It’s meant to be a fairytale day. But with average South African weddings costing around R70 000, far too many people get into debt and risk ruining a marriage for the sake of one day. 

Here are some ideas to keep your wedding budget under control:

1.  First, talk it through

The one real rule when it comes to budgeting for your wedding is to plan for the type of wedding you can realistically afford. It’s important to sit down and decide from the start who is paying for what and whether there are any financial constraints. You really need to know how much money you have to spend, and how many guests you plan on inviting to celebrate with you before you can start planning anything.

2.  It’s NOT all about the perfect wedding

Too many work through a list of ‘want-haves’– a film star dress, flowing champagne, platinum rings, a five-star honeymoon. Only then do they ask how they’ll pay for it. 

Start off by asking “what can we afford to spend on our wedding?” Then work out how to best make that budget work for you. A picnic in a park with close friends can be just as magical as an evening function for 300. 

3.  Don’t let the wedding ruin your marriage

While a wedding is a wonderful dream day, it’s important to remember one of the biggest causes of divorce is debt and financial worries.

If the cost of your wedding leaves you financially crippled and in debt for most of your married life, it’s a pointless waste.

4.  Should you borrow to pay for the wedding?

If you can possibly avoid it, don’t borrow for the big day. Leaving yourself in debt at the start of your married life is not the best idea.

However, a wedding is a major expenditure, and like buying a house, many people simply cannot afford to do it without a loan. The key here is to never borrow more than what you can afford to pay back by your first wedding anniversary.

5.  Pick an unusual day and season

The venue usually creates the biggest dent in your budget. By picking an “unpopular day”, such as a Friday or a Sundays or having your wedding in winter, you’ll save because venues have fewer bookings during these periods.

6.  Negotiate!

Believe it or not but most wedding suppliers are open to negotiation.  If they won’t negotiate a discount, ask them to throw something in on top. Whether it’s champagne, lighting or chair covers.  If you need an add-on, try not to pay extra for it. 

7.  Go for off-the-beaten track venues

While a hotel or country club is in an obvious choice for a reception, don’t disregard church halls, local sports clubs or parks.  Even better, if you have family or a friend with a sizeable garden, ask if they’d consider hosting it for you.

8.  Don’t forget to insure your rings

It’s easy to forget you may have just added a few grand to your personal belongings in one fell swoop. Make sure you call your insurance broker and check it’s covered – you may need to add a separate policy for it.

9.  Tap into friends’s talents

One way to try and avoid the price-trebling effects of getting married is to use your friends and family’s talents. 

Ask for their help in lieu of a wedding present. It will cut the cost of saying ‘I do’ and perhaps save on a gift for them.  Plus it will make your big day all the more personal and memorable.  Examples include:

• Do you know a keen baker who can make the cake?
• Is someone a talented photographer or video cameraman?
• Do you have a friend who is a DJ, musician or even magician?
• Do you have an aunt or uncle with a landscaped garden they’d let you use for the reception?
• Is your mum a florist in the making?
• Is a relative in the printing trade?
• Does someone have a holiday home you could use for the honeymoon?
• Will your friend do your hair or make-up for you?
• Will a friend be your master of ceremonies?
• Will any pals who’ve got married recently lend you wedding shoes and bags, or even dresses and suits?

10.  Don’t be afraid to ask for cash

Wedding gifts aren’t just a pleasant way of wishing a new couple a great life together. Historically, they’re there as a form of social banking.  While etiquette suggests that no one should ‘ask for gifts’, you can express a preference for cash over presents for those who want to give. 

Most importantly, enjoy it!  Have fun planning your wedding and enjoy the day.  Don’t stress too much, and we wish you a healthy, financially fab, wonderful life together! 

Indwe Risk Services offer a one stop solution for all your insurance needs, with advice and service to ensure you make the correct choice about insurance that will suit your needs.  Call us today on 0860 13 13 14 or visit www.indwerisk.co.za for more information.