Mywedding-Planner.com

Budget Before You Buy…
by Corrine Crocker-Luby – Corrine Weddings, Glastonbury

Whether you are planning a small intimate wedding for 50 or a large lavish affair for 500, I advise you to prepare a wedding budget. The first step in planning your wedding is to compile a guest list. Even though you’re excited about your new engagement, I advise you not look for your reception venue until you have compiled a preliminary guest list. Reception venues normally have guest minimums during peak times of the year.

You and your fiancé must take time to discuss how you’ll pay for the wedding. This is the time to speak with your parents, perhaps one-on-one to avoid any uncomfortable feelings with your fiancé being present. It is not a good idea to assume financial assistance will be provided by your parents without them saying so. Always keep open communication throughout your planning process.

Your reception will consume approximately 50% of your wedding budget. When allocating dollars to your reception budget, assume all guests will attend. This is a great way to create a little buffer fund for you. When (and if) a guest declines your invitation, you’re on the upswing financially! No matter how carefully you try to anticipate your spending, there’s a good chance you’ll go over budget in one area or another. I see this happen with every wedding I plan. You’re only human, and you don’t realize how expensive your taste will be until you get started interviewing professionals. Lastly, we all buy on emotion. So think twice before you sign on the dotted line.

The best advice I can offer those planning a wedding is to “budget before you buy”. It’s a great practice for you to begin your new life together.

Congratulations on your engagement and all the best on your wedding planning!