Weddings have so many myths around them. Myths that may make you feel pressured, myths that may make you stress out, and myths that can cost you a lot of money.
The great thing is that myths can be busted. When we explore common wedding beliefs, we may find that they don’t have to be done at all. And that’s wonderful about weddings these days. Each couple has the freedom to do what works best for them. So, even if tradition states that you should do something, or there’s a widespread idea that a certain thing falls on a couple to take care of, you can choose the path that fits you and your wedding.
When it comes to your wedding budget, busting common myths is essential. It will help empower you to not only create a wedding that feels right to you, but it will set your marriage up for success. You’ll be able to save on wedding expenses that aren’t imperative for you, and use that money later on in life to build your dreams, with your partner.
7 Wedding Budget Myths, Busted!
This post is going to explore some common wedding budget myths, and bust them. Some of the myths may have elements of truth to them. Some may include what you are planning on doing, and will still do. And all of that is fine. The purpose is to show that you don’t have to do any of them, just because it seems expected to do them.
Let’s go bust some myths!
MYTH #1 – WEDDINGS HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE
The first thing common myth that can impact your wedding budget is that your wedding has to be expensive.
Now I know what you’re thinking. Weddings are expensive. Everything comes with an upcharge. Vendors see weddings as an opportunity to capitalize. And this is all correct. However, you have options. You don’t have to book the expensive venue or vendor. You have the freedom to design a wedding that fits your budget and is still an amazing experience for you and your guests.
There are more details in this post about having a wedding under $5,000, but there are many different ways to keep your wedding inexpensive. For example, you can provide your own catering, or have a backyard wedding. Or, you may be able to have a crafty friend take care of your flowers. You can also buy your wedding dress second hand, or ask a family member to officiate.
I think you get the picture.
MYTH #2 – YOU NEED ALL OF YOUR WEDDING BUDGET HANDY RIGHT WHEN YOU START PLANNING
Let me explain this one.
When you create your wedding budget, you’ll factor in a few different things. Your wedding budget can be made up money that you’ve already saved. Or, money that your family will contribute. It may also be money that you will earn between now and your wedding day. There may also be some more funding sources that are specific to you and your fiancé.
While you want to be aware of what you can ultimately spend on your wedding, you do not need to have the entire amount available the second you start wedding planning. Many wedding expenses are paid on or around your wedding day. This means that there is time between when you start planning and when you actually pay the bills, to earn or save more for your budget.
The one thing to be aware about this myth, though, is that you need to be confident that you will have the amounts available to pay vendors by your wedding day. So, if you don’t have the money up front, be diligent about saving and earning so you will have it later on.
MYTH #3 – YOU NEED A CREDIT CARD TO PAY FOR YOUR WEDDING
The last myth brings me to this next myth. You do not need a credit card to pay for your wedding.
There are two elements to this. The first is that you need a credit card at all to pay vendors. The second is that you need a credit card to go into debt to pay for your wedding. Both of these are myths. Many vendors will allow you to pay with a debit card, or a check. Some may even accept cash. And going into debt for your wedding is something you should avoid. Of course, you may want to pay with your credit card and pay it off each month. If this works for you, that’s fine.
If you feel that you need to go into debt to pay for your wedding, check out this post about paying for your wedding in cash. Essentially, it’s important to look at what you can afford, and stick to that budget as you plan.
MYTH #4 – DIY ALWAYS SAVES MONEY
Depending on what you’re doing yourself, DIY may or may not save you money in the long run.
Sometimes, when you make things yourself, you spend more money on the actual materials than if you had just bought the item from a professional. You also have the risk of messing up your first round of creation and needing to buy additional supplies.
Plus, there is a time element for DIY. This means that you’re taking your own time to work on something that a professional could create for you. This is time that you could spend on other things, such as earning more money for your wedding. Or working on something you enjoy. So, unless your DIY project is something you’re confident will save you money, and you know you’ll enjoy it, it is probably worth looking into hiring or buying from a professional.
MYTH #5 – YOUR WEDDING NEEDS TO BE ORIGINAL TO BE SPECIAL
Look, I know that everyone wants their wedding to be different from the cookie cutter weddings we have all been to. But when you are okay with using items that you’ve seen before, you can save a ton of money.
What does this mean? Well, when you use items that have been in other people’s weddings, your costs will immediately go down. This could mean going to thrift stores, looking at your local Buy Nothing groups, or perusing garage sales. It could also mean asking your friends who have recently gotten married if you can buy or borrow what they had at their weddings. Chances are they would love to see their items get a second life at your wedding.
So, don’t be afraid to use what other’s have already had at their weddings. This can even apply to wedding clothes, centerpieces, décor, and anything else that you can think of.
MYTH #6 – YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR GUEST’S TRAVEL EXPENSES
For the majority of your guests, and especially your wedding party, there will be expenses to attend your wedding. And you are not necessarily responsible to pick those expenses up.
The expenses could range from providing air fare for a destination wedding, all the way down to making sure they have breakfast on your wedding day. In most situations, unless the couple getting married has a lot of money, and they have committed to providing an above and beyond experience, travel and food expenses are the responsibility of your guests.
Of course, expenses may vary when it comes to your wedding party. For example, you may be willing to buy bridesmaids dresses, or you’ve booked a large home for you all to stay at on your wedding weekend. Both of those things are very generous. However, it’s likely that you shouldn’t also have to pay for your wedding party’s travel expenses and any food needed outside of wedding related events.
MYTH #7 – EVERYTHING AT YOUR WEDDING NEEDS TO BE TOP SHELF
Yes, it may be important to you that your wedding has the best of the best. However, it’s a myth that you have to splurge on every little thing.
When it comes to many wedding elements, top shelf may not be the only good option. This can apply to your wedding’s food, your wedding gown, décor, vendors, and of course, your alcohol. Top shelf, or the most expensive and luxurious you can buy, is something that should be reserved for your highest priorities.
For example, your caterer may have five choices of what you can serve for dinner. From most expensive to least expensive, they could be steak, pork chops, salmon, chicken, and a vegetarian dish. If you are already splurging on other areas of your wedding, and are looking to cut costs, you could easily go with the three least expensive options. They are still good. They are still popular. And you’ll save costs, while still serving great options.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
There are a million other myths about weddings, and thousands more about wedding budgets, but these ones are a good start. Hopefully when it comes to what you spend on your wedding, you are able to get focused and organized right from the start. Stay rational, keep to your plan, and don’t buy into any myths that will blow your budget without adding more to your wedding day. Happy wedding planning!
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