A couples’ wedding day is one of the most important days of their lives. It can also be the most expensive. And in South Africa many couples experience the added pressure of being expected to host both a traditional and a Western wedding.
While the weight of family and societal pressure can be enormous when planning a wedding, it’s important to keep your financial goals as a couple in mind. To some, it may be more important to be able to put a decent deposit down on a new house than it is to buy a lavish meal for 450 friends and distant family members.
Whatever your priorities, it’s critical that you and your partner are in agreement and work together to plan a day that you’ll both remember for the right reasons. Planning sensibly isn’t about sacrificing all your hopes and dreams, it’s about striking a balance between what you want and how much you’re prepared to spend. If you have your heart set on an extravagant dress, then deciding to take a more minimalist approach with the décor could be a good compromise.
There are so many expenses to plan for when designing your big day, it’s easy to lose track and overspend. A budget is essential in helping to keep things in check and making sure you don’t end up with any unexpected bills. The 22seven app, available for free on the Old Mutual website, can be indispensable when planning for big events, as well as for your monthly household expenses. Communicating openly and getting into good financial habits as a couple before you sign on the dotted line will go a long way to helping you achieve marital bliss.
Wedding arrangements can be stressful, but they’re also meant to be fun. So, go to cake tastings together, page through glossy bridal magazines, create a vision board – really enjoy the process. Planning a wedding with your partner can even strengthen your relationship if you use the time to not only plan for the big day but also for your future marriage. Discuss where you stand financially and what your dreams are. Create a joint financial plan with the help of a trusted financial adviser. Because once the wedding is over, the rest of your life is just beginning.