For Richer, For Poorer, in Sickness and in Wealth
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are finally engaged! The happy couple have announced they will be marrying in Spring 2018 and this is one wedding that is sure to come with a royal price tag.
While it might not be a worry for the Harry and Meghan, thousands of other couples will already be saving for their nuptials in the New Year.
Here Rose St. Louis of Zurich Insurance shares her six tips on saying ‘I Do’, without making it a royal pain.
1. Firstly, congratulations! Now for the budget sheet
You might think that creating a budget sheet goes without saying, but with all of the excitement surrounding your engagement, it’s something that can often be overlooked before planning starts. Sit down and discuss your budget, and also consider whether family will be helping before costs escalate to avoid disappointment later on.
2. Grab a bargain via social media
Social media is the home for many wedding-themed groups where brides and brides-to-be can share their money saving tips, bargain finds and many selling items from their big day, but for a fraction of the price. In fact, small businesses also use these groups as a platform for selling goods and promoting their services such as photography, with many also offering discounts.
Before purchasing, make sure you read reviews and always make sure you are protected when making payments by using a credit card or PayPal.
3. Make the most of charity shops
Whether your theme is vintage, boho, or even Disney, make sure you take a look in charity shops to see if you can pick up a bargain. For example, for a vintage theme you could find tea cups and saucers or even suitcases that could be used as features for flowers on the big day.
4. Open your little black book
Make the most of family and friends who may be able to help with flowers, designing or even baking. You’ll be surprised at how many people will be happy to put hobbies or skills forward that can help make your day extra special. You could also speak to them to see if they’ll provide their services as their wedding gift to you.
5. Get the gift of a honeymoon
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford your dream honeymoon then consider asking your guests to contribute as a wedding gift. There are many online businesses that you can sign up to where guests can contribute to a honeymoon, and some travel companies allow you to add excursions and shows to your trip, so that guests can pick and choose what they’d like to contribute to, in a similar way to a gift list.
6. Make sure you’re covered
The planning stages in the lead up and on the day can be stressful and things can go wrong, from problems with the venue or the car not being able to pick the happy couple up. To avoid losing money, once you start planning, consider taking out wedding insurance. This will help ease the stress should anything unfortunate happen, but remember that wedding insurance typically doesn’t cover you for a last minute change of heart.
By: Rose St. Louis, Zurich Insurance