Simplifying Your Wedding Plan

The cost for the average Australian wedding approaches $40,000, so it’s no surprise that couples are looking high and low for ways to save on the tab. If you are planning a wedding and haven’t done so yet, make a budget!

The budget will do two things for you: first, it will tell you how much your dream wedding will cost, and second, it may show you the spots where you can save money. Subject each line item in the budget to the crucial test: “Do I really need it?” If you can’t come up with a good reason to have it, consider it suspect and put it on the “cut list.” Go to the “cut list” when you need to make hard budget decisions.

The food and liquor costs are likely to be the single largest line item at a wedding. In some cases, these costs are buried in the venue rental for the wedding. Many venues require couples to use the on-site catering service and the on-site bartender, which tends to increase the cost of the reception. To cut these costs, you have two choices: invite fewer people, or find a less expensive venue. You may also see some savings if you schedule your wedding in the morning or early afternoon, or in a month when fewer weddings occur.

The wedding dress is likely to be another large line item. As a bride, you’ll be the center of attention, no matter what you’re wearing. Consider purchasing a less expensive gown, buying a used gown or renting a dress. Under ordinary circumstances, if you’d never consider spending $2,000 - $3,000 on a dress, then don’t spend that kind of money on a wedding dress!

Don’t succumb to “tradition” if it’s going to add unnecessary expense. Do you really need to organise an expensive wedding car or will a less expensive model do? Better yet, will your own car do? Do you need to have fresh flowers at the wedding and the reception?

Carefully examine each budget item and eliminate those that don’t add up. Put the money you’ve saved on unnecessary expenses in a savings or investment account. In ten years, you can celebrate with a fantastic vacation.

Keywords: Wedding Planning, Weddingblog, Wedding

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