Set a budget for your wedding
How much you spend on your wedding is a very personal decision. There may be cultural or religious aspects to consider that could influence the cost. Family expectations and traditions can also affect your spending.
To help decide how much you should spend on your wedding, consider your day-to-day budget and savings goals to figure out what you can afford. Key factors to keep in mind when planning your wedding budget are the venue, guest list size, wedding style, and season—including month, day of the week, and time of day.
Some newlyweds split wedding costs with their families. Have a conversation with your future spouse and both sides of the family to see if they’re willing to contribute. If so, see what everyone is comfortable giving, and work from there to cover the rest.
Navigate conversations with family while planning
Depending on your age and any financial support your families are offering, they may have opinions about your wedding. There are many ways to compromise and collaborate with family members throughout the process. Some families may enjoy creatively weaving old customs into new wedding ideas, while others might be expecting a more traditional approach.
Try to prepare for any disagreements and figure out ways to get family members on board with your plans. You may be excited about a small wedding in a meaningful location, for example, but your parents have always dreamed of seeing you have a big church wedding. Try to understand the issues behind any differing opinions, and, if the objections are reasonable, discuss them calmly. Explain your point of view and why it matters to you. Creating a compelling story could help sway people to your side.
Ultimately, it’s your marriage, and the choices are up to you. Decline any financial help if you strongly disagree with the conditions that come with it.