Budget, Budget ! B-U-D-G-E-T = $$$$
How I hate this word… Every time I see something I like and is very excited about, hubs will ask, how much and when we did the math, i have to grudgingly throw the idea away… sob sob.
But, like all things in life, budgeting is very important (especially for us normal folks). It is to ensure that you make your decision wisely and not let things get carried away. For some couple, you might have been saving for some time before the wedding. For some, they might have to break open their entire piggy bank to organise this lavish affair. There are some couple who went into debt right after their wedding.. and 5 years down the road, they are still in debt. Is it worth it in the end?
Some couple have huge fights over this stage and sometimes, if not carefully handled, there would be no wedding.
As unromantic as the word is, budget is also the determinant factor of your marriage life later. Under budget, and you will feel remorse and always wished you had splurge a little more. Over budget, and you will end up struggling on your daily married life (bills to pay, mortgage, daily expenses, loans and etc).
How do we start?
First, both couple will need to sat together to decide the amount which you could comfortable throw-in. After that, check with parents if they could sponsor / chip-in. It could be in form of cash / picking up tab for certain items. If you have generous siblings, ask if they could also sponsor you. ;p
Once you work out your maximum limit. The next thing is to STICK to it.
I divided my Budget into the following sections
1) Apparel
- Wedding & Evening Dress
- Bridal Shoes
- Accessories
- Groom’s suit
- Bridal Party ensemble
- ** Lingerie 😉
2) Photography / Video-graphy
- Pre-wedding photos
- Photo Album
- Photo portraits / frame
- Actual day photography
3) Flowers
- Bride’s bouquet
- Groom’s Boutonnière
- Bridal party’s bouquet
- Corsages for special guest (parents and etc.)
- Venue Decoration
- Car Deco
4) Ceremony / Reception
- Venue Cost
- Caterer
- Liquor
- Sound system
- Security
- Entertainment
5) Misc
- Facial
- Manicure & Pedicure
- Make-up Artist
- Favours for guest
- Transportation
- Wedding Cake
- Wedding Invitation Stationary
- Honeymoon
These are just some basic breakdown from my budget… Every couple have different priority when it comes to their wedding. For Chulet, it was the dress, make-up artist and photography. Hence, once I decided on the amount needed to spend for these, I use the balance for other things.
Did I manage to stick with my budget? YES – I did !! (yay !! hehehee..)
Happy budgeting to all newly engaged out there.
Hugz..
