5 Ways to Plan the Life of Your Dreams (Instead of Spending It All on a Wedding)

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Have you ever seen the movie The Wedding Planner?

Much of the plot for this classic rom-com involves a wedding planner helping a bride- and groom-to-be nail down all the details for their over-the-top wedding of the century.

As the father of the bride candidly says toward the beginning of the film, “You give my little girl whatever she wants, no expense spared ... We’ve got an impression to make.”

Over the next hour of funny scenes—including runaway dumpsters, scrabble tournaments, a philosophical discussion about M&Ms, and the art of instant mac ‘n’ cheese—the wedding planner does what she does best.

She offers guidance on everything from floral arrangements and first dance songs to bridesmaid dress colors and ceremony venues.

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And what an extravagant affair it turns out to be. The event of the century indeed!

But here’s a question. Was it worth it?

If this bride and groom had been a real-life couple, would all the expense have been worth it? Perhaps there’s more to a couple’s relationship than just the price tag on the wedding.

Perhaps the most important part of the adventure begins after the I do’s.

We’ve come up with five ways to look past just the wedding date and start thinking about the life of your dreams.

#1 Save on your rings

Few moments are as exciting to family and friends as the news that two of their favorite people have decided to get hitched. And what questions usually follow this announcement?

“What was the proposal like?” “Have you set a date?” And of course, “Can I see the ring?”

One of the best parts about the engagement is the ring. Shiny, sparkly, and sophisticated, its mere presence conveys something very special. Love. Commitment. Future.

Many will spend a fortune on rings. But what if it didn’t need to be so?

After all, you’re not marrying the jewelry. You’re marrying the spouse of your dreams. Your partner for life.

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The ring is simply a symbol of adventures to come. The wedding bands solidify you are looking forward to those adventures. And by saving on your ring, you can begin to save for those adventures.

#2 Shape your dream home

Shaping the house of your dreams can be an exciting process that takes a lifetime. Maybe you and your new spouse already have a residence picked out or have a favorite place in mind for down the road.

Wherever you find yourself, it’s important that this place meets your needs and makes you happy.

After all, this is where many of your memories will be made.

Flour fights while baking in the kitchen, impromptu lip sync battles while watching your favorite movie musical on the couch, and who knows what else!

Wouldn’t it be great if you saved up to one day find yourself in a place that truly feels like home?

#3 See the world

In addition to the wedding, you’re probably also thinking about a honeymoon.

While this first trip as a married couple is sure to be special, you’re going to want to go on many more adventures together, right? So why not start planning and saving now?

Do you have a bucket list of places you’d like to visit? Why not sit down and make one with your other half?

Think about some of the places you might want to visit together over the years.

A glamping excursion on the African savanna? A European cruise to celebrate your 10-year anniversary down the road? Perhaps seeing all of the state parks in the state you call home?

By being financially wise on the front end of your journey together, you’ll have plenty of resources for all of the other journeys along the way.

#4 Spend time together

There is one type of spending that we think you should do lots of.

You’ve already found the guy or girl of your dreams. You’ve loved spending time together during the dating phase and can’t wait to spend a lifetime together. This is where the adventure begins!

Just think of all the opportunities you’ll have to share your love. Before spending all of your savings on the ceremony, consider planning for future time together.

Would you like to celebrate your anniversary each year at a favorite upscale restaurant? Do you want to go all out for birthdays? How about hiring a sitter and having frequent date nights for no reason at all?

Your activities together can even be as easy as purchasing a subscription to your favorite streaming service. Who wouldn’t love watching reruns with their forever friend and even watching home movies as the years go by?

While your wedding day is one of the most important days of your relationship, all of the other days to come can and should be special too.

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#5 Share your love with others

Do you and your spouse dream of someday waking up to the pitter-patter of little feet? Maybe there is a little nephew on the way you just can’t wait to spoil? A favorite nonprofit you want to bless? An alma mater you’d like to create a scholarship fund for?

It has often been said that it’s better to give than to receive. While getting is great, giving can also feel so good!

And sometimes the biggest tug at our heartstrings can be from little ones.

Think about what you might want to give to the little ones in your current or future life. Annual passes to the local water park, fun presents during the holidays, dance lessons, spontaneous trips to the ice cream shop down the road.

Maybe you want to add some practical gifts, like a stash for college tuition or a nest egg for a future wedding of their own.

While you and your partner have so much love to give each other, why not plan to share your love with others who come into your life in tangible ways? By saving on your big day, you’ll be able to make many others’ days.

Conclusion

Nuptial ceremonies like those in The Wedding Planner can certainly make a great impression on family and friends, and many couples will choose to spare no expense.

But perhaps there is more than fulsome florals, overdone hors d’oeuvres, lavish libations, and other extravagant experiences on the day a couple ties the knot.

Perhaps you can still have the wedding of your dreams and also enjoy the life of your dreams.

You’ve found your soulmate with whom you’ll journey through life. The wedding simply marks the beginning of the rest of the adventure.

After all, bells will always ring when you’re doing the things you love most with the person you love most.