So you’re engaged! And about to embark on planning the biggest day of your life! Now picturing the perfect day I’m sure all sorts of details spring to mind… Who will be there? What colour will the bridesmaid’s dresses be? What type of flowers will you use? Will that one relative drink everyone else under the table and take up 90% of your bar tab again? (You all know the one I’m talking about).
But as with everything in life, getting married is expensive, and requires months of careful planning and organising for your day to turn out exactly as you imagine it. The best possible point you and your partner can start this process with is deciding on a budget, and sticking to it! Whether it’s a $5,000 budget or a $50,000 budget, careful consideration needs to be implemented for every expense.
- Create a breakdown of expenses, things that the wedding cannot move forward without… Rings, a celebrant, a photographer and a venue are a great starting point. Other accessories can be added at a later date when you know how much wiggle room you have within your budget after all the essential expenses are out of the way.
- Start small! It is easier to add more people to the invitation list at a later date than have to explain to guests that unfortunately your budget no longer covers their attendance at your big day.
- Organisation is key to avoid your wedding spending spiralling out of control, make a list of the items you need, and pay things like deposits well in advance to avoid excessive expenditures all piling up at once!
- Do your own research! Don’t rely on second hand information or “average” prices you find online or in magazines, find your preferred suppliers and negotiate a proper price to avoid paying excess hidden fees at a later date.
- Create a contingency budget. Unexpected expenses happen when planning an event this large, and the last thing you want is to be left without an essential item at the last minute. A contingency budget gives you that backup should the worst occur.
- Remember the small expenses! They all add up eventually! Things like postage and party favours may not immediately spring to mind when you think of your wedding, but beneath the surface is a long list of expenses which needs to be catered for within any budget!
Your big day is important, and creating a budget will ensure that your married life can get off to the best possible start.
Go to the site and take notes of everything important. Is it open? Will it be possible to set up some sound system? Is there enough facility for hanged decoration? If you’ll going to need your partner’s decision in the theme, go with your partner so that both of you are aware of what is waiting for the both you and you’ll be able to decide better.
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