Thursday 28 February 2013

Budget Boundaries


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

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