You’ve been planning the perfect wedding ever since you were a little girl. Every detail accounted for, from the carnations that will line the aisle to the beautiful white horse that’ll carry you off into the sunset. But there’s just one tiny problem. You’re not made of money (oh, how we wish!). And weddings, as you well know, are not cheap (damn!).

When you are in the ‘dreaming’ stage of executing a wedding, YOUR wedding, every expense might seem ‘justified’! You want the best of everything for your big day, and you should! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event (for most of us, anyway).

But the truth is, many of those ‘dream’ items are simply unnecessary. They can be your carriage to a dried-out bank account if you’re not careful.

So, what will it take to make your dream wedding a reality? How can you pay for the wedding of your dreams without going broke (or into debt)? Let’s take a look.

Get a Wedding Loan:

You must be thinking, “there’s a wedding loan???” Yes, there is!

Several credit unions, banks, and online lenders offer personal loans for weddings that cover everything from catering to the cost of the venue, decorations, and even the honeymoon.

Wedding loans usually have low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms and are quickly approved.

Online lenders take the cake of all three options when approving wedding loans. Applying for online personal loans for weddings is a seamless process that doesn’t involve paperwork. What’s more, you can compare multiple loan offers from different lenders in a matter of minutes and choose the best offer.

If you’re looking for authentic online lenders, visit https://nectar.co.nz/wedding-loans/. They have a wide range of lenders, and the application process is straightforward. If you’re lucky (but with a bad credit score), you may even get a low-interest rate on your wedding loan.

Start Saving up in Advance:

Savings! It is a great way to make your dream wedding come true for those amongst us who can actually stick to a budget and not spend every last dime. Start setting aside money each month for your wedding. If you have two years before your big day, that’s great! You’ll have 24 months x $X to spend on your dream wedding.

And, no savings don’t only have to be monetary! If you have a friend who is great with hair, see if they’ll do your wedding party’s hair in exchange for a nice dinner a month before the wedding.

You can also start collecting items for your dream wedding now! Whether it’s your flowy dream dress or centerpiece vases, start looking for these items on sale at garage sales and thrift stores. It takes a little time, but walking down the aisle without breaking the bank will be worth it.

Hustle a Little Before the Big Day:

There is no “right” way to pay for your wedding. You can have the most traditional, expensive wedding your family pays for. Or you can have a smaller, more intimate ceremony that you finance yourself. No matter what you choose, there are ways to make your dream wedding a reality without going broke.

If you have the skillset, start freelancing or doing side gigs a few months before your wedding. You can use this extra income for the wedding or go towards the honeymoon fund. You could bake custom cakes, offer pet-sitting services, or be a driver for a ride-sharing service.

If you have some extra time on your hands, start looking for ways to cut costs. See if you can get a discount on the venue or catering by booking during an off-peak season. Or see if you can get a friend to do your flowers in exchange for a day of spa treatments after the wedding.

Meet Potential Vendors Well in Advance:

What’s wedding shopping without some haggling? If you’re not comfortable haggling, that’s okay. There are other ways to get discounts from vendors.

The key is to start shopping for your dream wedding well in advance. It gives you the opportunity to compare shops and find the best deals.

The wedding industry is highly competitive. Many vendors are vying for your business. So, don’t shy away from trying your luck for a discount or negotiating the price. If you want to work with a particular vendor, see if they’re willing to give you a discount for booking early.

Some vendors may also be willing to give you a discount if you pay in cash. So, it’s always safe to carry extra money when meeting with potential vendors.

There are also vendor payment plans that you can take advantage of. This way, you can spread the cost of your dream wedding over time and not have to pay for everything upfront.

Do What You Can Do Yourself:

One of the best ways to save money on your dream wedding is to do as much as possible. It includes everything from DIY invitations to DIY favors. It will save you money and be a memory you can look back on and cherish. You might even learn a new skill or two in the process!

If you’re not too crafty, you could still do a few things yourself and cut costs. How about picking up some makeup tricks from YouTube tutorials and doing your makeup on the big day? Or learning how to do a simple updo from Pinterest and doing your hair?

You could also take part in event styling. It includes everything from setting up the venue to decorating the tables. If you have a good eye for detail and design, this could be a fun and creative way to save money on your dream wedding. Of course, you’ll only be supervising. It’s your big day, don’t ruin your manicure and let someone else do the heavy lifting!

Final Thoughts:

Weddings are beautiful. The purity of the vows, the twinkle of the lights, the first dance as husband and wife. It’s a magical day to remember for the rest of your life. But when the costs go upwards of $28,000, as The Knot reports, it can be hard to feel the butterflies fluttering and the love in the air.

But don’t let the burden of costs and debts dull your shine on the big day! Put on your best resourceful hat and get thrifty. Your dream wedding is only a few money-saving tips away.