|
|
 |
Before you can start planning for your wedding, you must have a budget
to work to. This is very important, as you need to know what funds will
be available to you before you put down any deposits or sign contracts
for any services for the wedding.
|
|
Who Pays?
Traditionally, the bride’s family bear most of the wedding costs
but in these modern times, this is not always the case.
With most couples working and living together, they contribute to the
costs along with the groom’s family in order to ease the burden
for the bride’s family.
You probably already have an idea as to whether or not your parents will
be able to finance the wedding, either partially or with some help from
yourselves. The bride, groom and both sets of parents should discuss this
issue well ahead of the wedding so that a budget can be made and all parties
are in agreement. At this time, you should get an indication from the
parents in regards to how many friends and family they would like to invite.
You may find that this list may need to be trimmed or a compromise made
so that a number satisfactory to all is agreed on. Also discuss any family
traditions that they may want you to carry out – this may or may
not fit in with what you originally had planned. |
|
Getting
Prices
The Internet, Yellow Pages and recommendations from friends are the best
ways to find out what venues or services are available to you and at what
cost. The easiest way is to ring around first to find out if what you
want is available through that particular outlet, rather than going around
to several different shops with no result. When speaking to the suppliers,
be specific about what you are looking for and ask them to give you a
price (GST inclusive, so there are no hidden surprises) that would be
valid at the time of your wedding. If you are planning well in advance
for your wedding, you may find that the prices have risen by the time
you are getting married.
When you are going to see the goods, whether it be the flowers or the
dresses, take note of the appearance of the business. Are they organised
or is the shop organised chaos? Are they neat and tidy? Rate the customer
service level as well – cheapest is not always the best in terms
of services and little extras.
Once you have chosen your supplier, find out, in writing if possible,
when any deposits or progress payments need to be made and when final
payment is required.
|
|
|
Normally, the financial responsibilities are as follows:
Bride
and Her Family
Invitations & announcements – printing, postage and associated
costs
Flowers for the ceremony and reception venues
Flowers for the bride’s attendants
Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
Wedding dress, veil, lingerie and all accessories
Ceremony and reception music fees
Photographer and Videographer
Wedding day transportation for all the bridal party
Reception – food, beverages, decorations and all associated costs
Hair and make up costs for the bride and her attendants
|
|
Groom
and His Family
Bride’s bouquet
Any suit hire costs for the groom
Any marriage licence fees
Accommodation costs for out of town attendants
Wedding rehearsal dinner (optional)
Attendants
Personal wedding attire (excluding flowers)
Bride and Groom
Engagement and wedding rings
Wedding night accommodation
Honeymoon
Gifts for attendants
Most couples and their families will share the costs – use this
list as a guide when discussing the wedding budget.
|
|
