PAYING FOR YOUR WEDDING

WOW - are you overwhelmed yet? Best to start with a budget. There are alot of people and business involved in saying "I do". What follows is a breakdown for where you're going to be spending hundreds, thousands, or more. Of course if flowers are more important than transportaion, change your budget! And remember, everything always costs more - I'd up your miscelleanous to 10%. You'll be pleasantly suprised after the event to get a check back. (I was... really I got one)

SAMPLE WEDDING BUDGET
Typically this is how the money breakdown goes...
40% Reception
15% Gowns & Tuxedos
10% Photographer
9% Music (DJ or Band)
8% Flowers
5% Jewlery
4% Invitations
3% gifts to special helpers
2% Transportation
3% Miscelleanous

BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
NEW BANK ACCOUNT: Start by opening a special wedding bank account. This way you and that special someone can regularaly contribute to the funding. I also recommend setting up a credit card just for wedding expenses. Make it one you earn cash back on or get a different type of reward - By the time I was done- my husband and I had 4 nights in a hotel! Most important advice is to stay ahead of the expenses. Nothing worse that starting your new life together with a headache of bills from your wedding.

SAVE MONEY: Start right away. As soon as the "yes" is spoken, start saving. Cut back on your expenses for your wedding fund. It's easy to come up with an extra $5.00 a day... do you need to eat out for lunch everyday? Coupons are a great source. Buy what you normally would - but take that $1.75 you've saved and put it your new bank account. You'll be suprised at how quick it adds up.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: It's amazing what hidden talents your friends and family have. My aunt made an absolutely beautiful floral arrangement for me. There's probably a musician, photographer or even cake maker out there in your extended friends network! Just ask, people are usually really happy to help. Just make sure to remember them with a special gift.

DO IT YOURSELF: When you can doing it yourself will save money. I have no ability to bake a grand cake but I did make some pretty creative ceremony programs. Buying candy in bulk and putting it into tiny little bags, although borring, can be done while you watch TV.

Finally, consider hiring a wedding planner. Ours was awesome and took care of the big stuff AND the stuff I never would have thought of... She was wonderful. If you can't hire a consultant, start asking your friends and surfing the net and buy a Wedding Organizer it's the only way to go. You may not need all of the tips and hints but one good wedding organizer will keep all of your phone numbers in one location! Literally, it will become an extension of your arm for about 6 months. Again, this is suppose to be fun. Get a good organizer and plan for an extra 10%! That's it.