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Wedding Budget: how much to spend?

March 17, 2011 By

Whether you have little or plenty of time to plan or save for the wedding, KEEP IT SIMPLE.

No matter who is paying for the wedding, do NOT spend more than you can pay for in advance. In other words, do not put a bunch of expenses on a credit card to pay for the wedding AFTER the occasion comes and goes. Why?  A marriage is hard work and has enough real life stress.  Conflict over money is one of the two biggest issues a couple can face.  You do not want to start your married life with a significant wedding debt in additional to the regular monthly living expenses.   And do not ask your parents to put significant debt on a credit card.  Times are too uncertain.

Having an expensive wedding with debt to pay after wards, does not encourage the longevity of your marriage.  Be SMART about this.  Figure out a wedding budget and stick to it.  Only purchase wedding expenses that you can pay off BEFORE the wedding date.   If you cannot afford to get those paid off before, you certainly can’t afford it after wards.

Take off your rosy colored glasses and use your calculator.  Do not over budget so you have no wiggle room.  Unexpected things happen to everyone:  car trouble, doctor or dentist bills, a family crisis etc.

If the wedding event is 12 months away and you each can afford to make $200. in additional monthly payments (each must already have accessible funds for emergency);  $400. X 12 = $4,800. for a wedding budget.  This includes ceremony, reception, rentals, dress,  dance, honeymoon, gifts,  ANYTHING associated with the wedding event.   If you can afford only half of the above monthly payment, then your budget should be $2,400. maximum.

Everyone has to prioritize.  Just because your best friend had a full reception dinner, doesn’t mean you have to.  Just because your sister and hubby went on a tropical honeymoon, doesn’t mean you have to.  Just because your co-worker had the best gown that money can buy, doesn’t mean that you have to.  You don’t have to pay their bills.  Their life is not yours.

Each couple must decide what is important to them.  What do you really value?  What is it about this celebration that you love so much that you are willing to spend hard earned dollars? Stick with a budget you can afford to pay off in advance! If you regret not having debt, I will take you out for your first anniversary dinner.

Looking for a wedding officiant?  Contact  rev@oklahomaweddingceremony.com

Filed Under: Advice

Before You Get Married

March 13, 2011 By

Before you get married, there are at least five things to consider about the person you want to marry.  The following questions may help you determine whether your fiance’ or partner is a good match for you.  Compatibility depends on interests, values and priorities.

(1) Does he/she believe in monogamy?  Does he/she think it is possible to stay faithful to one person?

(2) Are they a spender or saver?  How much debt does she/he have?  How does she/he manage their money?  Do you want to be responsible for the other’s debt as well as your own?   Are you okay with someone else spending your money?

(3) Is she/he comfortable with intimacy and affection: physical and psychological?  Has the other let you into their “inner sanctum” or is there a barrier?

(4) Is the other interested in having children?  Why or why not?  This is important to resolve before getting married.  Do not expect that the other will change their mind later.  I kid you not.

(5) What kind of work ethic does your fiancé have?  Does he or she miss a lot of work, jump from job to job?  It may not be important now but it will be when money is tight and bill collectors are  threatening to disconnect the utilities, cable and internet.  The loss of cable and internet can make some break out into a cold sweat.  I kid you not.

If you are ready to get married and still looking for a wedding officiant,  contact rev@oklahomaweddingceremony.com

Filed Under: Advice, Compatibility