6 worthy things to splurge on instead of a big white wedding

Let’s face it – a big wedding often comes with big bucks. But even if a lavish affair and a 3-digit guest list aren’t your style, there are some great (lower-key) ways to celebrate.

With the average Australian wedding coming in at $36,000 (according to ASIC’s Moneysmart website), that’s a lot of dosh to donate, spend or save on something that fills your cup, and your heart.

Here are 6 alternative things you might consider spending up on to celebrate your big day, your way.

There are always people out there who need help. If giving back fills you with joy, celebrate your love by supporting those in need.

What passions and personal values do you and your partner share? You might choose to donate to your favourite pet rescue, support a research foundation or give to an organisation that campaigns for LGBTQI+ rights. If you need help choosing, the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission charity register can be a good place to start.

If funds are tight, consider some non-monetary ways to give. Volunteer your time or collect essentials such as food and clothing. And if you, like Liam Neeson, have a “very particular set of skills”, you might choose to donate those too. Just to be clear, we’re talking about using your web design skills to create a new charity website, or your chef skills to feed the homeless (not hunting and taking down kidnappers).

Don’t forget to amplify the effect of your donation by asking friends and family to do the same. Your wedding could be life-changing in more ways than one.

This is a little tougher in a post-COVID era, but forgoing the big white wedding may free up some funds to put towards a getaway for two.

No agonising over whose auntie’s third cousin you need to cut from the guest list.  Make memories on a vacation around the world, or enjoy Australia’s local sights and sounds (or those of the country you’re in, for our international friends).

Such a perfect opportunity to exchange wedding planning stress for relaxation and exploration.

Whether you’re after a sweet and simple band or a gemstone-studded showstopper, personalisation is the name of the game when it comes to designing wedding rings that tell your story. Here are some different ways to personalise you and your partner’s rings:

• Veer off the straight and narrow: Rather than the standard straight wedding band, consider one with an interesting shape that fits or accentuates the contours of your engagement ring. Have a matching design for your partner or incorporate a subtle reference to tie the two together.
• Get creative with colour: Set a birthstone or favourite coloured gem on the inside of both your bands for a secret symbol you can keep close to the heart.
• Add an inscription: Think names, dates, phrases, lyrics or symbols that mean the world to you as a couple.

Here are a few other tips for designing a ring that tells your story.

Want some help with this? Start the conversation and I’ll send you some tailored wedding ring ideas.

This is one for the long-term. Put those extra wedding funds into your first home. The extra cash could help reduce the stress of paying off a mortgage and may mean your dream home could be yours sooner.

After all, this may be where you’ll spend the rest of your life together.

What is that one thing you’ve always wanted to do? Complete the sentences:

“One day, I’ll…”
“I’ve always dreamed of…”

It might be:

• An adventurous escape
• An exclusive restaurant experience
• A luxury possession

If it’s within your means, just do it. Close your eyes and click that purchase button.

If people can spend tens of thousands on a single day, then this the moment to treat yourself.

And for the practically minded among us: Spend on something smaller like a weekend away, and save the rest for something big in your future. You don’t even need to know what it is yet.

If you don’t already have one, consider setting up a joint account under both you and your partner’s names. Set up a monthly automatic contribution, so that even when you’re not thinking about it, your savings continue to grow.

If you’re worried you might spend the cash instead of saving, consider opening a high interest bank account separate from your everyday funds so the money is out of sight, out of mind.

I can’t help with the bank account or travel bookings, but I can help with the wedding rings! Email me your inspiration images or a photo of your engagement ring and I’ll send you an idea within 24 hours.