Due to COVID-19
restrictions, micro-weddings are big right now but as weddings get smaller, so
have budgets.
With many people
suffering financial hardships, salary cuts, or job losses, many couples can no
longer afford to have the lavish wedding they had their hearts set on.
Over the past year,
some couples have had to postpone or cancel their weddings, missing deposits,
and venues they carefully picked.
For these reasons, weddings have become more personal, focusing more on the shared experience rather than over-the-top aesthetics.
Maureen “Nono”
Skosana, founder and chief executive of event planning company, Nono Events,
says, “Given our COVID-19 restrictions where events are limited to 50 guests,
micro-weddings are now massive. While the guest list and booze bill may have
dwindled or disappeared completely, the cost to create an intimate but
memorable experience has not.
“Some vendors are
increasing their fees to accommodate complex logistics, inflation, and to keep
their businesses afloat. Also, when you buy or order in bulk, you save. That’s
not the case anymore, which is putting pressure on the budget.”
Nono Events, with
the help of Budget Insurance, have put together a guide to budgeting for a
micro wedding.
Their tips include:
Commit to a wedding
budget - When you start planning your wedding, understand the state of
your finances, and then set an overall limit of how much you can spend and
stick to it.
Avoid debt - Do not go
into debt to pay for the day. Similarly, you do not want to dip into savings
you have for a specific purpose such as a new house.
Package deals - Select a
package deal from one supplier if possible instead of using different
suppliers. Be honest and discuss your budget with your preferred supplier. This
will enable them to work out an appropriate cost-saving package.
RSVPs - Make sure that you have proper RSVP processes in place. This will help manage catering costs amongst other costs.
Know what things cost - Make a very detailed list that includes the venue, food, décor, and drinks, down to nails and hair for the big day. Decide what you would like and find out how much these things cost. The more detail you put in, the better you can budget and plan, and see where you can save or cut.
Marriage is all
about compromise - Start early and draw up a list of what will make your
wedding memorable, and special; what can you do without, at a push.
Susan Steward from Budget Insurance, says, “At a time where budgets are already stretched to the limit, couples need to ensure that they have their dream day without breaking the bank. Remember, the wedding is not the end; it is the beginning. The marriage is what counts. The best way to start a marriage is in financial health and with a commitment to building a secure future together.”
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