5 Tips for Wedding Planning on a Budget
Because there’s no price tag on your happiness.
Photography by Alyson Hall
The only thing that truly matters on the day that you take your first steps towards forever is you and the person you’ve promised to travel this road with. Nonetheless, we often also dream up all the other details while preparing to celebrate the swearing of “I do”s.
There is no dream too big on this most important day. Your love deserves a celebration that dares to attempt to match its size. But bringing this vision to life, unfortunately, comes at a cost. On average, a wedding in our world-destination state costs a grand total of $34,000.
We at Hawaii Wedding Style have put together some tips and tricks on how to make sure you stay within your budget while planning the wedding your heart desires.
1. Set a number
Before making any calls, any requests, or even any internet searches, it’s absolutely crucial that you determine the total cost of your wedding. Working backward is a skill that definitely applies to your most important day. It’s easy to get carried away when adding things to your cart, so do so consciously with a number in mind.
2. Prioritize the experience
After setting aside some finances for the essentials (marriage license, officiant, etc.), you and your partner should choose three wedding must-haves. These are the things that matter most to you—details you’re willing to splurge on, even if it means sacrificing some of the smaller wishes.
3. Start early
Whether you have a decade, a year, or a few months to plan, it’s always good to give yourself and your vendors as much time as possible. Doing so will not only lower the price due to the absence of urgency but also puts all parties in a position of well-preparedness so that you can avoid tapping into that last-minute emergency fund.
4. Broaden your search
Get creative! We are fortunate to be in one of the most stunning places on Earth—a place that is rich in its views, culture, and aloha spirit. The opportunities are endless. Whether you are looking to hold a grand ceremony in the islands’ most expensive hotel or elope barefoot on a sandy beach, your wedding is guaranteed to be gorgeous. For this reason, try not to limit yourself to wedding-specific services and locations, as they tend to be more costly. Think outside of the box.
5. Log your expenses
Write everything down. You’ll be surprised at how quickly bills can build up when you’re on a mission to create your dream wedding. It’s important to keep track of your spending and keep your budget up to date by deducting your expenses as things get paid off.
