Budget...Budget...Budget...

Ok ladies and gentlemen,

I know, I know, you've heard this plenty of times, but I must stress that the MOST crucial thing before we start any sort of planning is to SET A BUDGET! Unless you have unlimited budget (don't we all wish...), with no budget set, it's like planning a wedding to disaster! You can get pretty good templates from these sites:

• http://theweddingnotebook.com/wp-content/uploads/site/downloads/the-wedding-notebook-wedding-budget.xls  (I created my own budget planning based on this template)

• http://www.weddinary.com/files.php?force&file=banners/TS102264315_518660338.xltx

I personally prefer to jot down as many details possible in the budget template. In that way, I shall not miss out on any payments, I know how much balance money to spend on which area, or to trim down the cost in which area, and it is also useful as reference to resolve discrepancies with vendors (if any).

Here's an idea of my budget breakdown for your reference (you may adjust to suit your needs):

Rings:- 10%

Photography:- 10%

Beauty:- 5%

Flowers & Decor:- 3%

Ceremony:-2%

Reception:- 48%

Attire:- 13%

Technical:- 7%

Stationary:- 1%

Misc:- 1%

Personal tips to avoid overspending:

• If you find something you like, DON'T buy it immediately. Go home and sleep on it. Eventually, you will know if you really NEED it, or it's just something that you want.
• If you truly need it, THINK AGAIN, is it worth your money, or you can find the exact same thing for a cheaper price in flea markets, E bay, or at other retailers? 
• Once you have decided that you can't live without it, try to BARGAIN for a good deal, be it a special discount or ask the sales person to throw in some free stuffs.
• In another matter, you may apply the Law of Attraction and work a little closer to get the item you want. Remember, Law of Attraction will NOT work if you just sit and do nothing, it comes with a little effort.

IMPORTANTLY, DO NOT PURCHASE MORE THAN YOU COULD AFFORD! You don't want to be in debt after your wedding, because your wedding will be the BEGINNING of your married life together. You can spend that extra money on your honeymoon or the new house you just bought.