Your engagement is an exciting step! It opens up a new world of possibilities and offers you and your partner a wonderful way to celebrate your love!
In many cultures, there are traditions and celebrations that go along with this step that bring together friends and family, even before your big wedding day.
Unfortunately, for most couples, these big celebrations have the potential to cause increased financial stress. But never fear! We have compiled a list below of some tips that you can use to conserve your funds without compromising your celebrations.
1. Don’t Invest in Real Diamond Rings
Engagement rings are a symbol of the love that a couple feels for one another. The unbroken circle is a testament to their unending commitment to one another’s well-being and happiness. This powerful symbol is both meaningful and costly – but it doesn’t have to be!
With the technology available today, labs are able to grow diamonds that add beauty and meaning to an engagement band without the hefty price tag.
The best part about these lab created engagement rings is that they look the same as authentic diamond rings, and no one would know that you saved thousands of dollars on them.
2. Plan Local Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
A lot of individuals want their bachelor and bachelorette parties to be huge destination celebrations in another town, sometimes other countries. But if you’re in a pinch, you can save a few hundred dollars by planning something that doesn’t require travel and lodging fees!
For example, if you live anywhere near the beach, you could consider taking a trip there, or if you live closer to a mountain region you could plan to go skiing.
You can also save on costs by staying with family or friends who would want to participate in the party, or even host the party! Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and think outside the box.
3. Get Creative With Your Decorations
There are plenty of celebrations to be had during your engagement, and it can become a burden to continue purchasing these items repeatedly for your many celebrations. Try to save any and all of these that you can to make it easier for you in the future!
Any signs, posters or streamers that you invest in once could be saved and used again for a future event!
When it comes to your big day, you can save even more by using some do-it-yourself crafting skills for your decorations and your table centerpieces! There are resources and ideas for DIY decor everywhere!
4. Take Extra Time Planning Your Wedding Day
Budgeting for a wedding is not an easy task. There are many facets, including the ceremony, reception, catering, photos, and more!
But you should keep in mind that there are many types of ceremonies and celebrations that work for different couples, ranging from small courthouse ceremonies to large destination events. If you’re dreaming of a unique and unforgettable experience, you might even consider the allure of destination weddings, which offer a picturesque backdrop for your special day and a memorable celebration for you and your loved ones.
When a couple is planning their “I do’s,” they will need to keep their budget in mind at all times and plan ahead. Proper planning and communication will save you from huge unexpected expenses!
5. Find Services Through Friends and References
Wedding planners, party planners, bridal dresses, catering for events… there are so many costs associated with engagements and weddings. And the very nice people who offer these services know that people will pay a premium for getting the very best.
You deserve the very best, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find discounts here and there. Reach out to your friends and family. Ask them to ask their friends if they know anyone involved in the services you’ll need to put together your dream engagement and wedding.
At worst, it’ll be a bust and you’ll have to shop around. However, at best, you might be able to get some amazing discounts on expensive services through referrals.
For example, if it turns out your friend’s mom is a florist, you might just snag an incredible discount by ordering all your flowers through her shop. They’ll also be provided by someone who is invested in making your wedding a success for personal reasons!
Or you might find your cousin has just started a new job as a party planner. You could get the bachelor or bachelorette party of your dreams by someone who’s willing to offer a discount if you refer their services onwards!
It never hurts to ask. Reach out to those around you and find out if there are any great options for cutting costs without losing quality – if anything, you’re likely to get a better experience with those close to you.
6. Choose a Proposal Location that is Meaningful Rather than Spectacular
Choosing the perfect spot to propose is incredibly difficult. How about on the northern coast of Norway, surrounded by the deep snows and the Northern Lights racing across the sky?
How about the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris after a dinner at one of the world’s finest restaurants?
Wait – those options sound pretty expensive. And they are! Unless you have a deep personal connection to those places as a couple, why would you choose them when there are so many more meaningful alternatives closer to home?
Like… how about the spot on the local trail where you first kissed your partner while you were on an “ordinary” walk one day, so long ago? How about somewhere you were both already planning to go on vacation, but had been putting off for a long time, rather than a romantic hotspot? How about in your own living room, if that’s where you spend your happiest times, snuggled up on the couch?
Don’t put a price on a great proposal. Put meaning into it!
Final Thoughts
It’s a huge endeavor to plan a wedding and celebrate your engagement too. Taking on this task while also trying to save up for your life together can seem impossible as you go.
The most important thing to remember is to keep an open mind and get creative. Plus, you’re marrying the love of your life – in the end, that’s what it’s really all about.
With this in mind you’ll be set to enjoy your engagement celebrations and your Big Day!
