Wedding... the very thought conjures up pictures of jewellery and finery, music and dance, fun and frolic and lavish spreads. Weddings undoubtedly are one of the few events in your life that make you feel physically and emotionally elated. But then, it is also one of the few events that leave you financially stressed out. Let's get this straight. Weddings can cost quite a deal. Every wedding differs in customs, rituals, style and size.
Whatever, the style or size of the wedding, one cannot underestimate the importance of the budget in wedding planning.
Getting Started
In certain weddings, the bride's side pays for the entire wedding, while in certain others; both the bride and groom's side shares the expenses. Based on who pays for what, a budget can be drawn up.
Guidelines for drawing a budget
Make a list of the funds available and determine how much you are willing to spend on the wedding.
If the money saved falls short, determine how much financial aid you will need and the sources of financial aid.
Set priorities. Remember that priorities differ from person to person. Decide what you'd like to splurge on and what you'd like to forego. Based on this draw up your budget.
Set a realistic budget. There's no point in drawing up an unrealistic budget. It'll get you nowhere.
Distribute the budget. Draw up a list of all elements that comprise a wedding and determine how much you intend to spend on each.
Engagement ceremony
In most families an engagement ceremony is celebrated prior to the wedding. The major expenses involved in this are given below.
Rent for the venue
Invitations and postage
Food and beverages
Bride's / Grooms attire
Jewellery & Gifts
Transportation
Budget for the wedding
Track your budget with this printable worksheet. The worksheet takes into account expenses for the ceremony and reception, the Stridhan, bridal and groom's attires, gifts for all family, friends and relatives, invitations, transportation, accommodation, flowers, decoration, music et al. The fine print
Refer back to the budget at every stage and refrain from straying too much.
Keep track of quotes, deposits, dues etc.
Remember, you can always add or delete items from your budget as per your needs.
Planning for a wedding is exciting but taxing at the same time. You can reduce the stress to a great extent by planning and organising a budget.
