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Budget and Expenses

Deciding the type of wedding you both want is a good place to start. Formal, semi-formal and informal weddings vary significantly in cost. The formal wedding is typically the largest and most expensive. The informal is a less-costly, smaller and more intimate event. Semi-formal may be anywhere in between.

You may combine some traditional and contemporary elements for your wedding, making it more personal and creative. Know your budget when making decisions.

List priorities
Regardless of who pays for what, the responsible bride and groom should develop a list of priorities. Include things like:

  • Type of ceremony and number of guests.
  • Food, refreshments and entertainment.
  • Develop a list you can prioritize. Use these priorities to help you allocate your budget.

Debt
Do not spend with disregard for the future. It is better to start a marriage without needless burdens. If additional capital is needed, consider a special loan opposed to credit cards. Overoptimistic expectations of monetary gifts, can lead to disappointment later. Explore creative ways to reduce expenses.

Consider Sundays
A great money-saving idea is to have your wedding on a day other than Saturday. Sunday is actually a great choice, especially if most guests live close by. Reception facilities often have Saturdays booked up to a year in advance. There may be several Sundays available and you may also get a discount.

Setting your wedding budget
The most useful approach to consider when planning your budget is to be communicative and realistic. Use the following worksheets to track your estimates. Soon you will have a clear picture of what has been spent, and what has yet to be arranged and paid for.

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