Planning your wedding: Get off to a good start

Make your big day everything you want it to be

For better or for worse, the days of parents picking up the entire tab for a wedding are, in many cases, a thing of the past. Nowadays, it’s much more common to find couples planning and paying for some — or even all — of their own weddings. And let’s face it, there is a silver lining in that. Want to get married on a mountainside or jumping out of an airplane? Go for it! When you’re footing the bill, you can make your wedding just what you want it to be.

If you’ve ever done any wedding shopping, you’ve probably suffered some sticker shock. But with a bit of planning, you may be able to lessen the pain and make your money go further.

Save for the big day

It doesn’t matter when your wedding is — the sooner you start saving for it, the more you’ll thank yourself later. If the date is still in the distant future, it may help to place your money in investments like stocks or mutual funds that may potentially earn a higher return. If you’re within a few months of your wedding date, a money market fund — which usually offers a higher interest rate and more flexibility than a traditional savings account — may be a good option. The most important thing is to put some money away for the big day. If that money can earn a respectable return, so much the better.

Don’t overextend yourself

It may be the big day, but it’s probably not worth digging a big financial hole. Consider planning your wedding around what you can realistically afford.

Be willing to compromise

If those elegant flower arrangements and guest party favors are putting you over budget, don’t be afraid to scale them back or ditch them altogether. Remember that your family and friends are there first and foremost to support you as you tie the knot.

Talk to Mom and Dad

Even if your parents aren’t footing the bill, they may want to help in some way. After all, this event is special for them too.

Give us a call

We’re not wedding planners, but we’re here to help. A Voya Financial Advisors retirement consultant will be more than happy to talk to you about the financial considerations and implications of planning your wedding.

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This information is provided by Voya for your education only. Neither Voya nor its representatives offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor before making a tax-related investment/insurance decision.

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