After years of seeing all of your friends’ engagement photos on social media, it’s finally your turn to do the posting. Congratulations! Now that you’ve been able to boast a little bit, it’s time to get serious about wedding planning. People say that one of the most stressful things is cost – but Central Federal is here to assist you. Check out our 6 wedding planning tips to save you money below!
Plan Ahead of Time
The sooner you start planning, the more likely you are to save money. For example, researching venues
up to a year in advance will help you secure your date along with a lower rate. The “wedding tax” is real and gets more expensive the longer you wait. You also have a better chance at stumbling upon sales when you plan ahead of time – like on invitations or save the dates.
Create a Budget (And Stick to It!)
There are a lot of costs when it comes to planning a wedding. That’s why it’s important to create and budget and stick to it. Before you even think about a maximum amount to allocate for, look into estimated costs. Plan to at least pay for the wedding dress, venue, and cake along with the reception venue and catering. Next, think of what can you afford and how important it is for your special day before setting a budget.
Avoid “Wedding Season” Dates
Just like the “wedding tax,” “wedding season” is a real thing, too. According to The Knot, “78 percent of all weddings take place between May to October.” That means the demand is especially high throughout the summer and into fall. Try planning your wedding in the winter to save big time. The bride can still shine on a snowy night in January, after all.
Choose a Cost Effective Venue
When you don’t research ahead of time, you will be surprised how expensive the venue might be. That’s why we’re here to help you choose a cost effective venue. Small towns and big cities offer a plethora of affordable options, including parks, recreational centers, and churches. Websites like The Knot also offer filters for distance, guest capacity, and price ranges so you can match your budget.
Utilize Your Network
It’s time to call on a couple favors. And if you’re someone who knows everyone, then this will be a little easier for you than others. Consider those in your life that make a living as photographers, bakers, pastors, DJs, or even bartenders. They might offer you a “friends and family discount” or even do it for FREE. You’ll never know if you don’t ask, right?
Negotiate Where You Can
Maybe you don’t have a vast network, but there’s always room for negotiation when it comes to pricing. There is a right way and a wrong way to do this, however. Check out Bridal Guide who shares their best ways to negotiate with wedding vendors. Lucky for you, there are a lot of options to pick from when it comes to wedding planning!
Share your wedding savings plans with one of our friendly and experienced bankers today. They will be more than happy to help you work towards your goal for that special day. You can also give us a call at (573) 364-1024.
Central Federal was founded in 1952 to provide home loans in Phelps County, Missouri. We continue to make the necessary changes to be competitive with our services and products while providing excellent service to our customers.
