There are few things in life more exciting (and stressful) than planning a wedding. And if you’re planning a military wedding, that opens up a whole new can of worms - some beneficial and some even more stress-worthy! So if you’re in a military family (or are soon to be), let’s talk about how you can plan your wedding in a way that will make you (and your budget) happy!
Find those Discounts
Businesses all over the US are happy to honor our nation’s veterans and active duty service members. What does that mean to you? Discounts! Whether you’re shopping for a dress, cake, flowers, or anything else you’ll need for a wedding, don’t forget to ask about the discounts. Don’t be shy!
You could even take it a step further and create a spreadsheet of multiple vendors for everything you’ll need to purchase, as well as the average price for the options you’ll likely choose. Then, call each one and ask them if they have a military discount and, if so, how much it is. Make sure to ask about eligibility as well. Mark down the discounts and do the math! The time invested in doing this could end up saving a bundle in the end - especially if you’re able to achieve discounts for every purchase made!
Don’t Forget the Wedding Insurance
I don’t have to tell you this - military life is unpredictable. One day you may think you know exactly where you and your spouse will be living and then next everything could change. And since it takes about one year to plan a wedding, you’re really opening yourself up to potential disaster if your date has to be moved.
So what can you do about it? Look into getting wedding insurance. This could actually be useful for all couples, but is especially relevant to military couples. Just make sure the vendors you’ve chosen are covered under this insurance. You should even ask if they have insurance of their own to ensure that you’re not paying more than you need to.
Consider Getting Married on Base
Are you open to the idea of where you’ll get married? If so, then it’s a good idea to consider getting married on base. The price average couples pay to get married in a religious institution and then to hold a reception can be astronomical. By getting married on base you not only have the convenience of everything being at your fingertips, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Military bases offer chapels for various religions and the officiants are free (donation to the chapel is suggested). Not to mention the fact that it is a good way to honor the life you and your spouse have chosen to create together as a military family. However, if it turns out that your heart is set on a particular venue off-base, then remember to go back to point one and ask about possible discounts!
While living a life in the military presents challenges that many civilians may not even be aware of, there are certainly perks that you can take advantage of for your wedding day and beyond. The community that’s formed around military families offers so many ways to celebrate this and every other milestone in life. So once you’ve finished the heavy lifting of planning, sit back and enjoy the new community and life that you’ll be embracing!
