How to Plan Your Own Wedding

Weddings are expensive to the tune of $10,000 on the low end to $100,000 or more. The main question to be asked is who pays for it. Becasue the costs have gotten so high, we have moved away from the tradition of the bride's family paying all the expenses. Now, it is more about who can afford it or who can qualify for a loan to meet the expenses.

Weddings, in most cases, are a one time special event. They, therefore deserve of all the pomp and show. However, this doesn't mean that you need to break the bank to enjoy the day to its fullest.. Careful budgeting and planning are vital to maximizing the day even while you keep a tight reign on the budget. So you may ask the question - what should go into a wedding plan? When is it too much? There are many things which will determine how special your wedding is. You can use that old saying, "Something New, Something used and something blue, as a good guide to help you keep a tight reign on the budget. Determining your needs versus your wants while keeping cost in mind is vital to staying within your allotted budget. After determining wants vs needs, you need to create a checklist of your needs including: Bridal Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding ceremony site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, ceremony and reception decorations, wedding cake, marriage licence, music/entertainment, invitations, wedding consulting/planner fees, beverage/drinks, whether alcoholic or not, and type of wedding. Within these many categories, you can then have three sub categories - basic, nice, and really nice. Be sure to get accurate estimates from all the potential providers bearing in mind that cost generally increases the further you go up the "nice" scale. Try to get estimates from more than one provider in each category so that you can get the best pricing available.