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Life Events :  Marriage

It's your wedding day. The day you've dreamed about since you were just a little girl. Rose petals everywhere you step, swans swimming nearby, doves flying overhead, a string quartet, ten bridesmaids plus your Maid-of-Honor, and don't forget the horse drawn carriage! You want this day to be remembered by all… or do you? What about when you find yourself in major debt? The financial stress starts eating away at your newlywed bliss. And you find yourself divorced two years later? Unlikely? Not at all!

Finances are one of the top topics that married couples argue about. With over 50% of marriages ending in divorce, why put yourself at a disadvantage from the start? If planned carefully, and reasonably, your fairytale day can continue on long past the arrival of the caterer's bill.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

1. SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT. Sound easy? Not always. It's easy to get carried away but don't. By the two of you sticking to a budget that won't put you in financial hardship, you are giving yourselves the best wedding present possible.
   
   
2. PLAN AHEAD. But don't plan for June! It's not only the most popular month for weddings, but it is also the most expensive.
   
   
3. COMPARISON SHOP. Get 3 to 4 estimates before making any commitment. Also, weigh both expense and quality of each item/service.
   
   
4. DON'T INDULGE ON THE RECEPTION. The reception is usually the biggest expense to any wedding, thus it's the best place to focus in order to keep from going over your budget.
   
   Reception Ideas:

   Early Bird-- A brunch reception can be a beautiful alternative for just a fraction of what an evening reception might be.
   
   Sit Down-- A sit-down dinner may be less expensive than a buffet. Get estimates on both.
   
   Sweet simplicity-- Keep it simple. Light hors d'oeuvres, cake and punch or maybe a delicious dessert reception!
   
   B.Y.O.B.-- Compare the cost for alcohol being purchased through a hotel or other reception facility with what you could pay for it yourself. Many sites allow you to bring your own.

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