Since we launched our real wedding budget breakdown series, the one thing almost every couple has agreed on, is that whatever their budget was, they spent a lot more than they expected on their wedding. And for a lot of couples, much of that overspending comes in the final few weeks of wedding planning. So here, we're hoping to save on your wedding and stop you eating into the honeymoon fund by sharing our top tips to curb last minute wedding spending.

Of course, you deserve to throw caution to the wind in the weeks before your wedding - we're an "any excuse for bubbly and cake" kind of crowd! That said, it's easy to go overboard with unexpected expenses and non-essential splurges. It's that "sure, we're only doing it once" mentality that can lead to overspending - lots of little things can add up to hundreds or even thousands! But follow our rules, plan ahead, and you might just get to your wedding day without blowing your budget wide open.

1. Buy Typical 'Last Minute' Items in Advance

You know when you hit the shops with that pay-day abandon? Your wedding week is pretty much the same thing! So, for items you might typically pick up last minute like gifts, lingerie, makeup, or fragrances, buy them in advance instead. Doing this when you're in a pre-wedding fog means you'll be less likely to make considered purchases. Do it early, and you can spend time finding the perfect thing. You can shop around for the right shade of lipstick rather than the (super pricey) one the person at the counter suggests. Shopping at the last minute often means shopping poorly, just ask anyone who's ever left their Christmas shopping 'til Christmas Eve!

2. Don't Give in to Pressure

So many couples tell us that they added elements to their wedding that they hadn't planned for because of family pressure at the last minute. These are typically things like laying on transport, adding another round of drinks or canapés, or opting for additional entertainment. Likewise, don't put pressure on yourself either - whatever you have planned is enough! The reasoning behind those decisions you made months ago are still valid, so stick to your guns in the last few days. You'll only be kicking yourself down the line when that extra €1,000 could have gone towards something more important to you!

3. Plan Out Your Wedding Week Wardrobe

Most of us are guilty of indulging in fast fashion every time we have an event, and of course you'll want a few new items around your wedding day. But for things like dinner the night before your wedding, an outfit for the day after, or something to wear while you have your hair and makeup done, spend some time planning your outfits in advance and look to what you have in your wardrobe first,

4. Do Some Meal Prep

This one might seem like overkill, but if you're eager to watch the pennies before your big day, have some meals prepped and in the freezer for the nights ahead of your wedding when you're too tired, busy or just plain excited to cook. It's all too tempting to go for lots of celebratory dinners and lunches ahead of your big day (not to mention the takeaways), but you'll save a lot more cash if you chow down on home-cooked eats instead.

5. Borrow Before Buying

In the week or two before your wedding, all sorts of things pop up. You need an easel for the signage, a stand for the cake, a bunch of extension leads for the string lights, or a highchair for your niece. Before you throw money at the issue, ask around. Yes, you might be in a rush to tick something off your lengthy to-do list, but a quick shout out on social media or WhatsApp could save you quite a few quid - it's a lot less wasteful, too!

6. Stop and Think Before You Spend

Your cash can start to feel like Monopoly money when you're wedding planning, €2,000 here, €4,000 there. So, by the week of your wedding, €50 or €250 on 'incidentals' doesn't feel like such a big deal. Stop. Ask yourself what you'd do if it wasn't the week of your wedding - would you be spending so much on 20 white umbrellas in case it rains, or matching green socks for all the groomsmen? Don't let your wedding make you careless about spending. Stop and think before you "stick it on the wedding account!"

7. Set Aside a Contingency Fee and Stick to it

Even the most frugal couples will splash the cash in the lead-up to the big day, like we said, we're an "any excuse for bubbly and cake" kind of crowd! The last thing you need is to be stressing about cash and checking your bank balance when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself! We always advise couples to set aside at least 12.5% contingency on their overall wedding budget, so it's wise to try and hold back some of that money for the last few days and weeks for all those unexpected expenses, and impromptu cocktails!

Help Is Here If You Need It

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your wedding budget and are stressed out by the ever-growing list of expenses, don't worry, we completely understand. Remember, your big day is about you, your partner and those who love you. If you do need additional financial support, help is at hand. AIB has personal loans from €1,000 - €30,000; you can apply online and in app. You can use AIB's online loan calculator to see how much you could borrow and even set your own repayment schedule - weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. If you're getting married and need support, this could be the way to make your dreams become a reality. For more information, check out AIB online here to calculate how much you could borrow.

You can apply for an AIB personal loan today. Head to the AIB App or check out the online loan calculator on the AIB website for more details.

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