| Planning your wedding is quite a daunting task and | | | | out of, but is very, very important. Parents will |
| romance can be subjected to the harsh reality of | | | | each have their own dreams and hopes for their |
| the budgeting that has to be done. This is the first | | | | child's wedding, so there may be differences of |
| and foremost step that will decide everything that | | | | opinions. Calmly sit down and sort everything out. |
| is to come later. So if you are having some | | | | Also, make sure not to offend anyone. This is a |
| trouble completing this dreaded task, here are a | | | | very delicate situation. |
| few tips that can help. | | | | Next, start with the actual number crunching. |
| This first step is where many falter because | | | | Figure out the total amount that you are going to |
| money is going to be a cause for all tensions and | | | | have to work with. Now from this figure, subtract |
| frustration if you have to ask your parents for it. | | | | an amount that you will need to set aside for last |
| If they are willing to contribute, sometimes strings | | | | minute expenses. |
| can be attached. They may become unhappy | | | | Sit down with your fiancé and come up |
| about certain choices and, in the bargain, try to | | | | with what you would like to spend on the day's |
| restrict your choices because they want to direct | | | | important features. Here are some guidelines. |
| their money towards something which is not what | | | | · Wedding and Engagement Rings (15%) |
| you have in mind. | | | | · Wedding Dress and Veil (5%) |
| The planning of your wedding budget and putting | | | | · Wedding Reception (Site, Ceremony and |
| everything down in black and white will help you | | | | Catering) (35-37%) |
| to see the bigger picture and know how to | | | | · Photographer/Videographer (10%) |
| exactly allocate the funds correctly. So if you | | | | · DJ/Band/Entertainment (4%) |
| need to start, what should be your first step? | | | | · Invitations/Stationery (4%) |
| Of course you are very excited and wish to have | | | | · Flowers (8-10%) |
| everything planned to perfection. So at this point, | | | | · Cake (3-5%) |
| we are just trying to get a handle on how much | | | | · Wedding Party Gifts (2%) |
| the wedding ceremony will cost and where the | | | | · Rehearsal Dinner (2%) |
| reception will be. Sit down with your fiancé | | | | · Decorations (3%) |
| and try to agree on the basic details. If you | | | | · Transport (2%) |
| specifically dreamed of having a three tiered cake | | | | · Tuxedos (1%) |
| for your wedding, then say so. When ideas are | | | | · Pre-Wedding Parties (3%) |
| bounced back and forth between the two of you, | | | | Yes, there is more and you have to find a way |
| there will emerge a stable ground for both of you | | | | to introduce these into your budget. Things like |
| to stand on instead of regretting anything later or | | | | beauty salon appointment, marriage documents, |
| having misinformation. | | | | and jewelry must be accounted for. Also, don't |
| Now after you have at least a basic plan, meet | | | | forget expenses like alterations, dry cleaning, |
| each others parents. You can choose to have this | | | | wedding favors, and the honeymoon. |
| meeting with both sets of parents together or | | | | The list can seem endless! You will have to keep |
| separately. Leave out any extra people like the | | | | adding to this as you go along. However, these |
| maid of honor or the best man if they are not | | | | figures are an average, if there is something that |
| going to help with the finances. The reason you | | | | is important to the both of you, feel free to go |
| must meet your parents and let them know | | | | ahead and allocate more for that. Start modeling |
| what is on your mind is to make clear certain | | | | your budget. |
| facts about the guests you will invite and the | | | | Congratulations! You should be proud, you have |
| planning to be done. If you are paying for the | | | | just done what most bride and grooms loathe, |
| wedding yourselves, it may not be possible to | | | | but what is most important. Planning the |
| have 500 guests at the wedding ceremony. | | | | remainder will be fun! |
| Now begins the stage that you may want to opt | | | | |