| Thinking of getting married but deterred by the | | | | 8%: Photo/Video crew - don't scrimp on this, or |
| costs of a wedding that you hear vary from "a | | | | risk your second-cousin's-friend doing it - these |
| lot", to "expensive", to "extravagant"? Don't | | | | are your memories. We all think we'll remember |
| worry. All is not lost. A wedding doesn't have to | | | | things for ever, but memories fade with time. |
| be extravagant to be memorable. With a little | | | | 7%: Flowers/Decorations |
| thought, research and forward planning you can | | | | 5%: Invitations/Place cards |
| do it, even on a budget. Thinking things through | | | | 4%: Wedding bands/Wedding hall |
| now will be a great lesson you can carry into your | | | | 3%: Wedding cake |
| marriage. For example, which is more important: | | | | 2%: Miscellaneous (favors, transportation, lodging) |
| A three thousand dollar wedding dress, or a | | | | 1%: Groom's tuxedo |
| quality bed and beautiful bedding you can have fun | | | | Total equals 100% of available monies. |
| in for many years? Starting your marriage on the | | | | It sounds so romantic to be able to say you |
| right foot, and not burdened by the debt of a | | | | visited somewhere exotic on your honeymoon. |
| large, extravagant wedding is a great blessing, and | | | | You have many years ahead to have fun |
| will set you in good stead for the years ahead. | | | | together, don't sabotage them by starting your |
| As the very first step, decide what is really | | | | marriage in debt because you couldn't do without |
| important to you and what may not be | | | | the hugely extravagant wedding and luxury |
| necessary. It's important you work through this | | | | honeymoon resort that you borrowed to get. |
| together. Remember you're not just planning a | | | | Patience brings greater rewards! There are many |
| wedding, you're preparing for a marriage that will | | | | ways to have a fun and romantic honeymoon |
| include lots of difficult decisions and financial | | | | without getting in debt. Be creative. Or ask those |
| considerations over many years. If you start | | | | whose opinion you trust for ideas. |
| discussing money here, in the wedding planning | | | | The place where people make the biggest |
| stages, then you will face the difficult financial | | | | mistakes in planning a wedding is spending too |
| decisions that will come along later with greater | | | | much in some of the categories that don't matter |
| unity of mind and heart, which can only | | | | so much. For instance, it is nice to have a |
| strengthen your marriage. Give and take is crucial | | | | professional and elegant invitation. However, hiring |
| to the survival of your marriage. | | | | a calligrapher to do it may not be the best way |
| Sit down together and determine exactly what | | | | to spend your money. You can make your own |
| funds you have available for your wedding. Include | | | | invitations on your computer and achieve |
| your own savings as well as any money your | | | | excellent results with a little effort. Craft stores |
| parents are willing to contribute. Then use the | | | | sell whole kits for making wedding invitations |
| following guidelines to determine how much to | | | | quickly and easily. |
| spend in each category. | | | | Set up a special bank account that you can use |
| 40%: Reception/Caterers | | | | solely for money for your wedding and add to it |
| 10%: Wedding dress (and accents) | | | | whenever you can. Just a little financial planning |
| 10%: Alcohol (includes bartender) | | | | and responsibility goes a long way to an |
| 10%: Music (either live music or a DJ) | | | | affordable, memorable wedding. |