You don’t have to be a finance pro to build a wedding fund — you just have to start seeing your everyday spending as your biggest untapped resource. Because sometimes, the money for your dream day is already in your wallet… it’s just hiding in your everyday spending.

Working on this together as a couple is such an empowering way to get on the same page about money before getting married. And the bonus? It will strengthen your relationship in the best ways. 💪

Money can be a tough topic for many, and it’s often one of the top reasons relationships struggle or don’t last. I want to help you build a strong bond from the very start so you have a long, happy, and thriving marriage ahead of you.

I knew I wanted a strong marriage too, one with minimal money stress. So, I started working on my finances well before I even met my husband. Honestly, I wish I’d learned what I’m about to share with you way back when I was a teenager—I would’ve gotten so much farther, so much faster. By following these tips, I was able to get out of debt more quickly and start saving up for the future. That’s why I know these will work for you if you really buckle down and apply everything you learn here.

1. Shift Your View About Money

This one is huge. Let’s stop thinking about discounts as “savings” if you end up spending money you hadn’t planned just because something’s discounted. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses—it’s a trap.

Sacrifice a little right now so you can enjoy financial freedom later. As Dave Ramsey says, live and give like no one else now so later you can live and give like no one else.

Your first priority should be getting out of debt, then start saving (Dave’s 7 Baby Steps is a great roadmap).

Here’s a mindset shift to try: Anything that isn’t a necessity is a luxury. Necessities are food, shelter, clothing. Everything else—like a new phone, Amazon Prime, Netflix—is a luxury. Once you start viewing spending this way, you’ll get creative with your time and hobbies, and you might discover you have more time to do all the things you’ve been putting off!

2. Set a Clear Wedding Savings Goal & Timeline

Once you know roughly how much your wedding is going to cost, break it down into manageable chunks. How much do you need to save every week or month to reach your goal in time?

Having a clear, realistic savings target keeps you motivated and makes budgeting feel purposeful—not like you’re just cutting back for cuts’ sake. It’s amazing how much easier it is to say “no” to extras when you’re saving for something big and meaningful.

3. Start a Personal Budget

Budgeting is your path to financial freedom. Dave Ramsey says, “If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’ll wonder where it went.” That’s so true.

Before I started budgeting, the only thing I knew was that my bills got paid on time—but by the end of the month, I was always wondering where my money disappeared to. I wanted to pay off debt and save money, but I was struggling.

It wasn’t until I made a simple budget that I gained control of my finances—and felt peace about money for the first time.

4. Track Every Expense to Find Hidden Savings

To create an effective budget, you’ve got to know where your money is really going. Track every single purchase for at least one or two weeks—everything from coffee runs to Netflix subscriptions.

You’ll likely be surprised by the little “leaks” that drain your money without you realizing it. Catching those will help you find extra cash you didn’t know you had—cash you can redirect towards your wedding fund.

5. Pause Non-Essential Purchases

Once you see where your money is going, challenge yourself to pause spending on things that aren’t essential—clothes, gadgets, fancy entertainment—for as long as possible before your wedding.

This spending fast can be tough but remember why you’re doing it: to save for a joyful, stress-free wedding and a strong financial future together.

6. Use Cash Envelopes for Variable Spending

Budgets can feel abstract sometimes. If you struggle to “stick” to spending limits, try the cash envelope system.

Decide how much you want to spend on groceries, dining out, entertainment, etc., then take that amount out in cash and put it in envelopes. When the cash is gone, you’re done spending in that category for the month.

It makes your spending tangible and helps keep those variable costs in check, freeing up more money to save.

7. Take Advantage of Cash Back and Rewards

If you’re responsible with credit cards—meaning you pay your balance in full each month—leverage cash back or rewards programs to your advantage.

This extra cash or points can add up and help you stretch your budget a little further, giving you more wiggle room to save.

8. Membership Warehouse Stores Are Worth It

I had a friend who used to spend $600+ per month on groceries at Publix just for himself, while I regularly spent less than $200 per month shopping at membership stores like Costco or Aldi, or the local grocery stores with weekly sales before getting married.

I know no one loves paying that membership fee—but over the course of a year, the savings on groceries more than make up for it.

Worried about fresh food going bad when you buy in bulk? There are plenty of tips online to help food last longer. For example, I always layer a few paper towels inside a large salad container to soak up moisture and keep the greens crisp longer.

9. Make Coffee at Home

Those quick Starbucks runs really add up—you’d be surprised how much you save just by making coffee together at home before you head out. If you spend $7 every morning 5 days a week for 50 weeks per year, that’s $1750. Buying Starbucks K-cups instead at a membership store would cost about $180 per year in comparison, saving over $1500 per year just by making coffee at home.

10. Prep Food at Home (Minimize Eating Out)

Groceries are one of the biggest variable expenses, and this is where you can find the largest savings—or overspend.

I budgeted eating out 1-2 times a month for lunch but cut out going out for drinks or dinner entirely because those meals tend to be way more expensive.

I know it’s hard—going out is a social thing for many people—but get creative with how you spend time together. Remember, your payoff is financial freedom and not keeping up with the Joneses.

Your Next Steps

Now, take a look at your current spending habits. How much do you spend on groceries, eating out, coffee, and other “luxuries”? How much could you realistically cut back?

Imagine redirecting those savings toward a dedicated wedding fund each month. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it grows—and more importantly, you’ll be building money habits that will strengthen your marriage for years to come.

The truth is, saving for your wedding isn’t just about numbers—it’s about learning to build something together. Every time you make a choice to save instead of spend, you’re strengthening the foundation of your future marriage. You’re practicing patience, teamwork, and self-control.

This is what charting your own path looks like—it’s not flashy, but it’s deeply freeing. The more you learn to live with purpose now, the more joy and peace you’ll carry into marriage later. You’re not just saving for a wedding; you’re becoming the kind of person—and couple—who can build a beautiful life together.