Creating a Wedding Budget

We've reached the end of guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and our final topic is one laden with controversy. Being that more and more couples are paying for part or all of their own weddings, it's likely that you, the groom-to-be, will have at least some input into the wedding budget. This is an area where many dudes shine, simply because they are less emotionally involved in the trappings of the traditional wedding. Here's how you can help:

The Reality Check
The first thing you shouldn't do is whip out the old credit card. Don't go into debt for your wedding! Newlyweds need the added pressures of money problems like they need that third crock-pot. If you see your intended getting caught up in the moment and you think she may be tempted to go overboard, put on the brakes gently. Remind her that it's about the marriage, not about the wedding, and suggest some money-saving strategies you can employ together.

Go Semi-Pro
Vendors are expensive -- and it can seem like there's no getting around that fact. The truth is, however, that there are ways to save money and get good service. Why don't more people take advantage of them? Some brides-to-be are convinced that an expensive vendor is a good vendor. If you'd rather spend less, offer to find some of your vendors. Check out local universities for qualified and inexpensive musicians, photographers, and videographers. Professors will be able to point you to the best students in the program.

Keep It Organized
If you're an organized guy, you can help out your intended by keeping track of expenses and payments. Get a notebook and write EVERYTHING down that has to do with your wedding plans. Phone numbers, cost estimates, wedding vendor information, and anything else having to do with your finances. Keep this notebook with you all the time, and use it as a reference when interviewing prospective vendors.

Know Who's Paying
If you're not paying for your entire wedding yourselves, it's important that you know who can contribute what before you start drawing up your budget. If you're uncomfortable talking to your bride-to-be's family about this, you can still approach your own family if they've hinted that they would like to pay for something. Although it may be fun to plan out the wedding first and ask for the dough later, you may find that your ideas don't quite match those with the check book. Let reality, not your expectations, guide you.

Click to learn more about creating a wedding budget or financing a wedding budget