From The Straits Times    |

Image: belchonock/123rf.com

#1 Settle on the number of guests
It might be tempting to get started on the hunt for that dream wedding dress or perfect garden venue, but your number one priority should be the number of guests you’re intending to host. This also narrows down your venue options and gives you a gauge of the banquet or catering cost. 

#2 Work out how much each of you can contribute
You and your spouse-to-be will have to decide on how much either of you can contribute to the wedding costs – don’t forget you still have your new home, renovation and/or honeymoon to pay for as well. If your parents or other family members are chipping in, get them in on the discussion too. There’s no point in working out a budget that’s not realistic and that you can’t afford, or have you waist-deep in debt. 

See also: 7 ways to save money for a Singapore wedding in less than a year

#3 Do your due diligence
If you don’t know the approximate costs of your vendors, it’s highly unlikely you can work out a realistic budget. Invest time in doing your research, flip through wedding magazines, attend weddings showcases or bridal trunk shows. Plus, wedding shows and trunk shows usually offer packages and discounts that can help downsize your budget.

#4 Create a priority list
What are the items that are most important to you? Do you really need a DJ or flowers everywhere? Or are your actual day photographs and wedding dress more important? Decide on which are absolute necessities, and which you can trim (or even cut out) the expenses on. This acts as a guideline to help keep things under control when you’re about to bust your budget. 

See also: 5 things newlyweds waste money on without realising it

#5 Jot down all the big ticket items, as well as little ones 
Things – like vendor (this includes your band, emcee and so on) and wedding party meals, packaging for your favours and even your undergarments can quickly add up. There are tons of wedding checklists on the Internet that you can refer to. From there, create one that’s tailor-made for your celebration. 

#6 Set aside a miscellaneous fund for unpredicted emergencies
As much as we hate to say it, things happens. So your bridal shop suddenly closed down, along with your deposit, leaving you to scramble for other alternatives. Or your groom forgot to bring his shoes, and has to get a pair from the nearest shoe store. These will take a chunk out of your budget too, so it’s always a good idea to keep a small portion of it saved up for moments like this.