When it comes to wedding planning, the budget is definitely one of the most discussed (and often unwanted) topics between the couple. Especially in those cases when our expectations extend far beyond the budget possibilities. A large number of couples have faced the question "where to save?" and "what should you definitely not save on?".

Start with a consultation with a professional

Although, in theory, only 14 EUR will be enough to get married, because that is exactly how much it costs to register a marriage in the Civil Registry Department, however, in reality, several zeroes tend to be added to this figure. Let's be honest – beauty and aesthetics very often prevail over budget.

And often, unless the couple has attended many weddings or is not related to the wedding industry, there is a lack of understanding of how much this beautiful and Pinterest wedding could cost in general. That is why the wedding organizer Kristīne Strazda / GOLDFISH EVENTS recommends starting a budget and, therefore, wedding planning with a meeting and consultation with a professional wedding planner who will help you understand what costs should be expected in general when organizing a wedding.

Recommendation – don't skimp on decorations and food

Kristīne Strazda points out that the budget depends, first of all, on the number of guests and the place where the couple has decided to hold their wedding. "It should be taken into account that an off-site marriage ceremony combined with a wedding celebration in another place will cost more in terms of budget,

because the estimate must include both transport services and installation and dismantling time at each location, which requires greater involvement of people in the organization," says Kristīne.

However, many couples might wonder - what would it be better for us to save for in the end. "Since a wedding is also a strong visual pleasure, I would not recommend saving on wedding decorations - flowers, various beautiful dishes, candlesticks and other props for creating a festive atmosphere that will remain in the memories of the new couple and their guests for a long time.

But the main mistake that, unfortunately, couples often make is the desire to save on the amount of food and drinks. It is not uncommon to hear the opinion of couples that enough is enough. But if not enough?

In the end, guests who start wanting to eat around midnight will not be the nicest guests at all, and they will remember your wedding with disappointment, even if everything else at the wedding was perfect," says Kristīne.

The final wedding budget may change

There is an opinion that at least 10 percent should always be added to the planned wedding budget, just like when planning renovations. Therefore, the question becomes more and more relevant - how to stay within the planned budget? "In my experience, it has never happened that the planned wedding budget also becomes the final wedding budget.

The reason for this is not bad planning, but the fact that the wedding organizer is able to offer the young couple many more ideas and offers than the young couple had originally thought. Very often, the wedding budget increases precisely because of flowers and decorations, wanting to achieve a wonderful atmosphere. In my opinion, almost always during the wedding planning process, more and more new and sometimes even more beautiful and appropriate ideas will arise than the ones previously dreamed up," shares Kristīne's experience.

Hidden costs

Of course, there are things that we know about - we will have to pay, however, when organizing a wedding, there are also relatively many hidden costs that the new couple may not even know about at first.

"These are most often technical costs - sound and light equipment, inventory - tables, chairs and other inventory, as well as personnel costs in general," says Kristīne about the hidden costs.

Borrowing is not a solution

Although wishes and ideas tend to be different, Kristīne Strazda believes that the solution to budget insufficiency is definitely not a loan from the bank.

"In my opinion, if the couple does not have the opportunity to organize the kind of wedding they dream of, then it is worth investing the existing money in a beautiful wedding trip, which will remain in memories long after the wedding day, while in Latvia organize a sweet, nice wedding ceremony in a very narrow circle of friends and relatives," advises Kristīne.

Author of the article: LIENE PÄLĆA

Photo: LINDA LAUVA ,  CLYDE LARGE PANTS