A wedding budget can save your marriage
SRIWIPA SIRIPUNYAWIT
The word grandeur is resurrected as a happy-looking bride in a white wedding gown walks down the aisle. Fidgeting nervously at the altar is the handsome groom in his shiny tuxedo, as a romantic melody echoes through the church.
The sky is blue, birds are singing and wedding bells are ringing songs of love.
However, behind this sweet faultlessness, there is much more than just the glamourous wedding gown, blooming roses, four-layered cake and champagne. The best-laid financial plan is actually what the couple needs to get it right before D-Day.
Though money seems less significant when romance features, it is actually considered as one of the essential elements for a wedding.
Tullaya Krittiyachote, managing director of Memoire de L'amour, says that a budget is key to a good wedding.
To avoid possible financial problems and conflicts between couples, it's necessary that they talk things out in advance.
"It's crucial that the two people discuss exactly how much money they want to spend for the wedding. But, more importantly, they have to stick to it and try to keep things within the budget," she says.
"These days, many couples choose to borrow from their parents or relatives, some even apply loans offered by financial institutions to finance their weddings. Even though they aren't financially ready for a big wedding, many want it."
However, a smart wedding is the one that makes two people happy without having to spend beyond their means, adds Tullaya.
Theoretically, the couples should be able to make the most use of the cash gifts the guests give them, instead of using it to pay for wedding debts.
According to Tullaya, the couple should plan the wedding six months in advance. "If the couple plans to have a reception in a hotel, they have to book months in advance, sometimes a whole year in advance, says Tullaya.
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| Tullaya Krittiyachote. |
The wedding is normally divided into two parts: First is major costs, which comprise hotel, food and beverages, and invitation cards.
These are considered major as they take up most of the wedding expenses. For instance, if the budget is 500,000 baht, these costs can account for 50 to 65 per cent of the total cost.
The costs for food and invitation cards are also variable as they depend largely on the number of guests. For couples with a limited budget, this cost is flexible.
Thai and Chinese weddings usually have two ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the evening. For couples on a strict budget, Tullaya says they can arrange for the morning ceremony to be held at one of their houses, as typically only close relatives attend this ceremony. The cost for this should not exceed 20,000 to 30,000 baht for 20 to 30 guests.
Even for the evening reception, couples can choose to have the party at home. This would help reduce the budget further.
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