YOUR WEDDING BUDGET

Budgeting in business is a “process of preparing detailed statement of financial results that are expected for a given period of time in the future. But what is budgeting to a wedding? It is simply who you are, and who you want to be. Budgeting allows you to measure your capabilities/resources as against your expected outcome on the said event. It is a sure not-to-miss part of your wedding plan (see previous blog- wedding planning tips) as it helps you picture out almost everything that will happen on that day. But how are you going to do your budget?

Before we give you the guides, let me be clear on a norm that people often have, I should say “misconceptions”. There is no RULE on who should shoulder the wedding cost (let me be clear on that, especially to men), BUT, as a practice, the groom use to do that. As a couple, while making your wedding plans, you should both be clear to where will the funds will be taken from. Marriage is a UNION of two people thus, “sharing” is also a good idea to venture to (just saying). Again, this will all depend on you and your partner. This might require some negotiation skills though especially to men, yeah?

Anyway, on your budgeting process, below are some points to ponder upon:

1.       Food- believe it or not, there are people who goes to weddings only for this. And normally, these are also the people as to where you will hear complaints if their plates turned up empty.  Long queue to serve the food, water is not cold, food servers aren’t courteous, and the likes. But guess what, there is some good news! Rice, drinks, and the normal dishes, almost taste the same! No matter what twists you make, the food will always have a standard taste. All you have to do is find a decent caterer who knows their role, who also meet your required food items, which will be enough to fill the “tummies” of ALL your guests. The only thing you should beware on here: food should be ENOUGH.

2.       Flowers- grooms, please let your bride decide on this. We were attracted to girls that’s why we are getting married so, there is a big chance that you don’t have a pink toy, or so to say, flower arranging skills/knowledge or whatsoever. Paper flowers, fresh flowers, or any type of flower will do, based on the brides desires, as long as the allocation on your budget is met.

3.       Church/Officiants/Choir/Carpet/Candles- I almost ran out of space but these are mostly the fees that you pay to the church where the ceremony will be held. This is assuming that you will have a standard Catholic Church wedding. These costs varies from parish to another so better pick up that phone now and dial the parish’ admin to know them.

4.       Transportation & Accommodation- not all grooms and brides are from the same place. Sometimes, a guy from North Pole fell in loved to a girl from South Pole. Imagine? And both sides has to be represented right? These type of costs has to be carefully studied upon. Book your plane tickets early (cost will always be cheaper if booked way advanced). Make hotel reservations early as well. Look for promos. And most importantly, manage your head count well. Add up all these costs and compare the same to your budget allocation.

5.       Souvenirs- these doesn’t actually need to be extravagant. What matters on a souvenir is its uniqueness and craftsmanship. Of course, this has to be something related to you and your brides “history” for it to linger. J

6.       Coordinators- believe it or not, it is now a career! People make money out of this. Anyway, we don’t want to absorb all the stress that’s why these people exists. Depending on your budget, you can hire them but as an advice, take those whom you know that CARES. Someone who will be dedicated to make sure everything is under control and take out that extra burden upon you.

7.       Attires- depending on your financial flexibility, you can buy your entourage their respective dresses. Having it done from a single place/tailor means, perfect uniformity in styles which we all aim for your entourage. It is a great gift as well to everyone if they can own the gowns/tux afterwards (just saying).

8.       Documentation- this is where you put most of your budget. Again, put that extra $$$$ here so your wedding will look fab and professionally made. Don’t settle for less. This is one of those memories that will remain forever and having it done professionally will always matter.

Your budget is who you are, and who you want to be. Prepare for it financially but don’t resort to loans. You are planning your budget in advance so you can manage your cash flows accordingly. Do not go beyond your limit. You may put millions on your wedding but at the end of the day, people will always have an opinion as to how your wedding went. Don’t bother. It’s YOUR wedding anyway and not THEIRS.

Ciao!