The “B” Word… Wedding Budget

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that sometimes money gets in the way of fun!  Unless you are a celebrity or have old family money, a wedding budget can certainly feel like it is sucking the fun out of the experience.  Because of this, it is important to have this candid discussion early.

Mostly gone are the days when brides lived at home until their wedding day and the bride’s family were expected to fund the wedding while the groom’s family hosted the rehearsal dinner.  Today, many people are marrying later in life after completing school, establishing careers, or entering into second marriages.  In these circumstances, couples are likely already living on their own or may have moved in together prior to becoming engaged.  The expectation of who is covering wedding costs becomes a bit fuzzy.  Parents may still offer to cover costs while others may not feel so obligated.  There is no easy way of getting around this.  You will need to have these awkward conversations early and it will likely go best if you make them pleasant and straightforward.  If you decide to ask parents to contribute, be gracious with what they can offer and mindful that you are not causing undo strain on their own financial position.

As with setting your vision, there is no cookie cutter answer because it will be unique to you.  The total budget should simply be what you, your parents, or any other person, can realistically contribute without hardship, debt, or financial strain.  This is not necessarily a place to “go big or go home”.  There will be many temptations to do so along the planning process so setting a budget early and sticking to it will be crucial to not starting your new life together under financial strain.

Here is a template to help you get started:

$______  Couple can contribute now

$______  Couple can save additional if ceremony is delayed ____ months

$______  Parent(s) of couple will contribute

$______  Other source(s) will contribute

 

$______ Total Wedding Budget

 

Remember that a wedding can be perfect at any budget with creative planning!

Next Week:   Fine Tuning the Wedding Budget

Happy planning!

Elegante Light Photography

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