Save, save and save some more! First, you need to determine how much you can afford to spend on your nuptials. If you need to have a long engagement to stick to your budget, do it and understand the costs associated with what you want.
3. Don’t accumulate debt from financing your own wedding and don’t tap into your retirement savings
With money already a stress on a relationship, overspending on your big day could lead to deeper debt that will not be beneficial to the health of your marriage. I would suggest saving for your wedding, rather than borrowing. This can help you avoid paying the interest associated with loans and credit card debt. If you do not have the cash to pay either a loan or credit cards, then avoid financing your wedding with these payment methods. If you borrow from your 401(k), you must repay the loan within five years or else you would have to pay taxes on the amount that was withdrawn as well as a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
4. Save for the big things in life and look for bargains when you can!
When furnishing your home or saving for a first deposit on a home – it will be important to save and find some good deals when you can. When planning for your wedding, there a million ways to find exactly what you have been dreaming of as a little girl. There are plenty of DIY crafts you can use for favors, bridal showers, and wedding décor. Pinterest will be your best friend!
5. Meet with a financial advisor
A financial planner will put a comprehensive plan in place to help prepare you for all financial matters that may arise in your marriage. If you or your significant other are concerned about how financing your wedding will affect your financial future, sitting down with a financial expert can help you plan for your special day and all of the special days to follow.
6. Combining finances and keeping some separate
If after your money conversation, you find that you may have different goals, consider having a “Yours,” “Mine,” and “Ours” account. Have an account for shared household expenses and keep your own accounts for personal expenses and discretionary spending, so you can buy those shoes and he can buy those tickets for the game.
