From stationery to flowers to a live band and favors, I’ll be the first to admit there’s a particular taste and vision I have for the big day. Knowing this, and not wanting our parents to have any other responsibility on their mind aside from being there, we both decided to contribute to our wedding budget…so we decided to share a few ways we’ve learned how to pare down on costs.

(My fiancé works who works in finance is OCD about where every dollar goes while I’m the one who wings it…guess you san say opposites attract!)

Dress: (c/o) Rebecca Vallance (click here for yellow version) Earrings: (c/o) Oscar de la Renta

Sandals: Cult Gaia

1.) Personally we’re both guilty of ordering take-out and delivery, especially since there’s a super delicious, healthy restaurant below us in our Miami home…so why cook? Of course, it adds up. Now we’re opting for home cooked meals, which includes some wine every now and then, instead of spending so much on take-out. Plus cooking at home is so much healthier (less salt, butter) and fun! I select my favorite playlist on Spotify then we get to cooking.

2.) You’re probably wondering about clothes – so am I, lol. Today I’m spending less on trendy clothing and investing more in items I’ll wear again and again. There’s nothing wrong with being seen in something twice (or three times… #MeThisWeek) in public, especially if it’s a gorgeous look!

3.) We’ve also come up with a savings plan where we’re both putting away a certain amount every month. Given that our wedding is more than a year away, there’s more than enough time to save without all the added pressure. Trust me, it’s not worth going into debt for a wedding.

4.) Know what’s important and spend where it counts. Determine what it is that’s truly valuable to you and your fiancé for the wedding, create a list from there and you’ll know what to cut back on. To me, those facets are photography, fashion and cuisine. Everything else is secondary…

5.) Don’t be afraid to get creative. Sure, working with the best vendors is great because they’re experienced pros, but sometimes newer vendors have incredible ideas and visions, too…who are pleased to personalize those special details (and possibly more willing and open to meet your budget).

6.) Delegate where it counts. Time is money, right? If planning a wedding by yourself means you’re neglecting your business and career, it may make sense for you to hire a wedding planner. Seems counterintuitive, but you may have a greater chance of making more money in the long run if you free up the time to do so. With his/her experience, a wedding planner knows the wedding world, is efficient and most likely has a great relationship with multiple vendors, which means it can shave off some of the costs from your final bill.

7.) Be open and compromise. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what’s local and only stay near home. However, you may be surprised at what you discover when you explore other options outside the city or even country (like us!). Then, it’s good to divide and review the options you love between hometown, bigger city and maybe even countries.