I loathe budgets! I'm terrible in excel
and any type of formula…I just don't like them! But lets face it, as much as we
wish we didn't have them, most of us are living by them. They are essential to
ensuring that we get what we want in life. We all scrimp and save to buy a car,
to pay a mortgage, to go on a holiday, to pay our electricity bill! It's
endless...
Next thing, your spunk of a boyfriend
puts a ring on your finger, and your mind is instantly swimming with childhood
fantasies about the perfect day and you're picturing yourself in Disney
Princess movies. You head to the closest news agency straight away, and
purchase every wedding, hair & make up and flower magazine on the shelf and
Sha-zam!!! You are rocket launched into wedding world. Trust me, you aren't
here living on earth! You are a martian in a daze, wanting everything and
anything pretty that you see. Don’t worry, you aren't the only one out there!
Every waking conversation that you
have (and for some really stressed brides, it may even be in their sleep) is
about the big day! Needless to say the budget idea goes out the window and
your fiancé is freaking out on the inside and rolling his eyes at any
conversation that you have with him, which begins with what do you
think about??? This need not be the case. In fact, if you follow
through with not sticking to a budget, the lead up to your special day will be
stressful and you will be attacking each other with your chopsticks over Friday
night sushi.
Set a budget with your good looking
other half, (make it special with a nice home cooked dinner or head out to your
favourite restaurant. It shouldn't be painful!) and allocate specific
costs to the dress, venue, flowers, cake etc. Get thrifty! Then follow my
five tips on keeping yourself grounded here on earth and your fiancé still
smiling by the time the big day rolls around!
1. Crafting and DIY is in! It's not
just for the Nanas anymore. There are some cools ideas out there. Get your
girlfriends over and get creative {insert bubbles here, no girls night is
complete without champagne}.
2. Beg, borrow and steal! Ok maybe not
the stealing part, but begging and borrowing are socially acceptable (within
reason) so if you can borrow anything from friends, whether it's a car, a
headpiece or any other item that's going to save you a few pennies then my
advice is DO IT!
3. Delete the unnecessary stuff! Look at
what you really need and what you could go without. For example, if your dress
is long, do you really need the expensive Jimmy Choo's? I know you want them!
But do you really need them?
4. Get realistic with your guest list!
Do you need to invite the girl that you worked with two years ago and don't
really have contact with anymore? Cut it down by having the people who have
always been there (and made an effort) and those who you know will be there in
your future. Don't end up with guest regret!
5. There are some talented students out
there who won't charge you the earth. Those studying the likes of graphic
design, fashion and photography. If you hear of a good one, ask to see their
folio of work, if you have the same vibe and you like what they do, then they
may be a cheaper alternative to other vendors. Otherwise approach creative
friends to help out where they can (but an important warning...never take
advantage of a situation where a friend is involved, it's not worth it!).
When it's all said and done, in the end,
you may have some pennies to put towards extra cocktails on your honeymoon with
your HUSBAND! Because all in all, that's what it's all about right? The two of
you and the next chapter. So relax and enjoy every little bit of it!
Happy honeymooning.
Tam x
Designer .
Foodie . Blogger
Little
White Space
