Your money matters

Y o u rm o n e ym a t t e rs

Credits: (photos) Beyond Measure (engagement ring) David Batchelor (venue) Ghost Mountain Inn (banner) Handmade by Janine (florals) etc events

With all your expectations for your wedding day, you, like most couples, are likely to find that finances and issues around money will cause more stress and more disagreements than anything else in your wedding planning. It's important to be realistic and create a wedding where your dreams align with your bank balance and you remain true to your values. Much conflict can be avoided by learning from the mistakes of others, so here are a few tips to help you escape arguments and prepare for your ‘happily ever after’:

1. Start with your budget

That might sound unromantic, but having a budget

is telling your money where to go, rather than your

money controlling you.

Celebrating the start of your life together is a

significant milestone. But do you really want to start

your marriage in debt due to overspending on one

day—just to live up to unrealistic expectations or to

impress your friends or your family? Think about the

real reason you want to splash out beyond your

means.

Before you go in search of your ideal venue, start by

deciding what you want to spend, or can afford to, plan the day of your dreams that fits within your

means.

Remember that you can have a beautiful day, and

at the same time have everything you want out of

your special day—it just takes some careful

consideration, communication and planning.

2. Have the ‘money talk’ with your family

Traditionally, etiquette told us what roles the parents

of the bride and groom played—including who paid

for what. But times have changed. The average

couple nowadays pays for at least half of the

wedding costs, depending on your situation and

families, so it’s a good idea to start saving as soon

It may feel awkward to discuss finances, but being open and honest up

front will save a lot of disappointment and potential conflict later. Have a

conversation with both sets of parents about their role in your wedding and

let them know your plans and budget. They don’t owe you anything here,

but if they’re willing to help out, it’s good to know how much they want to

contribute. Your parents may be out of touch with what weddings cost

these days.

3. Discuss your priorities

As a couple, communicate your expectations and decide what’s most

important to each of you. For example, if you’re a foodie, you may want to

ensure your guests have a meal to remember, while your partner may want

to put more emphasis on the photography, or music.

Of course, one of the simplest ways to cut costs is to limit your guest list.

But if having lots of people celebrating your big day is your number one

wedding wish, you will have to get creative to keep to your budget.

So, choose your top three priorities and also think what’s not important.

Keep your most and least important priorities in mind as you plan your

journey together.

Plan to spend more if something is top priority, and budget less on things

that aren’t as important to you. You will probably both need to compromise

on some things, to avoid wedding costs getting out of hand.

You should also budget about 5% for anything you might forget! If you don’t

end up spending this, splurge a little on your honeymoon, or put it in

savings towards your first home.

Most couples tend to spend at least 15% more than budgeted. This results in

having to use savings earmarked for something else, borrow, or go into

debt. Don’t make this mistake! Plan now so you don’t pay more later.

4. Finally, focus on what’s most important

Above all, remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love for

each other, shared with family and close friends. It’s not about impressing

others or doing what everyone else expects, so stay true to yourselves and

you’ll enjoy your wedding day and the years ahead so much more.

As you plan your wedding, you should also be planning your lives together.

While there are many ways to get married and many ways to express your

love, you only have one life to live. Keep your hearts in the right place and

enjoy the journey together.

b y N i k k i S i n c l a i r

SO MUCH MORE

Give the gift that will last a lifetime

Fun Finance Retreat for couples

Discover the secrets to:

• Debt proofing your marriage • Investing for your future • Living the life you want

Set yourself up for a successful marriage by aligning your goals and creating a plan for a happy, fulfilled future.

David Weeks

083 369 4748

nikki@somuchmore.co.za www.SoMuchMore.co.za OFF TO A GREAT START