Your Wedding Budget:

Setting It And Sticking To It

Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the wedding? Then set a realistic wedding budget from the beginning, and stick to it.

In the process of planning their wedding, budget concerns can often be a source of disagreement for a couple. The two may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford. To make your wedding a joyous occasion, it is important for the couple to discuss financial constraints before the wedding planning goes too far.

Set A Budget And Save For It

The first tip for setting a budget and sticking to it is to discuss finances well before the wedding planning begins in earnest. Everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available to be spent on the wedding.

To maximize that budget, you can start saving early for your wedding. Put aside a portion of each paycheck for awhile. You may be pleasantly surprised how sizable a contribution you can make to your wedding budget. This advance planning and saving will allow you to maximize your budget, and make wedding planning easier and more fun. 

Get Everyone On-Board

Once your wedding budget has been established, set it aside for a few days and then review it again. This time away from the budget gives everyone a chance to let the information settle. The review of the budget after this waiting period gives the participants the opportunity to verify that they understand and agree to the budget. This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in one area leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy. 

Budget Line Items

When you've decided exactly how much money is available for your wedding, the next step is to divide the total into budgets for items such as the venue, food and drink, the bride's attire, the groom's attire, transportation, entertainment, photography, favors, centerpieces, gifts for the wedding party, and even gifts for each other. It is also advisable to set aside an amount of money for unforeseen expenses. 

Agree On Who Pays For What

Part of establishing a budget is to be clear about who will pay for what. For example, if the groom's family offers to pay for the centerpieces, and you choose to accept, this will allow you to divert your centerpiece budget to another line item of the wedding. The key to sticking to your wedding budget is to be clear on who has agreed to pay for what. 

Comparison Shopping And Negotiating

You will need to negotiate contracts for services, and to do so, you must know the budget for each individual aspect of the wedding. If you know you have allotted $250 for entertainment, you would be wise to seek out a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, and then negotiate your contract to ensure that you remain under budget. 

It's also wise to shop around and compare prices for services. A limousine company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range, don't be afraid to let them know why you are going to have to choose another company. You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.

Substitute Creativity For Cash

Doing as many things as you can on your own is another way to stay under budget. Crafts and homemade invitations can greatly reduce the cost of your wedding. For example, making your own favors or centerpieces can greatly reduce your costs and free up funds for other areas of the wedding. 

Another tip for sticking to your wedding budget is not to fall into the trap of viewing your budget as restrictive. Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focus on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique. You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints. 

Anticipate The Unforeseen

Realize that there are bound to be snags along the way. If you go over budget in one area, you will need to cut the budget in another area. As long as you remain cognizant of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you
will roll with the punches, and be able to alter your strategy to accommodate any needed changes.

Make It A Wonderful Memory

A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship. It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans. Doing this early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding. It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on a positive note.