Wedding Chronicles - how to make a wedding budget

Accumulating debt from your wedding is a common error made by most couples. Weddings can be very expensive, and not making a wedding budget, leaves some couples in great financial trouble, that can take years to recover from. Under false pretenses, most people think that they will make the money back, and also earn some extra spending money. After catering and organizing over 2200 weddings, I can truthfully tell you, that lots of people don't even break even. That is why making a proper wedding budget is so important!

Total Cost, is the first question you should ask yourself. How much are you able to spend, without going into debt? Once you have that number, you can then divide that amount into the appropriate categories. If certain items are being paid for by someone else, (your parents are paying for the supper) exclude that item from your list. Remember to be realistic! Having your fairy tale wedding is still possible, if you budget properly and shop around for the best prices.

1. Borrow, Borrow, Borrow! Almost anything can be borrowed and borrowing means, free! Remember wedding items have only been used once, so they are basically new.
2. Used and consignment stores are also good places to look, as well as local newspaper listing and online listings.
3. Look for end of season and surplus sales at local and online bridal stores, as well as any other store that you need to purchase items from.
4. Shop online. There are thousands of choices and stores to choose from. You can shop for the best deals and sales.
5. There are tons of items that can be found at the dollar store. Check there first for items like wedding decorations, gifts, fake flowers, plastic utensils and glasses.
6. Even if you have a money shower some people will still want to buy you a gift. When entering your name in gift registries for your wedding shower, ask for things that you will need for your wedding. Guest book, jewelry, and gift cards to stores that you need to buy items for your wedding, are a few ideas. Use the money you make to buy items for your wedding.
7. Pay with cash or bank card. Do not charge!
8. Start saving as soon as you know you are getting married. A little from every paycheck.
9. Make your own wedding items, if you know how. Wedding invitations can easily be made from home and if you can sew you can make your own wedding pillow.
10. Decorate yourself. Friends and family will want to help and contribute ideas.
11. Do not have an open bar! Weddings with open bars rarely make their money back. Instead, have a free cocktail hour before the dinner or give everyone one free ticket.
12. If you are getting married in another country, do not book in high season.
13. Use your aeroplan or airmiles to book your honeymoon or wedding.
14. After the wedding sell everything you don't need, as soon as you can. I saved my wedding dress and all it is doing is taking up room in my closet!
15. Find a temporary way to earn a little extra money, just until the wedding.

Without a proper wedding budget, getting married can be very expensive and can lead to devastating consequences. By following these simple tips your wedding day can still be everything you ever dreamed of, but with no debt to carry afterward.