When I got married I wanted to be a simple affair. Just I would-be-hubby, family, and honeymoon. I had my priority sorted.The budget was tight and I wanted no personal loan. But God had other plans. My mom and little sister planned the most wonderful Bengali biye(marriage) on a budget.
How did I plan my wedding on a budget?
6 Top tips to plan your own wedding on a budget
#1 I knew how hard my mum struggled to make ends meet. So I had saved a major part of my stipend for two years in a recurrent deposit. Traditional Indian marriages give a lot of sleepless nights and financial stress to parents. I really didn’t want my mom to go through that.
My would-be-hubby agreed.He was my best friend.But if you know Indian families, you will know just getting your marriage registered and not meeting and greeting all your keen and their in-laws, are crime of the highest degree
I still wanted a budget.But a smart one. I have seen how the quality of life deteriorates with loans and had no plans of being under debt trap.
#2 Be smart while buying jewelry for your wedding.
For my wedding, the plan for the main wedding day was all about the splendor of the Gold. The Bengali bride is supposed to be decked up like a Christmas tree.This needs a massive budget.But I kept it simple. The extras like maang tikka, kamarbandh I made in silver and got them gold-plated. Since silver is also precious metal it was not wasted money. I looked good and managed to do it within the budget.
For the reception I chose to sparkle in diamonds but nothing over the top. An elegant diamond necklace, a simple diamond bracelet, rings, danglers for the ear made up my look for the reception.It was simple and fuss free.Much needed on a boubhat(reception from the groom’s side) day.
How to be smart while buying wedding jewelry?
- Watch out for pre-Diwali and the festival sales.Massive discounts are offered with the making charges. This can help a lot when you are buying several pieces together.
- Don’t buy jewelry which is an exact color coordinated with wedding day outfits.You may not wear the heavy sari or lehenga frequently but you will wear that jewelry.Be careful and pick up the right pieces.
- Buy jewelry from the outfit.Jewelry is an asset.It needs the best decision and investment.Buy it with care.Clothes unfortunately though much needed doesn’t make sense spending a huge amount of money.
- Try to buy jewelry sets which can be worn assembled into larger pieces, or taken apart to form small delicate pieces.Multipurpose jewelry is best.This way you can pack a punch and not worry about where to wear them after your wedding day
- Buy classic pieces which will be family heirlooms.
Buy jewelry with not only will look good on you, but also be value for money.Avoid depreciating assets. I am a typical Indian woman when it comes to buying jewelry.But not so typical when it comes to my feeling about them.
I love gold and diamond jewelry.The beautiful warm golden color looks and brightens up my skin.Diamonds I feel are the much-needed sparkle a new bride needs. I love wearing jewelry, my detachment towards them bordering on the analytical is what drives me while buying jewelry.
Before buying jewelry I researched thoroughly.Jagoinvestor is a site which helped.It is from reading Manish’s books that I got to know that the gold rates get adjusted over 15 to 20 years period.
Gold savings doesn’t make a lot of profit but are inflation-adjusted.So if you want a safe investment, they suggested gold is great.
Diamonds must be certified and have a guarantee of the seller.Their wear and tear is minimum.I believe in keeping assets diversified.Jewellery, when worn, is beautiful and when used as assets are powerful. Believe me, my planning helps when we bought a new home together.
For the jewelry to be an asset what you need to know:
Buy only certified jewelry and not from small local shops.The purity of Gold is what gives it the value.Until you have a quality guarantee you are not safe.
Before you actually shop for your jewelry check online for prices and visit a few shops and get an idea about the money you should save.Having an idea helps you save that.This way you are prepared and won’t feel stressed.Jewelry is one way of having Goddess Laxmi with you.
#3 Book the marriage hall and catering early.
Early booking often gives you a hefty discount.Now for this, I have another super tip. Many good hotels rent out their marriage halls at a nominal price(even free ) when you are catering from them.This way you don’t have to worry about the decor, lighting, and security of your guests.
#4 Get a professional bridal makeup done
Find the most affordable and professional one.If you are a blogger or have a blogger friend you can great deals.Scout around to get a good rate. Then don’t forget to give the artist a testimonial. This way you get dedicated service ,you’re helping somebody and also managing it in your budget.
I got my makeup done at the Lakme salon and it was the most relaxing three hours on my wedding day.Unfortunately, I forgot my shoes and my debit card while leaving for the ceremony.But God is kind.The shop owner himself found out where the function was being organized from neighbors and hopped over to give back my card personally.The kindness of strangers must be remembered.
In weddings people remember how the food was and how the bride looked, exactly in that order!
#5 Get a good photographer on a budget. Talk to them about the event you want to be covered for.
Don’t get carried away.Stick to your budget.Who wants post-wedding bliss spoilt by money worries?Remember you want that fresh newlywed’s bright glow which can be difficult if you are swimming under credit card bills.Again if you are a blogger or have a blogger friend you can get amazing packages.
#6 Relax and enjoy.Plan, pray and stay patient.Everything will be okay.You need to plan smart and make memories, not debt!
Comment below to let me know your tips for buying jewelery.Was it a pain or was it fun?
Disclaimer: Make all purchase decisions based on own research.This post is meant to share my personal experience and knowledge and is not a professional advice.Kindly read my full disclaimer.