Wedding season is just around the corner. To some (i.e. brides) that sounds really exciting, but for those withย fewer dollars to spare, wedding season feels like your typical gloomy English summer day โ dreadful.
Saying yes to joining aย wedding party isnโt an easy choice. You may be more than willing to spend the time, but itโs spending money thatโs the issue. In this case, it may be easier to just say a simple “thanks but no thanks” than suffer the wrath of aย budgetlessย bridezilla. But ifย youโre already stuck in the midst of a very expensive party celebrating someone elseโs lifetime happiness, listen up; we at View The VIBEย have some tips to help you and your pocketbook survive bridesmaid season.
Stay Organized!
When it comes to wedding parties, spending is unavoidable, but that doesnโt mean you canโt keep it under control. Set yourself a realistic budget to help track spending. Make a spreadsheet including the gift, dress, grooming, bachelor/bachelorette party and travel. This may not help eliminate all the tedious costs but it will help you avoid coming back from Vegasย in the red.
The Gift
Youโre going to want to choose a gift early from the bridal registry, especially if you know the bride and groom enjoy the smell of money. Chances are, if you wait until last minute, you’ll be deciding between an $300 frying pan and a $450 narwhal bone serving dish. The earlier you get to the registry, the higher the chances you have of finding a gift within your budget.
The Dress
Keep in mind that you donโt have to agree on wearing the hideous green-brown $400 bridesmaid dress the bride thinks is “so cute!”ย Kindly explain that youโre budgeting and propose making a day of going out to find an affordable (and nicer) dress. Make it fun by going out for a glass of wine or a pint of beer to celebrate after. Tip: buy a versatile dress that you could wear again, possibly even to another wedding.
The Party
The biggest money grabber is the damn bachelorette party, which is often upย to you toย throw. This is a blessing in disguise. There are ways to have a low budget but super fun party. It just requires research and a little extra work.
Consider venues that donโt charge, like your backyard. If youโre planning to drink, pre-drink at home first. Look up some fun cocktails recipes or throw together a fruity sangria to share. Same goes for food. Instead of eating out, try out your cooking skills andย bring foodย to the venue, or simply serve at your place. Make it fun by adding games and (cheap!) decorations. Pinterest will be your best friend for this.
Related Link:ย Wedding Guest Etiquette 101: The Dos and Donโts
What’s your favourite way to save some cash during wedding season? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
