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  • Exercise Classes To Try Before The Wedding Day

    Exercise Classes To Try Before The Wedding Day

    The majority of those in the industry of making brides look good for their wedding day would perhaps offer this piece of wedding day advice to the bride to be; You want to be the prettiest version of yourself as possible on your wedding day…We are sipping that kool-aid, or in this case that Kale, Almond milk, and Banana Smoothie, and would add to that adage, a bride on her wedding day should be the prettiest HEALTHIEST version of themselves.

    If you are thinking of doing anything extreme in order to change your appearances in the year, months, weeks, or days leading up to your wedding day, let us remind you of a cautionary tale, that will hopefully give you the confidence you need to do you, albeit it a badass, healthy, glowing version of you, but definitely you… We are going to go back, way back, like the Old Testament, old school to prove our point…

    By no means is this a bible study blog, believe what you want to re: the Old Testament, New Testament, No Testament, but please believe us when we say, the groom wants the hot, smart, loving, goofy, sexy, cute with babies, loves dogs chic he fell in love with underneath that veil, not an imposture who spray tanned one too many times their already beautiful milky skin, only now to look like they are auditioning for the part of an Oompa Loompa on the live set of Charlie and the chocolate factory..

    In short: Jacob goes and works for Laban, who has two daughters, Rachel and Leah. Jacob and Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel hit it off, fall in love, set a date, to marry… But, poor Jacob, his Dad tricks him, and on his wedding day he finds out that Laban switched daughters hidden under the wedding veil, and Jacob gets punked into marrying the wrong daughter, that’s a real wedding day wardrobe malfunction…

    In the real world, real-time terms, don’t pull a Laban and be all presto chango, girl, what did you do to your hair, is that you under those fake lashes or Leah…

    Here are some actual things we do recommend and endorse that aren’t as extreme as faking out your soon to be husband and all of his college buddies.

    • SoulCycle
    • Orange Theory
    • SLT
    • Tracy Anderson Method
    • Rumble
    • Your very own Peloton Bike for good behavior

     

    Clearly, we aren’t Willy Wonka and aren’t going to go about sugar coating and chocolate covering up the truth that some of us have to work harder at combating the stresses that grind our gears forcing us to seek solace in the bottom of a pint. Whether it be a pint of Guinness or of Cherry Garcia, But what better result based work is there out there, than that of devising a health plan towards a healthier body, better cardiovascular health, more energy, an outlet for stress, more balanced diet and sticking to it?

  • Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Say, I and Repeat After Me: I Would Do anything for love, but, I Won’t do THAT, (Cash bar thing to my guests)

    Over here at HitchSwitch, we have weddings and ways to streamline the wedding process on our brain 25/8. We are beginning to think we have uncovered what “that” is regarding the fuzzy Meatloaf lyrics, “I would do anything for love but, I won’t do THAT.” I think what Meaty is crooning about is he would do anything for love, and for that love to be felt at his wedding, but, he would never make his guests pay for booze, thoughts?

    Nothing to think about, other than exhausting every other option humanly possible than having your guests pay to play, or drink the night away…Usually, actually, almost always, there is a flip side to every coin and a chair for every ass. However, there are some universal truths and rote advice in the often joked debate of: is it ever ok, to have your wedding guests spend their own coin to get a drink in hand and their ass out of their chair and onto the dance floor? The answer – unless you can convince us otherwise, which would be like convincing us wine isn’t wet) is NO, and we aren’t joking.

    There are many alternatives, creative, and cost-saving options to “grey goose” without making your guests open their wallets to stay hydrated on the dance floor.

    We actually get asked a form of this question every day, and the answer is the same every time, no, no, no, no!

    While we embrace every type of bride, and every type of and wedding vision, and strongly encourage setting a budget and sticking to it, we highly doubt any of our brides, as outside the box brides, as they may be, want to have a donation box, titled “beer money” at their reception….

    Just consider us your personal GPS on navigating a toll-free cash-bar-free road of exact change for your guests. Read on, free of charge (ha) to find an EZ pass alternative route and borrow one of our “Waze” to avoid the sure highway to hell of a wedding…

    Have a signature drink that is you, maybe the drink you first shared as a couple, maybe a drink that is seasonal, maybe a drink local to the area.

    Give your wedding party an open bar option and keep your other guests thirst quenched with wine and champagne.

    Serve a sparkling white or Prosecco (Italian white wine instead of a costly champagne. Prosecco can be a less expensive substitute for Champagne in drinks like a Bellini).

    Ditch the filet mignon for tacos, and serve margaritas, but DO NOT skip on the booze.

    In case you don’t “buy” into our Meatloaf philosophy, or unwavering stance on a noncash bar wedding, consider this: If your wedding is the best party you will ever throw for your family and friends, would your idea of the best party ever entail having your guests pay for cocktails?????

  • No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

    No Babysitter, No Babies Yet, Bucket List

    We get it, you are busy, you are married now, settling in, learning how to compromise, (he wants Will Ferrell movies, you want “Will You Grow up” movies, that are actually called documentaries). You are splitting responsibilities, (you cook and not only do you have “your lists,” you have “our lists…” You have so many lists, even your lists have a list, but making a bucket list as a couple, sans children, is a list worth listing, even if having kids is number one on your “our list”.

    Adding children to your list of “to dos” and actually adding children to your lives is a game changer, because, once they arrive your bucket list turns into something that rhymes with bucket, that starts with an “f” real quick…. Trust me!

    You have little adorably delicious people who are dependent on you, who look up to you for guidance and modelled behavior. They demand your time, your energy, your sleep, your love, your focus, and your attention. And, these little deliciously needy people, decide, at some point, maybe, listed on one of their little to do lists, unbeknownst to you, out of the blue, to stop napping, and that was your only chance of your time. Good luck crossing off your dreams and aspirations, while they are awake.

    You will soon be making decisions that cater to their needs, growth, enjoyment, and development and you would do anything for them, because you love them, more than life itself, and perhaps a little less than the best night’s sleep ever.

    Enjoy your time together, as a married couple, without the responsibility of children, just as you should enjoy every stage of life, because it’s amazing how quickly life happens, changes, and believe me, I know at times it seems that your only purpose in this life is to pay bills and clean up after your spouse, and when you’re not doing the previously mentioned, go out and live a little, love a lot, do what you love, while you can!

    This list isn’t by any means trying to sway you from settling down and starting a family , but rather a motivational list urging you to: Seek out adventure, conquer some conquests and enjoy your time together, before the time becomes 8:30 pm, and that’s way too late to start a movie at that hour…

    Make out, and make love, in places you aren’t supposed to.

    Learn a new skill, together, like surfing, or ballroom dancing.

    Learn a new language together and then travel to that place where that language is spoken

    Go to Vegas for a wild weekend, and bet it all on black 17, it’s not your kids’ tuition after all.

    Go skinny dipping at night

    Appreciate the small things

    (which is a big one) sleeping in, waking up spooning, no one else in your bed sleeping between you, shower together, work out together, take walks together, watch a sunrise together, stay up late together.

    Go on or to a couple only, no kids resort or cruise.

    Take a BIG trip (Europe, Asia, safari in Africa)

    Volunteer together on Christmas Day at your local food pantry or soup kitchen.

     

    Blast music

    regardless of the explicit lyrics, and or put on Howard Stern during your commute in your convertible with two doors, no room for car seats…

  • Things You Never Thought to Take Care of After the Big Day

    Things You Never Thought to Take Care of After the Big Day

    After you’re married you might think that your to-do list is finally finished, right? No more planning meetings or last-minute fittings that clutter up your schedule. Well, sorry to break it to you, but you’re not off the hook just yet. In fact, there are a lot of time-sensitive tasks you should plan on taking care of pretty soon after the big day. So snap out of your marital bliss fog and take care of these tasks so you can get back to staring at your new bling and doodling your new last name.

    Change your last name

    Okay so this isn’t exactly unexpected, but there’s a lot more that goes into it than you’d think. Hitchswitch will give you a huge jump on the legal paperwork, but once that’s taken care of there’s still more to do. Don’t forget to tell your employer and have the IT guy update any account usernames or emails. You’ll need to update your personal social media handles. Here’s a handy tip: reserve your new email address ASAP once you’re engaged, especially if you want a professional sounding one. That way, once you’re married you won’t have to worry about being stuck with mrswifey82429@gmail.com as your contact info.

    Have a money talk

    This one isn’t fun, but it’s so important to have this conversation. Sit down with your new hubs and treat the meeting like a business conversation. What assets and debts are you each bringing into the marriage? Are you going to combine accounts? Then talk about your bigger money goals such as paying off student loans, starting a family, buying a house, or travelling. Whatever it is, take a look at what obstacles are in your way and make a plan to tackle them together. Then go do something fun because money talks can really suck the life out of you.

    Review your wedding vendors

    If your wedding vendors made all of your dreams come true, make sure you show them some love with a glowing review. In the unfortunate case that something didn’t go as planned, a thoughtful review can help another bride avoid the same problem. Word of mouth is huge in the wedding industry so taking the time to write reviews can be a big help for their business. Plus, doesn’t your wedding planner deserve it after dealing with your Bridezilla moments?

     

    Take down your registry and wedding website

    Once you’ve opened your wonderful gifts, take a look at your wedding registry. Most will offer a discount for purchasing any items you weren’t gifted, so take advantage of that while it’s still good. Then it’s time to say goodbye and delete the registry along with your wedding website if you had one. While it served its purpose, it’s just not what you want popping up in an employer’s Google search ten years down the road. Trust us, it’s time to let it go.

     

    Organize your life

    You were smart and changed your name with HitchSwitch, which made the entire process pain-free, but now you’ve got a stack of important paperwork taking up room on your counter that you cannot afford to misplace. Arm yourself with a filing system and label maker and get to work creating a process for storing everything. In addition to organizing your name change paperwork, this is a good time to sort out important docs from car purchases, taxes, insurance and apartment leases. You’ll feel like you’re really #adulting with your newly organized system. What’s next, making your own doctor’s appointments? Slow down!

  • First Things First: What To Do When You Get Engaged

    First Things First: What To Do When You Get Engaged

    You’re engaged! *Cue confetti* The question has been popped, your dream ring is on your hand and you might be so overwhelmed with emotions you don’t know where to begin.

    First, let it sink in that you’re marrying the love of your life and take a moment to celebrate! If you’re feeling anxious to start planning (but don’t know where to start) you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what your first moves should be after you’ve said yes:

    Dust Off the Phone Book

    We know, it would be so much easier to post a photo on Facebook and call it a day. But, the best way to announce the good news is an old-fashioned phone call. Call up your family and friends and let them in on the celebration. They’ll love hearing it from you and this way you’ll avoid a conversation with your great aunt (who isn’t mad, just disappointed) that she was the last to know.

    Get a Manicure

    Trust us on this one, your hand is going to be the center of attention for the next couple of months. The ring is the first thing people will ask to see when they hear you’re engaged and you don’t want your chipped polish to steal the spotlight. Grab a few of your girlfriends, treat yourselves to manicures, and flash that ring!

    Discuss Budget

    Before you dive headfirst into planning, take a look at what you are willing to spend. Weddings can add up, so decide in advance how much you have to spend and what you are willing to compromise on if you need to make adjustments.

    Gather Inspiration

    Maybe you’ve been planning this in your head for years and already know the direction you want to go. But if you have absolutely no clue, or just want to look at other options, tools like Pinterest are great for a little inspo and checking out ideas you might not have thought of.

    Research Venues

    You can’t book anything until you decide on a venue, and remember in demand locations and dates go fast. Researching venues early on will be helpful for a lot of other planning details and you’ll be able to know how much and what kind of space you have to work with.  

    Download The Knot Wedding Planner App

    The Knot wedding planning app will be your new best friend. Including personalized checklists, budgeting tools, inside scoops on thousands of vendors and tons of wedding inspiration, it’s like having a personal wedding planner in your pocket. The app also helps you create a wedding website, organize your registry and manages your guest list.

    Think About Changing Your Name

    A detail brides always overlook is when and how to change their last name. Don’t get tied up in the stress and paperwork of changing your name at the last minute. At HitchSwitch, we know how crazy planning a wedding can be. So we’ve streamlined the name-change process making it stress and hassle free.

  • 7 Unique Bachelorette Parties

    7 Unique Bachelorette Parties

    There are endless possibilities to make a bachelorette party so much more than just a night out with the girls. This is your opportunity to plan a party that reflects the bride and create memories that you will remember for years to come.

    If you’re planning a bachelorette party for a one-of-a-kind bride, you’ll need a one-of-a-kind idea! Here’s a list of bachelorette party ideas you might not have thought of:

    Set Sail

    Whether you live near the water, or you’re travelling to a tropical destination, casting off with the girlfriends is the perfect getaway. Spending the day on a boat lets the Bride Tribe relax and work on their tans before the big day. Don’t forget the tropical cocktails and flamingo floats to complete the celebration!

    Wellness Weekend

    Planning a wedding can be super stressful on the bride. Swap the drinks and clubs for a weekend of facials, massages and yoga to get the bride wedding-ready. Resorts like Solage Resort, or Canyon Ranch, will get everyone feeling pampered and polished, just in time for the final stretch of wedding chaos.

    Rent-a-House

    Instead of a hotel, rent a house on AirBnB, or HomeAway so all of your girlfriends can stay together and throw an old-fashioned sleepover. Binge watch wedding movies, play drinking games and hire a manicurist for some mani-pedis for the ultimate girls night-in.

    Glamping

    For the outdoorsy bride, Glamping is where luxury meets the great outdoors. Take a weekend escape to a luxe cabin in the mountains, spend the night underneath the stars and toasting marshmallows. Places like Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, or Pampered Wilderness are great for taking in nature’s beauty, hassle (and mosquito bite) free.

    Party with Mickey

    Grab some matching Mickey ears for your whole crew and take a road trip to Disney World! Spend the day taking pictures with your favorite princesses, riding on roller coasters and picnicking in the park. Don’t forget about the firework show at night to end the bachelorette bash with a bang.

    Hit the Slopes

    Does your bride love to ski or snowboard? A trip to a ski resort could be the perfect escape for the Bride Squad. Hit the slopes early before taking a trip to the spa and sipping some Hot Chocolate by the fire later on.

    Volunteer

    If your bride is more interested in giving back then making the day about her, pick the cause that’s most important to her and spend the day volunteering. This can be a really great bonding experience for all of your friends- plus no one said you can’t celebrate with some cocktails when you’re done!

  • Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

    Newlyweds Guide to First Time Home Buying

    The wedding chaos is over, you’ve binge-watched every episode of House Hunters on record, and now you might be thinking you’re ready to start the search for your newlywed nest.

    Whether you’re ready to buy now or being homeowners is a goal for the future, it’s good to start exploring the process early on. Reading up on home-buying and looking into all of your options will help you down the road and make the process look a lot less intimidating.

    Before you start your shopping, read our guide to guarantee first time home buying success:

    Just Like Saying “I Do”

    Much like the commitment you made to each other, you should only commit to buying a home when you are 100% ready for everything that goes with it. Look at homes you know you can afford, which might mean less than what you get approved for.

    A good ratio to follow is mortgage payments totalling about 28% of your gross income. Buying a house comes with a lot of costs, and you never know what else life can throw at you. Make sure you are looking at homes within a reasonable budget (even if it means sacrificing the his and her walk-in closets).

    Set Clear Priorities

    Before you begin your search, decide what your top priorities are. Is location or space more important? Fixer upper or turnkey? Make a list of your non-negotiables before you begin looking.

    Starting with specific ideas for what is right for you as a couple, will help you make more thought-out decisions and hopefully avoid any buyer’s remorse. If you’ve watched as much HGTV as we have though, you might have already covered this step a long time ago.

    Consider the Long-Term

    What you and your new spouse need in a house right now, might not necessarily be what you need out of a house down the line.

    Take a look at what you want your family to look like and be in the future and search for houses that best fit that lifestyle. It might be worth it to look into now, instead of dealing with the costs and hassle of moving later on.

    School District Matters

    Your mother-in-law is right about this one. Whether or not you are planning on having kids, you should look into the school district of your future home. Living in a community with a good school system will raise property values, meaning your home will do much better in resale.

    Contracts are Meant to be Negotiated

    Buying a home means signing a lot of papers and checking off a lot of boxes. You might think all of these contracts are standard agreements and you just have to sign on the dotted line, but that’s not always the case.

    There are always things you can negotiate. If you want a longer time frame to review your inspection, wish for a warranty or want the repairs thrown in, these can be negotiated during the process. This is a where a good realtor can really help out and save you money.  

    Dig Deeper into Inspection

    If a problem occurs during the inspection, it’s always a good idea to take a closer look into it, before all of the papers are signed.

    If there is a bigger issue there, it’s better to have it taken care of before the house it’s yours. If you find a flaw during the inspection, you can use it to your advantage and negotiate to get it fixed or get a price reduction.

    DIY to Save Money

    Willing to live with a little dust for a while? Taking on some DIY projects might just save you a chunk of money.

    If you have the time and can look beyond paint color, doing small remodelling projects on a home like replacing cabinets or installing wallpaper on your own can help you to save money. DIY projects are also a great way to make your new house feel like a home.

  • What No One Tells You About Changing Your Name

    What No One Tells You About Changing Your Name

    Planning a wedding leads to a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, you’re filled with excitement, about to marry the love of your life surrounded by your friends and family. On the other hand, you’ve never been so stressed trying to balance finding invitations with cake tastings, dress fittings and a million other details.

    The last thing you want to do is spend hours filling out paperwork and on the phone informing dozens of entities about your name change. However, if you go about this process the old-fashioned way, that’s exactly what you’ll end up doing.

    Here’s what no one tells you about changing your name (and how to avoid this process altogether- *hint hint HitchSwitch):

    You Have Options

    Before you start the process, you need to decide what name you’ll take. Changing your name doesn’t necessarily mean dropping your last name and replacing it with your soon to be husbands. Although that’s pretty common, more brides are choosing alternative methods, that are better suited for their personal or professional needs.

    In most states, men and women can legally change their last name to their new spouse’s last name, hyphenate their two last names, or even create an entirely new name with a combination of both of their last names. #Trendy

    Not Just a One-Stop-Shop

    Just like when you and your friends head to a bottomless mimosa brunch, it’s important to remind yourself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. It can get pretty overwhelming with all the different paperwork and places you have to notify.

    The process itself is time-consuming and requires a lot of patience. You have to prepare to spend a good amount checking off all the boxes before completing your name change.

    You Have to Tell Everyone… We Mean Everyone

    You don’t realize how important your name is until you change it. When you do enter this process, you need to notify the Social Security Administration, the IRS and the DMV for your new paperwork and license. You will also need to inform banks, credit card companies, and utility companies. Any documentation- like your passport- will also need to be updated.

    You’ll need to get new checks, notify the post office, and update your medical records and insurance. If you have legal documents like a will or trust, you’ll want to look into changing them as well. Employers as well as friends and family members, should also be notified. *Insert deep breath here*

    What To Do About Kids…

    If you are not married yet and you’re having a child, the baby will automatically take the mother’s last name unless you as parents request otherwise. If you are travelling alone with children whose last name doesn’t match your own, you might have to provide a notarized letter saying that the child is indeed yours.

    Having a different last name than your child can make it difficult not just while travelling, but when it comes to doctor’s appointments and schooling.

    There’s Good News

    Feeling overwhelmed yet? The good news is you’ve come to the right place. At HitchSwitch, our goal is to simplify this process for you, so you can focus on more important things like bonding with your (not so warm and fuzzy) mother-in-law.

    With our help, you won’t need to worry about where to start. We take care of gathering which forms you’ll need, showing you how to fill them out, and submitting applications. You can thank us later.

  • I Love It When You Talk Budget To Me, Baby

    I Love It When You Talk Budget To Me, Baby

    Remember that wedding vow. The one that went, I, take you, for richer or poorer. If you’re a bit hazy on how to get started on this one, we’ve got you covered.

    Consider the start of financial planning to be much like the early stages of planning a wedding. Use your resources and start discussing your obligations early on. Work with people who share your vision so the two of you feel secure and cared for. After all, it’s your money!  

    We’ve created a list of financial tips for newlyweds so you won’t be forced to revisit those vows, and test their true meaning.

    Don’t Commit Financial Infidelity

    While discussing money is not always the easiest conversation, the number one rule is to always be honest. This means not hiding any assets, discussing your financial goals, and working together as a unit. Be open about your situation so you can create the right plan for you as a couple.

    Crunch The Numbers

    When you set a time to sit down and discuss finances, you should both tally up all of your assets. This means savings, checking, retirement accounts, real estate, collectables and yes, debt.

    You should also review credit reports, and income if that hasn’t been previously been talked about. If there is something you haven’t told your partner yet, this is the time to get everything out in the open.

    #Goals

    Dreams can’t become reality without a a set of goals to get your plan in motion. There are three types of financial goals every couple should discuss and work into their budget:

    1. Emergency Funds: three-to-six months of essentials bills saved up for the unpredictable moments marriage can throw at you
    2. One-to-Five Years: savings for the dream trip to France you both have been wanting to take, or a down payment on a new car.
    3. Long Term: funds that can be built up over time and make a big difference in the future (children’s education, retirement funds).

    Create Your Budget

    To make your budget, add both of your essential costs (housing, groceries) with discretionary costs (Cosmo subscription, SoulCycle classes). It’s usually recommended to live on 80% of your income with the other 20% devoted to savings.

    If either of you has a fair amount of debt, live on 70% of your income and use a few tricks to cut spending down. Maybe limit takeout from your favorite sushi bar to once a month and trim rarely used expenses like cable or gym memberships.

    Think Big, Start Small

    Stash is not just an investment app. Just like a wedding planner wants your special day to reflect you, Stash lets you invest in what matters to you. You can invest in a selection of stocks that are carefully curated by their investment team based on expense ratio, trading liquidity, and risk profile. (Full disclosure- we looked up that lingo, too!)

    No need to dust off your old Econ textbook, Stash makes it easy to learn about investing. Visit Stash x HitchSwitch, and you’ll receive $5 in your new account to start investing. Time to make some money!

  • 7 Things You Should Know Before Planning a Wedding

    7 Things You Should Know Before Planning a Wedding

    Between the magic of the proposal and the moment you say “I do”, there is a lot of planning, preparation and of course, stress. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and go a little overboard making sure every detail is perfect.

    There is nothing wrong with wanting your big day to be everything you dreamed of and more. But, before you start pulling your hair out going back and forth over centerpieces, pour yourself a glass of wine and read our list of the top things every bride should know before diving into the wedding planning process.

    Stop Comparing

    Tools like Pinterest are a great jumping off point for some cute ideas and to decide on the general direction you’d like to go with your wedding. But, when you start obsessing over venues out of your budget or spending hours looking at DIY projects when your artistic ability didn’t make it past second grade, it can get counterproductive.

    Don’t compare your wedding to those you see on social media. This day is about you and your partner, and your wedding should be a reflection of that.

    Everyone will give you advice (you don’t have to listen)

    If the idea of all eyes on you during a first dance is terrifying, you don’t have to do it. If you and your fiancé are uncomfortable with certain traditions/ want to start some new ones of your own, you are free to do whatever makes you happiest. It’s your day!

    Everyone that wants to will put their two cents in about your choices, but what’s right for your second cousin twice removed is not necessarily what’s right for you.

    Stay organized

    Over the next few months, you will have a lot to keep track of. It’s best to get a binder to dedicate all of your wedding plans to so they stay in one place. Making an email specific for the wedding is also a helpful tip, and planning out a tentative schedule helps you meet deadlines and determine your top priorities (cake tasting).

    Changing your name

    Now that you have the ring, it’s time to discuss how you want to go about changing your name. The sooner this becomes a priority, the less of a headache it will be later on. Whether it’s taking his last name, hyphenating, or one of the many other options you can choose from, HitchSwitch is the simplest solution for changing your name, without all of the hassle.

    Vendors know vendors

    Your photographer can recommend which flowers pop the most in pictures, and your venue will know what kind of music sounds the best in their space. Your vendors do this professionally every day, and when you find someone you like it can be super helpful to see if they have any recommendations for other businesses to work with.  

    Not everyone can have a plus-one

    Brides try diligently to make everyone happy. There are certain cases (if the couple is living together/engaged or if someone is travelling across the country for your wedding), where your guests should be treated to a plus-one.

    But, it’s usually not in anyone’s budget to include a plus-one for all your friends, and that’s something they will have to understand. If someone approaches you about why they were not given a plus-one, just politely explain that you are sorry, but it was not in the budget.

    Keep track of your budget

    If you are hiring a wedding planner, they will keep a budget for you, but it’s smart to do this yourself as well.

    Inevitably, you will fall in love with the lace and gold invitations that you didn’t initially budget for. If they suddenly become a make or break item for your wedding, it’s good to be aware of where you can cut back a little in order to make up for the extra spent.