Having your perfect wedding and buying your dream home are both exciting milestones, full of new adventure and hopeful possibility. However, both events require a significant amount of careful logistical and financial planning. There are so many little details to work out, that when challenges arise, it's difficult to keep everything from falling apart. But have no fear! There are plenty of helpful tools to help you steer your big day and your big move into smooth sailing.
Set Financial Goals
Budget, budget, budget! It's important to sit down as soon as possible and decide what you need and what you want out of each experience. Give each item careful consideration and strike a balance between what’s most desirable, and what’s reasonable. If you're too conservative with your plans and your money, you may not be able to enjoy the wedding and the home of your dreams. If you're too ambitious, you may find yourself in a sticky monetary situation. Finding that sweet spot is your first step toward your future.
Once you've created a budget, start setting aside a percentage of your income each month. Cut down on any extras and limit your splurging. If you need a bit of extra help, budget planning apps like WeddingHappy and Mint can help you set goals, plan out timelines, and keep track of your spending.
Check it Twice
Embrace the checklist! You’re less likely to forget to make that phone call, book that caterer, or meet with your real estate agent if you have everything written down. Put your action items in order of priority and create smaller lists for each of those big jobs. Be diligent about checking it each day. If you need help knowing what needs to be on your to-do lists, start with this moving checklist to get you started and adapt it to fit your needs.
Stick to a Schedule
Not only is it essential to maintain a strict financial schedule but wedding bells and moving vans also come with meticulous logistics that are time sensitive. Most wedding venues, photographers, florists, and caterers are booked months--at times, years--in advance. Once you set dates and finalize plans, keep a neatly organized list of contact numbers and dates for check-ins. Mistakes happen, and if something falls through the cracks or goes awry, you'll want to know as soon as possible so that you can resolve the issue, or make other arrangements. The Knot and Lady Marry are both excellent wedding planners, and these apps will help you stay on top of everything else!
Delegate
Every dollar, every hour, and every task should have a designated purpose when juggling your move and your wedding. So, don't be afraid to ask for help! Delegate tasks to trusted friends and family, and make sure to maintain clear and honest communication well ahead of time. That way, you can take care of the big stuff while others can make phone calls, help you pack, and pick up essentials.
Hire Professionals
When it comes to wedding plans, always be sure to hire professionals. Relying on friends, family, or friends of friends for photography and catering can cause tension in your personal relationships, adding extra and unnecessary stress to your itinerary. However, don't hesitate to ask them for recommendations! If you're still unsure of who to hire, you can use crowdsourcing apps like Yelp and choose vendors that suit your particular needs.
While hiring movers can get a little pricey, they can save you a lot of precious time and lots of stress. As experts in their field, they have plenty of experience in packing, loading, and unloading belongings. Be sure to get a few estimates before you decide to move forward with a moving company!
Insurance
Unfortunately, sometimes things don't go quite according to plan, and you'll want to be covered in the event of an emergency, accident, or other unforeseen event. On top of contingency plans with your individual wedding vendors, look into moving insurance, wedding insurance, and home owners insurance to protect you if things go wrong. It’ll give you peace of mind that’s well worth the investment.
While West Bend doesn’t offer wedding insurance, your independent insurance agent should be able to find coverage.
Self-Care
Lastly, it's critical to remember that your move and your wedding are intended to be blissful gateways into your new life with your partner. Chances are, you’ll be juggling these changes on top of work, school, and family, which can get very exhausting and stressful. Make time for yourself, and for your relationship. Treat yourself to some pampering, even if it's just a hot bath at the end of a long day. Plan date nights, a few weekends away, and small treats to enjoy in between your planning time. When you take care of yourself and your relationships, you’re better equipped to handle curveballs as they come!
Author Bio: Haley is a writer who covers topics including home and living, business, and finance. Aside from writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and praying for the Green Bay Packers.
