CREATING THE WEDDING BUDGET

For the average person, the only time one hears the word ‘budget’ is in the news when the government is about to air its annual national budget. In their eyes, it’s a big deal when they have to make their own budgets, considering the complexity figures and percentages may present. Maintain your pulse, and throw away the analgesics, Top Weddings Africa is here to break every piece down to enable you be the ‘Financial Minister of Bridal Affairs’.

Budget is simply an estimate of income and expenditure for your dream wedding. Before putting pen on paper, or inputting a key into your Excel canvas, have an idea about the class and type of wedding you want to have. Coming from the garden city of Ghana, I prefer lavish ceremonies, others like to keep it simple. Would you want to have a huge traditional wedding, or a small set-up? Do you want to keep it indoor, on a healthy-looking garden, or in a state of the art conference building? This informs how many people you invite. It depends on your preference and what you can afford.

After you’ve been able to decide, see this as a monetary affair. So who’s suiting the bill? Your fiancé/fiancée? Your parents, or in-laws? Communication holds the magic wand here. Talking to everyone involved to buy into your vision of your dream wedding is key. Do a simple calculation on how much each is contributing to see the way forward.

Photo credit: Kwabena Awuku 

The cheat code to making your budget is knowing what you need. A basic breakdown of it involves reception, photography, videography, décor and design, venue, food, attire, music and entertainment, MC, floral arrangement, attire, stationery, wedding rings, the ceremony, transportation, gifts and miscellaneous.

Research isn’t only what you do during the completing stages of grabbing your degree, but finding the best deals in making your budget. Doing a quick check online on your needs will give you a fair idea on the arithmetic mean of it all. Probe from experienced people and friends. Set limits for your maximum expenditure on all necessities mentioned above. Know your priorities… which sections you can cut down cost, and others you can splurge on and do the Birdman hand rub.

The key is efficiency. Some valuables are costly but not nice, others are comparatively affordable but still classy and quality. Planning your budget is fluidity. Don’t stick to the books you wrote yourself. Be open to ideas from professionals. Have fun with it, and don’t forget you’re doing it all for the love of your partner.