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Having just been through the process of planning a wedding with my daughter, I can see where many of the over-runs in the wedding budget occur but the problems can really start well before this.

The very first step must surely be to determine the amount of dollars that are available to be spent. This should take into account the alternate uses for the funds in the creation of an ongoing, happy, lifestyle. So, very carefully, determine a reasonable budget total.

Now, make the wedding fit into the budget! No, don't try to fit the budget to some pre-conceived notions about what the wedding is going to be! You must adhere to the gross dollar budget afforded no matter what.

So what now? Maybe a budget of half the average spend by peers would appear to be stingy but who really knows. Here are the critical elements that will determine what the final costs will be:

Number of guests.
Ceremony venue.
After ceremony venue.
Catering, including cake.
Photography.
Dress.
Decorat ions, including flowers.
Transport.
Marriage celebrant.
Entertainment.
Statio nery and postage.
Transport.

The process is now fairly simple.

Limit the guest list. Friends first, gobbling and guzzling relatives second. I am a big fan of child free receptions. Only invite CURRENT friends. Allow respective parents a specific quantity of invitations, let them choose between relatives and friends to fit YOUR budget. You need to ask how many people do you really need at a wedding anyway.

The wedding venue is best researched in a very analytical manner. You should make up a spreadsheet style chart and compare what each offers and for what price. Public spaces are usually the cheapest but require a little more organization. You can choose good food but keep it simple and the cost will reflect this. Simple, cheap, food that is well presented will satisfy most. Limit access to the alcohol. Do not offer an open tab. Restrict access to expensive cocktails, wines and spirits. The "freeloaders" will be happy with almost anything because its free and the others won't mind paying for their expensive drinks if they choose not to have what you are offering.

You can no doubt access many articles on how to economize on the other elements too. One more that I found particularly helpful was the provision of disposable cameras on each table with guests encouraged to use them during the reception. The use of a photographer who is family or friend can work really well. The digital age has made wedding photography quite easy. AND PLEASE avoid the temptation to video the wedding .... BORING! Each to their own I guess but save me! A wedding video is right up there with watching paint dry!

No I haven't given you all the answers, just a way of approaching the task. Stick to it, adjust, fiddle, squeeze, whatever but stay under the decided dollar amount and you truly have a BUDGET!

Learn more about this author, David Ireland.
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