Today's Prescription: A Few Tips on Wedding Planning

I am officially dubbing Wednesdays as “Wedding Wednesdays.” I’ll be sharing a few things and talking about what I’m learning, some struggles, and takeaways during my journey to the big day. Today, I’m going to give a few tips on what I’ve learned during this wedding planning process for the past five months.

Be Realistic

I cannot stress this one enough.  Unless you have it like that, a wedding isn’t the type of event where you can have any and everything. I know that can be tough to accept when there’s so many glamorous weddings on Instagram just floating around. Ciapha and I had to decide what was important to us and go from there. Guest list, photography, food, location and venue, etc. Then, we were able to loop our parents in to discuss what they were willing to help with. We’re blessed on that end, but that’s not always the case for everyone. Sit down, set a budget, and discuss what it is that you can and can’t have or afford. You can still have the perfect day without breaking the bank.

Save, Save, Save

If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. A wedding savings fund is another emergency fund for me. Things may fall through, vendors may cancel, anything can happen. Both Ciapha and I use Digit to save for our wedding. This way it takes out amounts of money from our account and we can put money in the account to supplement what Digit automatically withdraws on payday. Remember, you must pay for vendors, tip, and anything else that may come up. Save aggressively, but also remember to save for your other goals as well. Not only are we saving for our wedding, but we’re learning how to work as a team!

Treat Everything Like You Have to Pay for It

THIS. I cannot tell you how many people were jumping up to volunteer to pay for certain things for our wedding when we got engaged. People mean well and can get caught up in all the excitement, but everybody doesn’t really stop to think about how much a wedding can cost. We’ve already had to pay for things and put deposits down for wedding items that other people were supposed to pay for, and if you know me, you know I don’t have time. So, be proactive, and save as if you and your fiancé must pay for this wedding yourself.

Be Grateful for the Help you Have

Again, weddings are super expensive, and every little bit counts. I thank my family every day for all that they’ve done and are doing. Though money is a huge part of the wedding planning process, you need emotional support as well. Ciapha has definitely let me take the lead on planning the big day, and though that is great, I won’t act like it hasn’t been stressful. My friends have been there for me emotionally, and to talk sense into me. So when it all gets overwhelming, make sure you have a circle of people that love you and want the best for you. They are the ones who make this whole wedding thing all the better.

These aren’t the only tips I have, so I’ll be back with more! If you’re getting married, or are married, feel free to share your tips and experiences in the comments. We’re all here to help one another.

I love ya’ll, be blessed, and stay fab!

XOXO,

Zaria