Are you dreaming of a destination wedding in Ireland? Before you dive into planning, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess your financial health. This article will guide you through the process and provide tips for getting your wedding budget in a healthy spot.
Understanding Your Financial Health
Before committing to a destination wedding in Ireland, or any wedding for that matter, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation. Spend a weekend with your partner discussing what you can realistically afford and what sum of money you’d be willing to part with. Remember, it’s not just about what you can afford, but also about what you’re comfortable spending.
The cost of a wedding can be similar to a down-payment on a house. It’s a hard reality to swallow, so ensure that the money you decide to spend will not bury your new marriage under a load of debt.
Our Personal Experience
When my partner and I planned our wedding, we had saved up $30k. We already owned a house and had other savings. The $30k seemed like a small price to pay when we considered our 15-year relationship and the week of memories we’d create with friends and family in a foreign country.
However, we couldn’t justify a $30k bill for a standard, 5-hour wedding in the U.S. ($6,000 per hour? No, thank you.) But $178 an hour for a week-long celebration in a private, seaside estate in Ireland with little lambs roaming around?
Yes, please!
A destination wedding in Ireland offered us more than just a ceremony. It was an experience, a memory that we and our guests would cherish forever. But we wouldn’t have considered a wedding abroad if our finances weren’t in tip-top shape.
Assessing Your Financial Readiness
If you’re wondering where you stand financially, ask yourself the following:
- Do I have any consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, etc.)?
- Do I have any student loans?
- Do I have less than 3-6 months of living expenses saved up in my emergency fund?
- Do I want to own a home, and need to save for a down payment?
- Am I way behind on saving for retirement?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may not be ready for a wedding abroad — and that’s okay. It is so much better to be financially fit and sleep well at night. You don’t need to keep up with the Jones’ and their Pinterest-worthy weddings.
Trust me — no wedding can surpass the feeling of closing on your first home together, or receiving that “Obligation Met” letter from your student loan institution. Diamonds may be forever, but a wedding retreat is surely not. If a destination wedding isn’t in the cards right now, consider alternatives like a City Hall or lovely backyard wedding. Stay true to your long-term goals.
Planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding, is a significant financial commitment. It’s essential to ensure that this commitment aligns with your long-term financial goals. Remember, the most important thing is to start your new life together on solid financial ground. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out.