The "B" Word

When planning a wedding, there is one word which is not only very important, but it will become a part of your everyday vocabulary throughout the planning process. This six letter word may even cause some disagreements, but if you adhere to it, everyone will be better in the end. What is this “B” word I am referring to? It is the dreaded budget. This small little word will determine all of the elements of your wedding and is the very first thing which should be established. Without it, nothing can really be done. So below are some tips about your wedding budget:

1. Set a realistic budget

2. Stay within the budget

3. Verify whether or not any relatives will be contributing towards the wedding budget

4. Categorize the different elements of the wedding in level of importance (most to least)

5. Divide your budget by percentage per category (ex. Attire: 5-15%, wedding planner: 8-12%, reception: 40-60%, etc.)

6. Figure out which elements are a necessity and which ones are an extravagant (ex. Transportation=necessity; horse and carriage=extravagant)

7. In categories where money is saved, either move the extra money to another category or put it in the bank.

If the couple hires a wedding planner, this person will help the couples stay on budget, but the operative word here is help. Ultimately, they cannot tell couples not to buy something; however, they will advise whether or not it would be a sound purchase and if the couple should make that purchase and maybe scale back on another. The planner may also make some suggestions in order to give the couple an alternative to what they want in order to keep them within their budget.

Some alternatives when planning a wedding and staying in a budget may include:

1. Hold the wedding on a day other than Saturday or during the daytime rather than the evening.
2. Purchase a once used dress rather than a brand new one.
3. For décor items, some may be found on web sites which can be bought under retail and even resold.
4. Depending on the caterer, it may be less expensive to have a buffet style dinner rather than a sit down dinner.
5. It may be less expensive to make some items, such as Save the Dates or invitations.

By keeping these items in mind, just might save a couple from going over budget. If couples start spending money on everything they see and want, all of a sudden they will be $50,000 over budget and starting the marriage off in debt. Well, they may not necessarily be $50,000 over budget, but it is always better to be under budget than over budget.