8 Steps Through Which You Can Avoid Wedding Loans

It isn't new for couples to turn to wedding loans to bankroll their big day. Although, it may help you plan your wedding with ease, unfortunately, this choice can lead to serious debt long after your honeymoon ends. So why regret the happiest occasion of your life, especially when it’s possible to plan a great wedding without spending a fortune. We present you some tips that will help you avoid loans while planning your big day. After all, one single day is not worth going into debt. Here are some ways to avoid it.

1. Set a realistic budget

One of the biggest mistakes most couples make is not setting a realistic wedding budget. In order to avoid racking up debt, it’s essential that you should be honest with yourselves about what you can afford. Before you start spending money, sit together and set a maximum spending limit. This will help you to book vendors that fall within your budget. Also, make sure to prioritise what is most important and assign percentages accordingly. If you end up going over budget on something, ask yourself if both of you are willing to sacrifice on something else to stay within the limit.

2. Cut down on the guest list

We can’t agree more that this aspect is one single factor that can help you lower down your budget drastically. A large number of guests imply more catering cost, more rentals, a larger venue, more people to buy gifts for, and more alcohol. To keep yourself from overspending, determine the maximum headcount that you can afford and strictly stick to it.

3. Avoid the peak season

Scheduling a wedding in the off-season will give you more negotiating power and hence, you can save a lot on the cost of wedding planning. And while you are at it, try avoiding weekends as well to get good deals with venues, wedding caterers, wedding photographers, and more.

4. Wherever possible, do it yourself

Of course, there are some things that one should leave to the professionals, but there are many smaller things that you can DIY. For instance, decorations for events hosted at home, trousseau packing for wedding gifts, and save the date cards for friends. Also, if you have a photographer in your family, you can request him/her to cover your smaller home events like Mehndi or Chura. The basic idea is to cut down on the extras. At the same time, we recommend do only those things on your own that you are sure of or else you will end up paying double for professional services at the last minute.

5. Go digital

Indian wedding invitations can really cost a bomb. Why not save that money by going digital? As everyone these days have access to social media, you can create an event on social networking sites or opt for e-invites to be sent on WhatsApp. Alternatively, there are many platforms that allow you to create a free wedding website. All you need is your wedding details and some creativity. Of course, it’s alright to have a few invitations printed keeping the elders in mind, but for the rest, it’s time to skimp.

6. Consider a consolidated event

Indian weddings mean numerous events, and each event comes with its own cost. If you want to bring down the costs of the occasions and avoid wedding loans, consider clubbing at least two or more events on one day. For instance, having Sangeet, Mehndi and cocktail on the same day at the same venue can help you save quite a big amount. Also, if completely eliminating any one event is possible, consider doing that. You will be surprised at how not hosting even one of the events can help you cut costs majorly.

7. Save money on the wedding dress

Do you think it’s worth going into debt just because you wish to wear that expensive designer outfit which will get packed after the event and will never see the daylight again? Rather consider renting or choose a design and get it tailored locally.

8. Pitch in for your own wedding

When it comes to Indian weddings, traditionally, parents of the bride and the groom pay for the events. But now, as times are changing, both men and women prefer to wait till they get older and are more established in their careers before tying the knot, why not consider contributing in for your own wedding? Not only will it lessen the burden for your parents but will also help them avoid taking any wedding loans.

In short, a detailed budget and careful planning can really help you have a beautiful wedding without the need of any wedding loans.

Further, we recommend using WeddingWire's budgeting tool to manage your budget in the smoothest way possible.