Getting married is one of life’s most cherished milestones. But behind all the joy and excitement, there’s one crucial factor that shouldn’t be overlooked: the cost of the wedding.
Many young couples are surprised when they finally break down the expenses, venue rental, catering, outfits, photo and video services, dowry, and more. Without proper planning, these costs can quickly drain your savings. And remember, marriage isn’t just about the wedding day itself; it’s the beginning of a new chapter that requires financial stability.
So, how can you plan a beautiful wedding without incurring significant financial costs? Here are some tips to help you get started.
Set a Clear Wedding Budget
The first step is to create a detailed wedding budget. List all your anticipated expenses, including:
- Venue (hall, hotel, restaurant)
- Catering (number of guests, menu choices)
- Bridal attire
- Decorations
- Photography and videography
- Dowry and gifts
- Administrative costs (civil registration, religious affairs office, etc.)
Make sure the concept and scale of your celebration align with your financial situation. If you’re working with a limited budget, an intimate or minimalist wedding is perfectly fine. Do your research so your savings goals are realistic.
Calculate How Much You Can Save Each Month
Once you know your total estimated cost, determine how much of your monthly income you can set aside. For example:
- Monthly salary: IDR 5 million
- Monthly savings goal: 20% = IDR 1 million
- Total saved in one year = IDR 12 million
The earlier you start, the less pressure you’ll feel. Be sure to also allocate funds for emergencies so your wedding plans don’t interfere with daily living needs.
Open a Separate Wedding Savings Account
Keep your wedding savings in a separate account to avoid the temptation of spending it on unrelated expenses. You might also consider:
- A term deposit or high-interest savings account
- An account with an auto-debit feature for consistent saving
This helps you stay disciplined and makes tracking your progress easier.
Find Creative Ways to Save
Saving doesn’t mean you have to live uncomfortably. It’s about being wise with your spending.
- Cut back on lifestyle costs like daily café visits or impulse shopping
- Look for side gigs freelancing, selling online, or using skills you already have
- Use banking promos, cashback offers, and marketplace discounts, then transfer the money you save into your wedding fund
Have Honest Financial Discussions with Your Partner
Marriage is a partnership. Be open with your future spouse about your financial situation and wedding goals.
- Agree on a realistic wedding plan.
- Divide saving responsibilities based on your respective incomes.
- Practice managing money together before the wedding to build stronger teamwork and communication.
Use Financial Tools Wisely
It’s common to feel tempted to take out a personal loan when wedding costs pile up. But high-interest loans can bring stress into the early days of married life.
If you need urgent funds, consider a safer alternative, such as the Earned Wage Access (EWA) feature in the VENTENY Employee Super App. EWA allows you to withdraw a portion of your earned salary before payday, with no interest and no penalties. It’s a practical way to maintain a healthy cash flow during wedding preparations without incurring debt.
A Wedding is Just One Day, Marriage is for Life
Remember, the celebration lasts a day, but marriage is a lifetime commitment. A simple wedding is perfectly okay as long as you’re financially secure. What matters most is starting your new life together on a strong financial foundation.
Start planning your wedding savings now, and if you need a flexible solution to manage your finances, don’t forget to make use of VENTENY’s Earned Wage Access. It can help make your journey to the big day smoother, calmer, and more financially secure.
