How much should you spend on your wedding?

When a man and a woman decide to have a wedding, one of the common questions that may bring about some argument is the amount to dedicate to the wedding. For men and women alike the question evokes a lot of emotions. But the answer depends on a lot of factors such as the financial capabilities of the bride and the groom, the expectations of the parents, the spiritual beliefs of the couple and many more.  For some men, they can't bear to spend so much money on just an occasion while for some women are ready to spend so much because it is a once in a lifetime event.

My advice is this and I think it is the foundation to build on. Each couple should ensure that they do not get into debt because of the wedding.  And do ensure that you have money to take care of yourselves after the wedding ceremony. Please also save towards your wedding. Do not expect that your every wish should be catered for by your families. You should be prepared to shell out the funds required for all the wedding activities.



Each couple should also consider the cultural necessities and requirements of their wedding activities. Some cultures, especially African, expect a "traditional wedding" before a "church wedding". These costs should be considered in the total wedding cost.

Whether you are funding the wedding ceremony or it is being funded by your parents, please draw up a budget. The couple should work on and agree on this budget. They must also own the budget and work accordingly. The available funds should help to determine the following:

• How much you want to spend on the wedding gown. Do you want to rent or buy a gown? This is also applicable to the groom's suit too.
• Will you use a wedding planner or get your friends and relatives to help in the organisation of the wedding?
• How many people do you intend to cater for at the wedding and the post wedding activities?
• Do you want to go for your honeymoon immediately after the wedding or postpone it for a more convenient time?
• Whether you want a live band at your wedding or not?
• The venue of the wedding ceremony and the reception
• The cost for the photographer/videographer
• e.t.c

This is usually the first joint project that you have to work on, so don't bungle it. The most important thing about a wedding is that the couple is happy about the occasion. So pray together about the project and spend wisely. Remember the wedding ceremony is just the beginning of a long journey - the marriage.