1. Skipping the budget talk


First comes the ring and the few days of post-
engagement bliss. But after that, you should sit down and have a financial heart-to-heart with your fiancé about a realistic budget and what you’re both comfortable with spending.

Financial planning can be one of the biggest stressors in marriage, so you might as well start practicing good habits ahead of time. Loop in family members at this point, if applicable, to know how much you’ll be responsible for covering as a couple and how much your family might want to help with.

“You can’t start planning and hiring vendors if you don’t know what you can afford to spend,” Anne Chertoff, Wedding Wire’s trend expert, wrote in an email.
Break down spending into as many categories as you think you’ll need, including the venues, attire, photographer, florist, and more. If you think you might be missing something check out resources, such as Wedding Wire’s budget tool, that give a list of pretty much anything you could want. Then, allocate your funds accordingly.

2. Shopping for big items without sticking to a price


You made a budget, but the hard part is sticking to it. What’s another $1,000 for an unbeatable honeymoon or an extra $500 for the perfect dress?

The key here is hold yourself and the salespeople you work with to your original number. This is especially important if you’re on a tighter budget than most.

Be up front with any budget you’re working with, and expect the salespeople to help you stay in that range, not try to convince you otherwise. If they push too hard, consider taking your business elsewhere.

3. Not saving money for the last month of
preparations


If there’s ever a time that’s the most vulnerable for blowing your budget, it will most likely be the last weeks leading up to your wedding. While a money cushion throughout the process is great, make sure to leave some of that for the final weeks. You might need last-minute alterations, lunch for your wedding party, or other things you didn’t think of until they’re staring you in the face.

“There are always last-minute purchases that brides and grooms may not think of when allocating their budget initially, such as the cost of the bride’s mani and pedi or ribbons to tie the favors or white umbrellas if the forecast calls for rain the day of the wedding,” Chertoff wrote. “Make sure to leave at least $500 to $1,000 for last-minute purchases so they don’t catch you off guard.”

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