A recent study highlighted the increasing costs that some of our young people incur when they get married. It also raised the question of the huge debts that many incur – just so that they can have a piece of paper saying they are now Mr and Mrs such and such.

This leads me to the question – Do we really need to spend heaps on weddings?

There are many ways to reduce or even eliminate many of these costs.

• Do you really have to invite all of your closest (and distant) friends plus relatives for a free meal and drinks? Why can’t your guests pay their own way instead of giving you a wedding present? Think about it – most wedding presents these days double up on stuff you already own or something that someone else has already purchased for you.

• Do you really need to have the “cast of extras” there? The workmates that you hardly know; the relatives you haven’t seen for years? Will they be upset if they don’t get an invite? Will you really notice if they are not there? If they were close to you, they’ll understand the reason if you explain it to them.

• Many in the ‘wedding industry’ make their money just from having the word wedding prefixing everything they do. It really shouldn’t mean that the costs are far more than for ordinary occasions, but they often are. Unfortunately the word “wedding” usually equates to the sound of cash register bells continually ringing for many people. Try not mentioning the word wedding when ordering flowers or clothes…..it’s remarkable how the prices magically become cheaper.

• Be very clear in your negotiations with your photographer. Find out upfront exactly what is included in your package, how many hours they need to be there, how many assistants they really require to work. Ask a friend with a clear eye and a steady hand to take shots at the reception and send the photographer home after the ceremony and formal pics are done.

• Instead of complicating your wedding budget by wanting everything and not having enough money, try it this way: decide what is most important for you to enjoy the day and then find less expensive ways to have your dream wedding. In fact, if you think outside the square a little, then you will find that there are many ways to save money.

If you must have that special wedding that you have always dreamed of, nothing can substitute for having in place a robust budget well in advance of the happy day.

Congratulations if you have already planned the budget for the event. If not, make an appointment now with us to get things planned early.

©   Carmel McCartin – Budget Bitch

And don’t forget – (The views expressed in this blog are the personal opinions of the author. Don’t rely on them to make financial decisions; you have to make up your own mind. If you don’t like the content – then either stop reading or send me an email)