Are There Easy Ways to Save Money for Your Wedding?

Saving for your wedding doesn’t have to take a large financial toll on your life. By making a conscious effort to adjust certain aspects of your daily routine, you’ll be able to save enough for your perfect wedding.

Pay yourself first. This is a well-known tip that all savvy savers use to maximize their income. Set aside a certain percentage (try for 10 percent) of your paycheck each month. Have it directly deposited into a savings account that's just for wedding expenses.

Have a yard sale. Check through your kitchen and closets for duplicate items that you both have. You’re not going to need two sets of flatware or two toasters, so make a pile of items that you can part with once you’re married. Gather everything and have a yard sale; or sell the big ticket items, such as dining tables and bedroom furniture, on Craigslist.

Cut the cable. You’re probably going to be so busy planning the wedding that you won’t have time to watch television. Cancel your cable, and the money you save will pay for an extra guest or two.

Dine in. Instead of going out to lunch, brown-bag it. Bringing your own sandwich and fruit will not only save you money, it will also help you resist the temptation to order unhealthy fast food. For dinner, try to cook more often than you go out. Instead, buy a cookbook that showcases quick meals. You can also cook larger amounts and have the leftovers for lunch the next day or freeze extra servings for another week.

Curb extravagant spending. Keep an eye out for unnecessary purchases. Promise to cut back on those things that are mere “wants” instead of “needs.” Designer clothing, expensive spa treatments, and other luxury items can wait until after the wedding.