Getting Married Debt Free!

It's wedding season, in fact I have several friends getting married each month from July - December this year. Yes, my complete social calendar from now on will be weddings and receptions!

I am actually a bridesmaid in one of the weddings and our adventures in searching out 'wedding stuff' prompted this post. From the flowers to the dresses, when you add 'wedding' - it gets very expensive.

So how do you get married without breaking the bank? I have some tips and I also reached out to my Facebook  family for suggestions - here is what we came up with:

Coach Conner - The B-word: Set your wedding budget ....(You knew this was coming right?)

Yes, you and your future spouse need a wedding budget. Develop a goal of what you want to spend and set aside money from each pay to go toward your wedding. Guys normally have no problem with this...women on the other hand get caught up in the emotion and sentiment of it all.
So definitely make sure it's beautiful, but stick to your budget. Guys, hold your bride accountable... without causing arguments...er.. good luck with that!

Cash is King! You can negotiate everything when you are paying with cash. When you show that you are ready to purchase, and with cash - a vendor will go down in price before they let you walk out the door.

Andrea L.-  My daughter got married last year. We saved money by doing our own flowers for the church and reception. We hosted the reception at a restaurant which we shut down for the day. We selected a great menu and didn't have to rent a space for the reception.

Angelina B. -  Keep your invite list small. People really do understand when it comes to weddings. Invite those who have invited you to theirs (rule of etiquette) and if you haven't talked to folks in over a year (unless they're family!) don't invite them!

Also - dresses are marked down (or will be) once prom season is over and that is a good place to search for bridesmaids dresses!
Ann A. -  Get married intimately and have a reception for invited guests!

Brenda M. - Consider having a lunch/brunch reception, it's usually half the cost of a evening reception.

Benita T. -  Do your own invites and if there is a wedding party, select dresses that the bridesmaids can wear after the wedding.

This should get you started .. next post is Money and Your New Honey!  Financial conversations you should have before you get married....

Check it Out - Wedding Websites!

Wedding Tips for Grooms: http://www.groomsonline.com/

Wedding Tips for Brides: http://www.theknot.com/

Your Financial Coach,
Dorethia
http://www.connercoaching.com/