Expert reveals advice for planning a wedding amid cost-of-living crisis

By William On Oct 9, 2022

Amid the cost of living, many brides and grooms-to-be may worry about how they will pay for their wedding.

Some may even turn to the “budget bride” trend, where brides-to-be challenge themselves to have the most cost-effective wedding, including slimming down on the dress budget and opting for a high street or fast fashion design over a tailored dress. .

But now a wedding expert has considered some tricky cost issues that couples planning a wedding may have been too scared to do.

Industry expert Lisa Forde, who founded her wedding favors company Tree of Hearts nearly two decades ago, told FEMAIL how brides-to-be can navigate the tough conversations.

Industry expert Lisa Forde, who founded her wedding paper company Tree of Hearts nearly two decades ago, told FEMAIL how brides-to-be can navigate the tough conversations (stock image)

‘Be mindful of your parents’ feelings’ when asking for financial help to pay for the big day

Though rooted in tradition, the long-standing convention that the bride’s parents pay for the occasion has become less common in recent years, according to Lisa, who says people “marry later in life with a little help from relatives.”

However, asking for help with the cost of your wedding may see an uptick as bills rise and inflation hits record highs.

Lisa told FEMAIL: ‘Whether parents should pay for the wedding or not has become quite a controversial topic!

Traditionally, the bride’s parents would pay for the entire wedding and reception. But as couples get married later in life, we’ve found that most pay for their wedding themselves — but often with a little help from family members.

Lisa Forde is an industry expert in the UK, she founded her wedding paper company 20 years ago and now offers advice to those wishing to get married in the midst of the cost of living crisis

“If your family is contributing a lot of money to your wedding, they may insist that you do things their way.

“Whether that’s getting married in a specific location, inviting their friends to the wedding, or choosing a dress that’s not your style, you’re bound to experience a bit of friction!

“Make sure you consider their feelings and maybe try to compromise with them.”

The expert says you should be honest about the cost when asking for help, explaining: “If you want to ask your parents for money for your wedding, there are many different ways to do it that are both respectful and kind.

“Approach them thoughtfully and remember that they don’t have to pay at all.

‘Make sure you have a budget and plan in mind. Your parents may be hesitant to pay for your wedding if they don’t know how much it will cost.

“Second, be specific, it’s more reasonable to ask that your parents pay for one specific thing at the wedding, such as your wedding cake, dress, or transportation.

Give friends plenty of warnings if you’re planning to leave for a bachelorette party

Having a bachelorette party abroad has become a trend, with many ‘team brides’ heading to sunnier locations or weekend getaway hotspots like Berlin and Amsterdam for their pre-wedding parties.

Tickets can often be bought relatively cheaply and are a good excuse for a little getaway with friends before married life begins.

However, if you’re still determined to go abroad for your bachelorette party during rockier financial climates, Lisa says you need a clear overview of times and costs if you expect your friends to cover it.

Lisa said: ‘In recent years, more and more hen and stag parties have moved abroad.

Party destinations like Ibiza and Marbella top the list. Of course, there are many benefits to this type of party – sun, sand, sea plus the ability to completely disconnect from everyday life.

‘But of course there are also disadvantages, such as costs, time and having to book days off.

‘If you do opt for an expensive hen abroad, try to warn your loved ones as best as possible, so that they can start saving for the event and the budget surrounding it.

“It’s also helpful to be honest from the start about how much you expect the event to cost your attendees so they know ahead of time what to budget for.

‘Try to stick to this as much as possible and avoid unnecessary last-minute additions.

“It’s worth bearing in mind that everyone is in different financial situations, so don’t put too much pressure on your group to attend the entire event if they only want one night or part of the activities.” come.’

“Finally, make sure you see if they can afford it before you ask.”

Is it sticky to ask for cash instead of wedding gifts? No, according to Lisa, who says that “cohabiting couples often have all the household items.”

She also recommends telling guests where the money is going, such as when it comes to a honeymoon.

Lisa said, “Many couples wonder how to ask for money without sounding rude, but also don’t want to end up with a pile of unwanted gifts.

“With many couples living together before they tie the knot, they often have all the household necessities traditionally taken for a wedding gift.

“So if you’re going to ask for cash, think about what you’re going to spend it on — we find that the cost of the honeymoon is often covered, at least in part, this way.

“Your guests will most likely appreciate you mentioning this because they know what they’re contributing to.”

Make it clear from the start who pays for the bridal party’s hair, makeup and outfits

The businesswoman recommends that bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own makeup, hair, dresses and suits and that this should be made clear from the start.

She said: “When it comes to bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits, wedding hair and makeup and who pays, it all comes down to personal circumstances.

Whatever you decide, to avoid awkward conversations down the road, these things should be made clear from the start — especially if you expect bridesmaids and groomsmen to cover their own costs.

“My advice would be to decide what you are willing to cover and what you are asking them to contribute to the start of your honeymoon and be honest with them when you ask them to be part of the wedding so they can budget accordingly. ‘

Be sensitive if not everyone can attend your destination wedding

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years until Covid, when travel around the world was disrupted. With the borders open again and engaged couples dreaming of sun-filled weddings, it’s something that has seen the wedding industry pick up again.

Lisa said: ‘If you want guaranteed sunshine for your wedding, a warm country is an ideal location, but you should keep in mind that some guests won’t be able to be with you, perhaps due to cost or even lack of time.

“This is the same situation when you ask guests to travel further afield in the UK or perhaps when you ask them to stay longer than one night to extend the celebrations.

“You might like to think that your loved ones will make the effort to come to your wedding no matter where or what time of year it is, but it’s worth bearing in mind that not everyone will be able to. to do that.

“To include as many of your friends and family as possible, we recommend that you give the best possible notice when sending your Save the Date cards.”