If you and your significant other are planning to get married in the near future, you may have some concerns about the budget. Tying the knot can be an expensive endeavor, after all. In order to see the breathtaking results you desire from your planning efforts, you absolutely need to adjust your finances. To save a bit of money for your big day, you may wish to look at a few simple tips aimed at giving you a more control over your finances before your wedding.

Consider the Future

Putting together a wedding is a form of planning for the future. Unfortunately, there is a lot more “future” left to come after your reception ends. If you sink all of your money into the wedding itself, you may be looking at a very difficult financial start to your marriage. When crafting a budget, remember that you cannot spend every last cent you have on the event. A realistic budget will be one that does not take away from your monthly financial obligations or drain your bank account entirely.

Map It Out Together

Sit down with your significant other and map out how much you each can afford to spend. Be sure to consider important expenses like rent or a mortgage, groceries, utilities, and anything else that comes up on a monthly cycle. While you may want a lavish wedding that people will talk about for years to come, this decision may drain other funds and cause you a lot of stress during your first year as a married couple. Be realistic about what you’re spending, and remember to save enough for the future you are starting together.

Expect the Unexpected

No matter how careful you are with your budget, you can’t plan for everything. Plenty of unexpected financial surprises await you in the future. When setting money aside for your big day, don’t forget to plan for the unknown. This means having an emergency fund at all times for situations like car troubles, doctor visits, and other last-minute expenses. Though it is not possible to predict everything that awaits you down the line, you can limit the impact a surprise has by having extra cash ready.

Avoid a Fight

According to statistics, the biggest topic that couples tend to fight over is money. If you want to make your first year of marriage a happy and productive period, then you need to work on limiting the odds of a financial fight. Be open and transparent about money whenever possible. Whether you’re planning for your wedding, going out to eat, or simply making a purchase for your home, talking about your budget can help you stay on the same page.

Enjoy the Experience

Saving money for your future isn’t worth much if you can’t enjoy your life in the meantime. Budgeting does not have to mean you sacrifice everything. In fact, smart saving is more about applying your funds toward the best decisions rather than limiting your spending altogether. Remember to have fun while planning your wedding. If you’re having a rough week, for example, don’t feel bad about going out for a quiet dinner together to improve your mood. Simply adjust your budget for the expense and carry on.

Define Your Priorities

No matter how open you are about your finances, you and your partner may still clash on the topic, even with these tips. When this happens, a great way through the conflict is by having a conversation about your priorities. A calm discussion whenever you bump heads can help you come up with a simple solution and allow you to move forward with ease.

Discussing your finances with your significant other is important for a healthy relationship and these tips hopefully help. Whether you’re planning for your wedding or simply trying to create a sensible budget for your first year as a married couple, find a financial plan that works for both of you.