Money Tip #1: Prepare a budget

Having a wedding should not
be equal to going broke!

When it comes to weddings, some people seem to take the position that no cost is too high for that once in a lifetime trip down the aisle. But let’s face it, no one wants to wake up the day after the wedding and realize that they have a huge gaping hole in their bank account. With that said, there are some couples who go to the extreme in the other direction, pinching every penny and not wanting to spend any more than the bare necessities. 

While both extremes may have their own merit, I would reckon that most brides fall somewhere in between: wanting to have a gorgeous wedding without blowing the bank.

While you might find every single wedding magazine or website out there banging on the same subject, this is probably one of the few bits of advice that cannot and should not be ignored. Prepare a budget. It’s not the most enjoyable part of wedding planning but it should certainly be one of the first things you do as a couple (and with your families if they are footing the bill) so that you can work out what you can comfortably afford. Take some time to do your homework so that you can realistically apportion amounts to the various things you would need to purchase. If you’re not sure what sort of costs you should expect,  speak to friends who have already tied the knot or consult a wedding planner. These people would be familiar with the industry and have a better knowledge of how much an item or service should roughly cost. And don’t forget to include items such as transport, flowers for the bridal party, accessories for the groom and gifts or red packets that you will be handing out to all those who have helped you in your preparation for the big day.

Finally, make sure you stick to your budget.There is no point in putting in the effort of preparing one if you’re simply going to chuck it at the back of your wedding file after doing it. If you need to, appoint a family member to help you keep a check on yourselves by presenting all your receipts and contracts to them for safekeeping. 

Happy Planning!