Who among us hasn't lamented after impulsively spending way too much on an outfit we didn't need, couldn't really afford and have never worn since? Weddings have a way of making the strongest among us lose our heads over clothes, jewellery and makeup. It's easy to get excited and drawn into a whirlwind of shopping our bank balances can ill-afford. Facing the prospect of starting a new year while thinking about all the broken resolutions and the lingering sense of life passing us by is an unpleasant feeling, to say the least. We don't need to add 'broke' and 'panicky' to the list. Here are 8 tips to help you survive the wedding season without breaking your bank.
1. Figure out a budget and stick to it
A few thousand extra on an outfit here or a pair of heels there might not seem too much in the moment, but if you aren't stern with yourself, you might end up burning a hole you simply can't afford even before you're done buying all your wedding finery. While budgeting, you need to have two numbers: the comfortable limit and the absolute upper limit of what you can spend. Once you have a budget, make a list of all the things you need to buy and divide the budget among them. Give yourself some breathing room for the important outfits. A good way to resist the temptation to blow your bank is to leave the credit card at home and use only your debit card - it's a lot harder to spend money when you see it exiting your account in real time. Download an app that helps you keep track of how much you're spending and keep you on budget. And finally, if you know you have no self-control, take a stern friend along who is tasked with yanking you out of the trial room or steering you through the out-of-budget aisles without stopping, if the need arises. Moms are usually the most resourceful when it comes to this.
2. Go to mom, seriously
Pick your mother's brain for little-known local stores for bargain deals on beauty products and discounts. Once she knows what you're looking for, you will be amazed by how resourceful she can be and how much one trip to a local overcrowded market, instead of a trip to a mall or a swish boutique, can save for your budget. She might also be able to pull out things you didn't know existed in her treasure trove - traditional saris that can easily become the source for your lehenga or potli purse. A pair of heirloom earrings that give your look a great vintage touch. A forgotten maang tika or nath from her own wedding... the possibilities are endless. Plus, ultimately, it'll save you time, once mom gets involved in the organising.
3. Before you buy, see what you can repurpose
Has that flowing anarkali truly outlived its purpose or it can be given a second lease of life with a new dupatta? Can a few strategic nips and tucks make a heavy kurti wearable again? Can a contrasting blouse in a completely different style change the look of an expensive sari you spent so much money on? Ask around to find a designer you can work with to repurpose the clothes already in your wardrobe to make them on-trend again.
4. Have a borrow buddy
No matter what your size, we all have at least one friend who matches it, more or less. Plunder each other's closet during the wedding season when you're attending weddings the other isn't invited to so you don't have to buy or repeat outfits. Mix, match and merge your outfits to come up with variations that are new to both of you. Her zardozi peplum jacket with your silk cigarette pants, your cold shoulder choli with her lehenga skirt... You get the drift.
5. Consider renting
If you're one of those who cannot bear the idea of repeating outfits, seriously consider renting. Elaborate wedding clothes are worn rarely, cost a LOT of money and occupy large portions of precious closet space. Plus, the storage requires extra care to avoid the elaborate work or the delicate fabrics from falling apart. All of that can be avoided by renting and returning. You save tons of money and the heartache that comes with having painfully expensive outfits turn unusable after being worn only a couple of times. Renting an outfit does not mean you have to wear ill-fitting clothes. Most renting stores - both online and offline - offer custom fittings and trials beforehand.
6. Opt for a sari
If you're on a tight budget but have a big, fancy wedding coming up, your best bet is to pick the classic, timeless sari as your outfit of choice for the main functions. You can borrow a heavy one from your mom, sister or any relative or friend, really, and spend the money on getting a unique blouse instead. If you're going to spend a healthy sum on the blouse, try borrowing from within the close family so you can use it again.
7. Invest in some good staples
Instead of buying accessories to match outfits individually, invest more money in staple statement pieces that can work with multiple looks. An exquisitely embroidered, expensive gold clutch is a better investment than a cheaper one matching one outfit. Same goes for striking pair of earrings or a choker than can work with both traditional and contemporary looks. One solid pair of strappy black/ silver/ gold heels that cost extra are worth springing for, instead of buying three cheaper pairs
8. Perfect your look beforehand
Trying on your full look, at least for the main functions, is not just meant for the bride and groom. You don't want to be forced to pay through your nose at the salon in a five star hotel because of the last-minute realisation that you don't know how to drape your sari or the hairstyle you planned isn't working the way you thought it would. That kind of unnecessary expense truly burns, when you're trying to save. Not to mention all the heartache and lost time.
