Running a Wedding Budget

Do you like figures or keeping track of figures? Most people we know would definitely say No or Nah, or uh uh… cause naturally working with figures and tracking them is not such a pleasant thing for many people. If you like it then… cheers… count your blessings!

But you see when it comes to wedding budgeting you have to be on top of things the two of you or at least one of you despite the “committee chairperson” or the wedding “board” chairperson; as many weddings are run these days. If fact you guys must be the CEOs after all has been said and done of your wedding project.

Firstly, for the Zimbabwean situation its best at this point in time to create your budget in US$ or Pound Sterling or Rand or whatever other stable currency under the sun that is easily convertible. A wedding planned for 6 months or 2 years from now will suffer the same consequences at least as things stand right now in Zimbabwe in terms of inflation. So a budget in a strong and stable currency will help keep your target stationary for you to take a very good aim, we are simply saying it’s easier to make savings towards your wedding if you are dealing with a stable currency.

Your wedding budget should be clearly laid out on paper perhaps using Excel and apparently showing your expenses like flowers, photography/videography, honeymoon, miscellaneous expenses, reception and stationery amongst other things. Each cost encountered must automatically be deducted from your global figure so you can see if you are still in line with your budget or not. Guys, you are the ones who really have to check the flow of the finances. Always be on top of things to make sure that the budget is in check.

See, another important thing that relates to your budget is your checklist. Keep a checklist of things done and things still to be done so that nothing and absolutely nothing is left hanging or discovered at the very last minute when the budget is exhausted and there is little or no hope at all whatsoever of a supplementary budget.

Another good approach is to negotiate for everything that you buy or hire. You will be amazed just how much you would have saved at the end of the day by just getting, say, 2% discount on ANYTHING & EVERYTHING that you buy that has got room for negotiation. You might as well add these savings to an extra night of your honeymoon… how is that?

OK in case you want something easy and you are willing to pay for it, we suggest this tool called the Elm iDo Wedding Planning Software. You can go to their website here:

www.elmsoftware.com.

The software is about US$30 and you can also download a free trial version and see how the software works before you decide to buy… it’s magnificent. We know it’s not easy for everyone to get it especially as it involves US$ but we think its worth knowing about it.

To Your Special Day!