Your Maternity Wedding Budget Plan in 4 Simple Steps

The keys to success for your maternity wedding budget plan

Just as it should be throughout your whole marriage ... open, honest, two-way communication is a must ... lack of communication is often cited by couples with marital problems!

Many women assume that men aren't interested in the details of their weddings. It's true that some men like to leave all the organising up to their womenfolk, but most do care.

You won't go far wrong if you bear in mind that you both have valid opinions about your big day ... and that you both have families to please!

Step 1: Talk your wedding budget plan through together!

Even before the excitement of your engagement has worn off, you need to get on with your wedding budget plan.

As a maternity bride, you don't much time to plan your wedding ... but good planning and budgeting will help you achieve the day you want!

Find somewhere quiet where you can both talk without interruption about everything that's important to each of you regarding your wedding.

Listening to your man's opinion is just as important as talking ... so be sure you do both.

Step 2: Write Down Your 'Wish list'

Take your time! First ... jot down everything you want to include ... in no particular order of importance. Here's some ideas to get you started ...

• What sort of ceremony do you want? Religious or civil? Formal or informal? Big or small?
• What transport do you want?
• Do you want to get married at home or do you fancy a destination wedding?
• Where do you want the reception to be held?
• How many guests will you invite?
• What about your honeymoon?
• Will you have attendants?

Don't forget to include all those wedding essentials like rings, bridesmaid gifts, flowers for both of your mothers, wedding insurance, ceremony and marriage certificate fees.

You're going to use the 'wish list' you're creating when it's time to allocate your budget ... so you need to make sure you've included everything you want for your perfect day.

Step 3: Examine your finances ... BEFORE you cast your wedding budget plan in stone.

Now that you've talked about what matters to you both it's time to take a good hard look at your finances ... assuming you haven't done this already!

I recommend a full free review of your finances with your bank. If it's not free ... you're with the wrong bank!!.

When you put your finances under the microscope for your wedding budget plan, you need to think about

• How much money do you have right now? (In your bank accounts, investments, and real estate or trust funds)
• How much can you save before your wedding, from your regular income sources?
• How much do you need to put aside for the new baby? (Will you be returning to work? How long will you have to cope with one income for?)
  
  Don't under-estimate how expensive a new baby can be!
• How much can you reasonably expect others to help out?
  Be prepared to take contributions that are offered with good grace ... even if they are not what you hoped for.

People might offer to help out in other ways too, such as lending a classic car; arranging your flowers for you; making personalised wedding stationery or baking and decorating your cake. These are all wonderful, personal gifts to cherish!

Step 4: Assign your Budget!

This will be vital when you're working out deals with suppliers ... you'll need to know exactly what you can spend and what's not achievable in your budget.

Your Wedding Budget Plan Golden Rule

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