Without a wedding budget, one of the most important days of your life can quickly become one of the most expensive! Ask yourself if you are both financially and emotionally ready for marriage and all that it entails and set your wedding date accordingly.
This is not something that should be rushed, but hey, with that said, when you know, you know, right? This is your day and if you are paying for it, then you should call the shots! Your wedding shouldn't put you into unwanted or unmanageable debt and you shouldn't feel you have to go all out or impress others.
Remember that some of the most beautiful and memorable weddings are not the most extravagant and expensive ones, they are the ones that the couple put thought and planning into to make the day special for everyone. The articles below will help guide you through the process of budgeting for your wedding.
If budget is not is not an issue for you (lucky!), then hop down to the "Prenuptial Agreements" section of this article.
HOW TO CREATE A WEDDING BUDGET
There are some excellent ways to help you through the budget planning process. First, the Wedding Cost Estimator Tool will help you determine what is important for you to include in your wedding and how much that will cost based on your zip code and number of guests...approximately.
However, it is not a substitute for planning and recording expenses as you spend money in real time. Use our famous Wedding Budget Calculator Tool for this job! Our budget calculator will help you nail down the details, allow you to enter real costs, and keep you on track as you purchase items for your wedding.
As you work through the planning and spending process, you can determine where to cut back or if you have additional funds for something special. The following articles will help you decide on what you want to include and how you can save on your overall wedding expenses and still have a great wedding day experience.
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
A prenuptial agreement, or "prenup", is a legal agreement entered into by an engaged couple before they marry. Some states call it an "antenuptial agreement." A prenuptial agreement is not necessary to get married and nor is it just for the rich. The agreement typically lists the property each person owns, as well as their debts.
It primarily specifies property rights after the wedding and how property will be divided in the event of a divorce. Be aware that you can have a lawyer make one for you or you can draft your own.
Not to scare you or anything, but... "After you marry, every asset either of you acquires is jointly held. That's why you both need to be in sync on your long-term financial goals, from paying off the mortgage to putting away for retirement. Ideally, you should talk about all this before you wed. If you don't, you can end up deeply frustrated and financially spent." - Suze Orman