Using Your Wedding Registry To Help Fund Your Wedding

With the average cost of a wedding totaling more than $30,000.00, it is little wonder that a dream wedding for many of us is just that; a dream. But savvy couples can have the wedding of their dreams and even the honeymoon they want by playing it smart. We are going to give you a few ideas on how to make that dream your reality.

Planning

All successful weddings start with some good old-fashioned planning. Do not underestimate the importance of this step. The couple who simple makes a selection and then tries to fund it stands to spend a lot more money than they have to. They also tend to end up sacrificing something that they really want because of money. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your wedding dollars:

• Set up your Honeyfund Immediately

The first thing you should do when you get engaged is set up your Honeyfund. This is the original and the most popular wedding registry sites in the world. It is free for you and for your guests. It is easy to customize, and you can actually use your Honeyfund to help fund the wedding. As you begin to plan your wedding, begin to list items on your registry that you would like your guests to consider providing for your wedding gift. Line items like travel tickets, honeymoon suite, moonlit dinner on the beach, and even “wedding expenses.” Set up a Facebook or Instagram wedding site and be sure you list your Honeyfund web address on them. Pass the word to family and friends. Ask your friends to use your Honeyfund instead of bringing traditional wedding shower gifts and change the wedding shower to a wine and cheese party. You can make their lives easier while making your wedding dreams a reality.

TIP: Most people today are accustomed to buying and paying online. However, if you have elderly relatives or people who simply do not know how to use a computer, consider putting easy to follow instructions on your webpage. You will not put your Honeyfund information on your wedding invitations. However, you can enclose instructions in the shower invitations. Also, take a laptop or tablet with you and ask someone in the party to assist anyone who would like help with the gifting process. If you are sweet and helpful, people will receive the help well.

• Consider the timing

This is a big one. Many popular wedding destinations and venues have “seasons.” For example, June is a hot month for weddings. Children are out of school, vacations are being planned, and resorts fill up quickly. So, it should not surprise you that resorts will get top dollar for their facility in June. However, most resort towns have a slow period in October. The temperatures are cooling off, the leaves are changing, and people are settling in for winter and preparing for fall and winter holidays. This means you can usually get a much better deal in October. The resort is just as lovely, less crowded, and you can get a lot more for your money.

• Barter

Do you have friends that work in industries that you can use? Many times friends and family will provide a discounted service in exchange for you posting a blog about their service on your wedding site. Do you do work that could help them? Maybe you can barter your services. Some of the services you will be looking for include:

• DJ’s

• Caters

• Bakers

• Travel agents

• Wedding planners

• Photography

• Florist

• Hair stylist

• Makeup artist
  
  

• Let a professional help with your dress

For some reason, brides often think of buying a bride’s dress that is discounted is a bad thing. The dresses are beautiful, new, and the latest style. Often the dresses are marked down because they have too many or because someone ordered one and did not pick it up for whatever reason. Like any wedding dress, it will have to be altered to fit you. By letting a professional help you select a dress and considering dresses that are on sale, you can save big bucks.

• Honeymoon saving

Do you know someone who has a vacation home at the beach? Does someone in your circle own a timeshare they would be willing to let you use? These are great ways to save on your honeymoon. The owner of the property can allow you to use their property as their wedding gift to you.

There are many ways to save money on your wedding. You must determine what you really want and the most efficient way to get it. Keep your mind open and consider the options before you finalize your wedding. Planning goes a long way when it comes to getting the most for your money. Start early and be open to suggestions. You will be surprised at how well this all comes together.