A wedding is a celebration of love, but expectations and expenses can overshadow the joy and excitement of planning the big day, if not carefully managed. Elevating your wedding from lovely to unforgettable does not have to break the bank if you focus on what truly matters.
It's easy to get caught up in a spiral when deciding on lavish floral arrangements, fancy invitations, or picking a picturesque beach getaway for a destination wedding. Taking a step back to align your wedding spending with your values and long-term goals can lead to a more meaningful celebration – and a brighter future together.
The true challenge isn’t about how much you spend, but rather understanding why you are spending it. Regardless of the budget, the key is to approach wedding planning with a mindset that reflects your priorities and ensures that the financial decisions you make today willcreate cherished memories, not future regrets.
1. Set a realistic budget
Consider your financial situation, including savings and any contributions from family members. Allocate the amount into specific categories such as venue, catering, attire, and entertainment, and splurge on quality for things that are important to you. Find more affordable alternatives for the less critical elements.
2. The off-peak advantage
Peak wedding season and weekends are all about premium pricing. Picking an off-season date will get you the best rates - from a venue or vendor. Get multiple quotes for the more expensive services like catering, photography, and entertainment, and choose venues that permit outside catering and decorations, giving you more control to personalise your celebration and potentially save big.
3. Rented luxury
From wedding couture to décor or even designer tableware and linen, renting allows you to enjoy luxury without the expensive price tag and is also an eco-friendly option that minimises waste and supports sustainability.
4. Keep it simple
Cut back on an extensive array of menu options and instead, choose a few well-prepared dishes, or go for a buffet-style dining rather than a plated meal. Think of foregoing the cake - which is often wasted - and opt for a dessert station with multiple treats. Reduce costs without sacrificing style by choosing in-season flowers, or out-of-the-box décor like candles, lanterns, or upcycled objects to create striking centrepieces and aesthetic décor at a fraction of the cost.
5. Organise, Organise, Organise
Planning, shopping, and executing your ideas can be fun, but keeping track of money spent is often a challenge. Stay on top of your wedding expenses to avoid unexpected costs. Utilise financial apps to streamline this process, and keep your spending organised for a stress-free celebration.
Financial Wellbeing: The information provided herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for trading purposes or to be passed on or disclosed to any other person and/or to any jurisdiction that would render the distribution illegal. You may not offer any part of the information provided herein for sale or distribute it over any medium including but not limited to a computer network without the prior written consent of ENBD.
The information provided herein does not constitute investment advice and is not a distribution, an offer to sell, opinion, recommendation or the solicitation of an offer to buy any financial instrument or security. An investment if any, mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors and if you are unclear about any of the information provided herein, please consult your accountant, banker, broker, lawyer, tax adviser or other professional adviser. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security or financial instrument.
The appropriateness of an investment activity or strategy will depend on the person’s individual financial circumstances, objectives and needs. Before entering into any transaction, the risks should be fully understood and a determination made as to whether a transaction is appropriate given the person’s investment objectives, financial and operational resources, experiences and other relevant circumstances.
Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but no warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability, suitability or usefulness of any information contained herein and no liability in respect of any errors or omissions (including any third party liability) is accepted by ENBD.
Past performance is not a guide to future results or returns and investors should be aware that the value of any investments and the income derived from them may fall as well as rise and they may not get back the full amount invested. Exchange rates may also cause the value of underlying overseas investments to go up or down.
Anything to the contrary herein set forth notwithstanding, ENBD, its affiliates, agents, assigns, directors, employees, officers, representatives, successors shall not, directly or indirectly, be liable, in any way for any: (a) inaccuracies or errors in or omissions from the information provided herein including, but not limited to, quotes or financial data; (b) loss, injury or damage arising from the use the information provided or downloaded herein, including, but not limited to any investment decision occasioned thereby; (c) consequential, direct, exemplary, incidental, indirect, punitive or special damages even if ENBD has been advised specifically of the possibility of such damages, arising from the use of information provided herein, including but not limited to, loss of revenue, opportunity, or anticipated profits or lost business
ENBD reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time without notice. These Terms shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the UAE. Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and by the Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE.