When it comes to wedding planning, the bride and groom must be happy with the results, and the wedding must reflect their personal style. But for new parents, there’s one more thing to consider: how will your impending arrival change things? Here are a few tips on planning a wedding after your pregnancy.
Keep an Open Line of Communication
The first and arguably most important thing to do is to talk to your partner about your expectations. If you’re both on the same page from the start, it will be much easier to plan a wedding that meets both of your needs. Don’t be afraid to be honest with each other about what you’re hoping for; after all, this is your big day, and you want it to be perfect.
Budget the Event
You’re a mother. You’re also planning a wedding. And, as if those two things weren’t enough to juggle, you’re doing it on a budget. No pressure, right? Wrong. The added pressure of planning a wedding on a budget can be enough to make any mother pull her hair out.
Here are some tips on how to budget your wedding as a mother.
Set Realistic Goals
When it comes to budgeting your wedding, the first thing you need to do is set realistic goals. This means taking a hard look at your finances and deciding how much you can realistically afford to spend on your wedding without putting yourself into debt. Once you have a budget in mind, stick to it. You may be tempted to overspend because you think it will make your big day more special—the truth is, it won’t.
Start With the Big-ticket Items
Now that you have a budget in mind, it’s time to start thinking about where you want to allocate those funds. A good place to start is with the big-ticket items, such as the venue, the photographer, and the catering. These are typically the most expensive items on the list, so it’s important to get them sorted first. Once you have an idea of how much you can spend on each item, you can start looking around for deals and discounts.
Don’t Neglect the Smaller Details
It’s easy to get caught up in the big-ticket items and neglect the smaller details, but those details can add up quickly. Things like invitations, save-the-dates, thank-you cards, and stamps all add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget from the beginning.
Have Contingency Plans
No matter how hard you try, there will always be unexpected expenses when planning a wedding—it’s just part of the territory. To avoid being blindsided by these unexpected costs, make sure to build some contingencies into your budget from the beginning. This way, if (and when) something does come up, you won’t have to completely scrap your plans or go into debt just to make it work.
Shop Around
Last but not least, remember that you don’t have to settle for the first vendor or service provider you find—no matter how tempting it may be. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before making any final decisions. You might be surprised at how much money you can save by researching.
Plan Your Logistics
Once you’ve had that conversation, it’s time to start thinking about the logistics of planning a wedding after a pregnancy. One of the first things you’ll need to do is select a date. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to take some time off from work leading up to the big day, so you’ll want to choose a date that’s far enough in advance that you can make all the necessary arrangements.
Look for a Suitable Venue
When choosing a venue, make sure it is child-friendly. You want to be able to enjoy your wedding day without having to worry about your little one getting into something they’re not supposed to or being a nuisance to other guests. Give them plenty of space to run around, and make sure there are activities available to keep them occupied.
Farm-chic weddings are growing in popularity, as they offer a unique setting that both adults and children will enjoy. You can consider a barn as a wedding venue option, as it will give your wedding day an elegant yet rustic feel. It is usually affordable, and you can even DIY some aspects of it to save on costs.
Planning a wedding can be challenging enough. However, it seems downright impossible when you add the stress of planning it as a new parent. However, by following these practical tips, you can make the process much easier. A wedding after your pregnancy doesn’t have to be a daunting task—with a bit of planning and forethought, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
