Bridal Money Bonanza - Part 2

Wedding couple and coin rolls. Making a wedding budget and sticking to it can be the most stressful part of your wedding preparation. That's why we've compiled this two-part Bridal Money Bonanza. If you missed Part 1 last week, never fear you can still find all the info here. (Link to last week's blog). If you're up to the second chapter, read on to discover financial wedding advice to suit every bride and every budget.

BRIDAL MONEY BONANZA: PART 2 Get real about the Guest List

The number of people you invite to your wedding will have one of the biggest impacts on the budget for your big day. More guests = more money, so make sure you think long and hard about inviting Great Aunt Mildred, or those friends you haven't actually spent time with in the past decade, if it means sacrificing important elements of your nuptials, just to keep costs down for your big day.

Who pays for what?

Long gone are the days of the bride's family having to foot the bill for the entire extravaganza. These days it's a case of sitting down with all wedding contributors and deciding who pays for what, depending on your individual financial circumstances. (Some contributors may just want to provide a set amount, while others might prefer to pay for individual elements). But if you want a rough idea of what tradition dictates to help divide and conquer your financial wedding responsibilities, see below: Bride and bride's family pays for:

• All stationery including save-the-dates, invitations and programs
• Wedding dress and accessories
• Floral arrangements and reception decorations
• All ceremony and reception venue costs, apart from items listed as a responsibility of the groom and his family
• All photography and videography
• Groom's ring
• Transportation to and from wedding venues

Groom and groom's family pays for:

• Celebrant or priest
• Official marriage license
• Groom's outfit
• Bridal bouquet, any boutonnieres or corsages required
• Bride's ring/s (engagement ring and wedding band)
• DJ or band at the reception
• Alcohol tab
• Honeymoon

Bridal party members pay for:

• Full cost of attire, including shoes.
• Host and cover costs between friends for hens and bucks parties, bridesmaids and groomsmen respectively.

Traditionally, the bride's family also hosts and pays for an Engagement Party, while the groom and his family are responsible for picking up the tab for the rehearsal dinner.

"According to the 2017 Cost of Love survey, Australian newlyweds are dishing out $8,068 on an average 2.5-week long honeymoon."

Take advantage of special sales

Make the most of sale periods such as the End of Financial Year. Realise big wedding savings by purchasing wedding details including bridal party gifts, customised wedding décor or personalised wedding favours at dramatically reduced prices before June 30. Or keep an eye out for Sale Specials all year round. Every dollar saved helps ease wedding budget stress!

Going back to the drawing board

So, your budget doesn't exactly match your dream day vision and once you've paid for your essential wedding elements, you'll be walking down the aisle in a hand-me-down gown, with a salad bar reception. This might mean it's time to re-evaluate, compromise and again prioritise. Look at components of your wedding that can be changed to be more cost-effective, without losing the key elements that are most important to you. Investigate whether there are opportunities for DIY, or any ways to use the skills and talents of friends and guests so you can save money in some areas, to allow for a little splurge in others.

Beat the wedding budget blues 

For a full range of customised, affordable details for your big day to suit any budget shop personalisedfavours.com.au

Team PF. X