Get hitched on a budget

If money grew on trees it would make planning a wedding so much easier.  There would be no need for a budget, and dream weddings would become realities.  However, that’s not the reality for most Corban students.  For those brides (and grooms)-to-be who are pinching pennies, here is a three-point plan.

First: Create a budget

Creating a budget is easy, but sticking to it can be difficult. The first step in budgeting is to find out if your parents are willing to help.  If they are, sit down with them and talk about how much they would like to give. Annie McKay, Corban senior engaged to 2010 Corban graduate Josh Warner, said “It is important to know how much your parents will be contributing to the overall wedding costs.  My parents decided on a set amount- and if anything was spent over that amount, it was mine and Josh’s financial responsibility.” Once everything is squared away, then you can begin to decide where your money is going to go. There are some wonderful online tools, such as www.theknot.com, that will budget your wedding for you.

Second: Make priorities

Every couple has one specific area in which they are willing to spend more money.  Claudia Howden, Business Office administrative assistant, recently coordinated her daughter’s wedding.  When asked if there was one place they splurged Claudia replied, “Photography.  Everything you eat, wear, listen to and look at the day of will be a fleeting memory.  Pictures are forever!”  Because they chose to spend extra money on photography they then chose to spend less in other areas.  Instead of offering a sit-down dinner, they just served cake.  They were also able to borrow some equipment, such as tables, from a local church, and they arranged their own flowers. Howden and her daughter were able to decide what was really important, and what wasn’t as significant.

Third:  Enjoy the moment

Planning a wedding only comes around once.  Before getting stressed over the details make sure to take time to enjoy the moment. Corban student Jamie Knust, who got married last June to Corban student Adam Knust, said “[Enjoy the experience] take your time, and enjoy it.”  One of the most exciting times in your life shouldn’t be filled with stress and worry, enjoy being in love and beginning the next chapter of life.

Needless to say, planning a wedding is a mighty task.  By having a solid budget, and sane people around you during the most stressful of times, the process of creating a fairy tale wedding  can be almost as magical as finding your prince.