1. Decide how much you are comfortable spending.

If you aren’t comfortable spending close to your entire year’s salary on your wedding, don’t! It’s important to be realistic and remember your other financial goals. Just because you’re planning a wedding, doesn’t mean all your other money management skills should go out the window. You still need to be saving for retirement, putting money away in an emergency fund, and saving for other goals you might have, such as purchasing a home. There are plenty of couples who have beautiful weddings for $10,000 or less! Once you come up with a total dollar amount for your wedding, come up with a savings plan to get there so you don’t have to rely on credit cards. Figure out how much money you and your future spouse will need to save every month until the wedding. It takes discipline, but it’s worth it!

2. Determine what aspects of the wedding are most important to you.

Maybe the venue is important to you, and you just have to have your wedding at a certain location. Allocate more money in your wedding budget to the venue. If there are things that aren’t all that important to you, then don’t go overboard with the spending. Maybe you and your friends and family don’t drink that much. Don’t spend tons of money on an open bar. It all depends on what your priorities are for the big day.

3. See if you can DIY anything to save money.

Wedding decor can be expensive. (Really, anything with the word “wedding” in front of it is going to be expensive.) If you can DIY it with some dollar store mason jars, go for it! Making the decor yourself with inexpensive craft items can save you hundreds of dollars. Other things you may want to consider DIY-ing include the cake (or other dessert if you opt to go non-traditional), flower arrangements, and hair/makeup if possible. Of course, before you buy or DIY anything, do your research and see what the costs are for each option. Sometimes DIY isn’t cheaper, and sometimes, it’s just not worth it if doing something yourself is going to be too stressful.

4. Don’t forget about secondhand items.

Whether it’s a dress that’s been worn before or decor that’s been used in another wedding, secondhand items can be a budget saver! If your mom still has her wedding dress, see if you can use her dress instead of buying a new one. Not only will that save you thousands of dollars, but it could be sentimental for both of you. Additionally, if you have a friend or cousin who got married recently, ask them if you can borrow or buy their decor off of them secondhand. There are also websites specifically for secondhand wedding items. A quick Google search will give you tons of options!

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind your wedding is just one day. It’s an important day of course, but it’s not worth accumulating thousands of dollars in debt. Talk with your future spouse about what your financial goals are for after the wedding too. As long as you’re on the same page and both stick to the agreed upon budget, your wedding shouldn’t be too financially stressful!

Combining your finances with your partner has it own merits and demerits.

Pros of Combining Finances With Your Partner

Simplify your budgeting and money management. By having a joint account, you can easily track your income and expenses, pay bills and save for your shared goals. You don’t have to worry about splitting costs or transferring money between accounts.
Build trust and transparency. By sharing your financial information and decisions with your partner, you can foster a sense of openness and honesty in your relationship. You can also avoid conflicts and misunderstandings that may arise from hiding or lying about money matters.

Enjoy tax benefits and discounts. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for tax breaks and lower fees if you file jointly or have a joint account. For example, you may qualify for a higher standard deduction, lower tax brackets, or spousal IRA contributions. You may also get better rates on loans, insurance and other services if you apply as a couple.

Support each other in times of need. By pooling your resources, you can have more financial security and flexibility in case of emergencies, job loss, illness or other unexpected events. You can also help each other achieve your individual goals, such as paying off debt, starting a business or pursuing education.

Cons of Combining Finances With Your Partner

Lose some autonomy and privacy. By merging your finances, you may feel like you are giving up some control and independence over your own money. You may also have less privacy and personal space, as your partner can see all your transactions and balances. You may have to compromise on some of your spending habits and preferences, or seek approval from your partner before making big purchases.

Face potential conflicts and resentment. By sharing your finances, you may also expose yourself to more disagreements and arguments over money issues. For example, you may have different views on how to budget, save, invest or spend your money. You may also have different income levels, debt loads or financial histories that may cause imbalance or resentment in your relationship.

Risk losing everything in case of a breakup. By combining your finances, you may also put yourself at risk of losing half or more of your assets in case of a divorce or separation. Depending on the laws in your state or country, you may have to split everything equally or according to various factors. You may also have to deal with the hassle and cost of separating your accounts and resolving any joint debts or obligations.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both combining and keeping your finances separate with your partner. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal situation and preferences. Here are some questions to ask yourself and your partner before making this decision:

What are your financial goals and values? Do you share the same vision and priorities for your money? How do you plan to achieve them?
What are your financial habits and styles? Are you a spender or a saver? Are you organized or messy? Are you risk-averse or risk-tolerant?
What are your financial situations and histories? How much do you earn, save and owe? Do you have any outstanding debts, loans or obligations? Do you have any assets, investments or inheritance?
How do you communicate and resolve conflicts about money? Do you talk openly and honestly about your finances? Do you respect and trust each other’s opinions and decisions? Do you compromise and cooperate when there are disagreements?
How do you feel about combining or keeping your finances separate? Do you feel comfortable and confident with either option? Do you have any fears or concerns about either option?

Bottom Line…

There is no right or wrong way to manage your finances with your partner. The most important thing is to find a system that works for both of you and that supports your relationship. Whether you choose to combine or keep your finances separate, make sure to communicate regularly, respect each other’s boundaries, and review and adjust your plan as needed.  In every relationship, a pivotal financial question arises: should you combine finances with your partner? This decision can profoundly impact your financial health and relationship harmony. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of merging finances to help you make an informed decision.

Deciding to combine finances with your partner is a personal choice and one that should not be taken lightly. Weigh the pros and cons in the context of your relationship dynamics and financial goals. Whether you choose to merge your finances or keep them separate, the key to financial harmony lies in open, honest, and regular communication about money.

Do you have experience with combining finances with a partner? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. For personalized advice, consider speaking with a financial advisor to find the best approach for your situation

If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.