Mistakes to Avoid when Shopping for your Wedding
Shopping for your wedding should be incredibly exciting and a lot of fun. However, there are a few pitfalls you can fall into which can drain your budget and leave you with unnecessary items to deal with. There are simple ways to make your shopping trips successful and fruitful, and we’ve put together a helpful list to guide you along the way.
Read on to become aware of the biggest mistakes to avoid when shopping for your wedding.
Overpaying
It’s an unfortunate truth that weddings are incredibly expensive, and people do tend to take advantage of this. Certain companies actually mark their regular prices up for clients and customers who are shopping for a wedding. Before making large purchases, make sure that you have exhausted all options. Research different suppliers, stores and service providers to make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective option possible.
Sacrificing comfort
Your wedding dress and bridal shoes should be a reflection of your personal style, and they should be gorgeous of course. However, be careful not to make the mistake of completely sacrificing comfort for aesthetics. You don’t want to be walking up the aisle with tight, pinching bridal shoes and a dress which feels like it’s cutting off your circulation! Remember that if you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable, no matter how stunning your wedding dress and bridal shoes are.
Giving into impulses
If you’re out and about, perhaps shopping with a friend or window shopping during a lunch break, set yourself a rule not to make any unplanned purchases. It’s so easy to think “oh! That will be great for my wedding! I’m sure I’ll find a place for it!”. You’ll end up with a pile of stuff which doesn’t get used, and an overblown budget. Stick to your list and think hard before you buy. You can also put items on hold while you go away for the evening to have a think about whether or not you need it. You can check your supplies, figure out what you really need, and decide from there.
Not having a concise list or plan
If you don’t have a shopping list and a plan, you won’t know what you’ve got, what you need and what to prioritize. You’ll end up purchasing things you either already have or simply don’t need. A list also allows you to stay calm and in control, as you can clearly see your progress and know how close you’re getting to being finally finished.
Not sticking to your budget
This sounds like total common sense, but it’s harder than it sounds. If you’re not strict about your budget, all of the little “extra costs” will add up to a large overspend. Allocate your money out to each different aspect of the wedding so you know exactly how much you have to spend…and stick to it!
Conclusion
Before you begin shopping for your wedding, make sure you have a detailed list, budget and plan. Make a goal to stick to the budget and don’t shop outside of the list. This way, your money will be wisely spent, your wedding will be cohesive and well-designed, and you won’t have any regrets due to impulsive or careless purchases.
