{"id":163,"date":"2013-11-11T07:40:00","date_gmt":"2013-11-11T07:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indwe.co.za\/indwe-blog\/2013\/11\/11\/dont-let-your-wedding-ruin-your-marriage\/"},"modified":"2013-11-11T07:40:00","modified_gmt":"2013-11-11T07:40:00","slug":"dont-let-your-wedding-ruin-your-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indwe.co.za\/indwe-blog\/dont-let-your-wedding-ruin-your-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t let your wedding ruin your marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here are some ideas to keep your wedding budget under control:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 First, talk it through<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 It\u2019s NOT all about the perfect wedding<\/strong><\/p>\n

Too many work through a list of \u2018want-haves\u2019\u2013 a film star dress, flowing champagne, platinum rings, a five-star honeymoon. Only then do they ask how they’ll pay for it. \u2028\u2028Start 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Don’t let the wedding ruin your marriage<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.\u2028\u2028If the cost of your wedding leaves you financially crippled and in debt for most of your married life, it’s a pointless waste.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Should you borrow to pay for the wedding?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 <\/strong>Pick an unusual day and season<\/strong><\/p>\n

The venue usually creates the biggest dent in your budget. By picking an \u201cunpopular day\u201d, such as a Friday or a Sundays or having your wedding in winter, you\u2019ll save because venues have fewer bookings during these periods.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Negotiate!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Believe it or not but most wedding suppliers are open to negotiation.\u00a0 If they won\u2019t negotiate a discount, ask them to throw something in on top. Whether it’s champagne, lighting or chair covers.\u00a0 If you need an add-on, try not to pay extra for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Go for off-the-beaten track venues<\/strong><\/p>\n

While a hotel or country club is in an obvious choice for a reception, don’t disregard church halls, local sports clubs or parks.\u00a0 Even better, if you have family or a friend with a sizeable garden, ask if they’d consider hosting it for you.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Don’t forget to insure your rings<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0 Tap into friends\u2019s talents<\/strong><\/p>\n

One way to try and avoid the price-trebling effects of getting married is to use your friends and family’s talents. \u2028\u2028Ask 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. \u00a0Plus it will make your big day all the more personal and memorable. \u00a0Examples include:<\/p>\n