[ad_1]
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to weddings is how to plan a wedding budget that you will actually be able to stick to without using up all your savings, or those of your parents. Planning a wedding is an expensive business, especially if you have a grand dreams or a huge guest list. You may start out absolutely determined to stick with your budget, but it is the rare person who is actually able to follow through without overspending.
Here are some guidelines to follow that will help you plan your wedding budget in a realistic way, so that you are better able to stay within your limits.
Figure out the overall total
Before you can assign amounts to each part of the wedding, you need to set a grand total for the whole event from start to finish. If you have flexibility, set a range to start with.
Start with the 'chunks'
Break your wedding budget into major and minor items (dress, rings, officiants, venue, food, entertainment, decorations and favors, accommodations, transportation, honeymoon, etc. Start a list and look at some sample 'real weddings' to see what you Maybe have missed. Friends who have been planning any kind of big event can help, even if it was not a wedding.
Set your limits
Allocate a maximum spending amount for each major and minor item. There are some standard breakdowns you can find on places like The Knot, which tell you a general percentage of budget spent on each category. You can change these based on your own priorities. Use one of the wedding budget planning tools available online, or just set up your own spreadsheet in Excel. It does not have to be complicated. You just have to set up a row for each expense and cells which will automatically add up your totals.
Leave some wiggle room
Set the total budget low since you will probably go over it. There are always some unforeseen expenses, so this gives you room for emergencies or a last minute impulse purchase. Many experts say that it is typical to go 20% over your budget!
Itemize every detail
Be ruthless and detail every single item when you are planning your expenses, right down to the basket of emergency supplies for the ladies' room and spare pantyhose for yourself. The less you leave out, the less likely you will be to go over budget just because you forgot something.
Look out for hidden charges
Do not forget to factor in service charges and tips. Make sure you find out from your vendors what the total charge will be, including tax and service. There are often standard service charges that are not the same as tips, in which case you still have to figure out how much to tip everyone. Most of the vendors will tell you what the average is, so you can decide in advance and have everything ready in envelopes.
Record everything
Keep track of everything you spend by recording it in your budget spreadsheet and keeping a running total. That way you know when things are starting to get out of control before it is a disaster.
Stay focused and realistic
Try not to look at things that are out of your budget, unless you are prepared to cut something else out. There is always something else out there that is shinier and more expensive. However, if you only look at what you can afford, you will not be tempted to overspend. In other words, do not fall in love with the $ 20,000 couture designer gown when your budget is $ 2,000.
Remember that just because you set a budget does not mean you have to spend it all either. If you find that you are under budget on one item, you can allocate it to another or just save it for the honeymoon or something to decorate the house or apartment.
[ad_2]
Source by Sharyn Sheldon
