THE Budget

Wouldn't you know, a few hours after writing my last post, my boyfriend proposes!  How fun!  And he did it the best way, too.  It was exactly what I didn't even know I wanted.  Looking back, I couldn't have imagined it any other way.  You know you are a very lucky girl when the boy (now fiance) plans a proposal better than you could have even planned for yourself!

That just means we are onwards and upwards!  Within minutes of becoming a brand new fiancé, everyone had that very important question:  WHEN?!  When are you getting married?

And it's almost twin: WHERE?!  Where are you getting married?

Often times the first question is the easiest and quickest to figure out.  Couples often plan weddings around their work schedules, places they want to honeymoon, and time of year the bride and groom want to get married. (or bride/bride, groom/groom.  You pick).  Still, the Where is just as important.  If a couple has a specific location predetermined, the When might be the more flexible of the two, but if the Where is more flexible, then When falls into place quickly.

As did ours.  After considering all the facets of a wedding, guests, time off, etc, we chose the Friday of Thanksgiving as our day!  Woot!  NOW....Where.  And that is when THE discussion has to happen:  Budget.  Everyone has one (or pretends to have one) but this is THE budget to determine.  Weddings are expensive. In fact, the average wedding costs $26,989!  That's an income for many many people!

And it's not just the reception you have to look at!  There is the wedding dress to consider, men's tux rentals, wedding bands, ceremony space, flowers, cake, rehearsal dinner, favors, gifts for the bridal party, lingerie, manicue/hair/makeup, hotel room, DJ, photographer, Tax/Service fees, and even videographer if you want that.

Please note:  When discussing budget, BE HONEST with each other.  If you can only put up $12000, you can only put up $12000.  If you WANT to spend $25,000, don't look at places that cost $150-$180 a plate!  Be reasonable, and be honest.  The last thing you want is to get your heart set on something because you think you can have the funds in time.  And ask your family to be honest with you as well.  If they can help pay for something, great.  Have them tell you what something that is or how much they'd like to put towards the wedding.  If they can't, then you might have to get more creative.

And remember, it may be the day to remember, but it's still one day.  Keep it in perspective, and have fun!