Financial Planning

Have you set up a wedding account? Yes, that's right. Keep the wedding expenses separate from your personal financial transactions. Why?

1. This exercise helps you increase your financial health. Discipline in spending is very important in a "community" living environment. A couple shares a community together and financial communication is a strategic component to sustaining a healthy relationship.

2. This exercise streamlines your decisions. You are more prone to foresee deficits in spending if your wedding account is separate.

2. This exercise will "force" you to stay on budget.

Too often brides go with what they want instead of what they can afford. One of the most beautiful weddings I assisted with was a couple from Georgia who came to New Orleans to get married. I hired a minister and a violinist. Their witnesses met us in a park. It was a gorgeous February afternoon (on a Thursday). The birds were singing and people on bicycles stopped to watch. The water from the nearby fountain played a perfect harmony to the romantic ceremony. The vows lasted all of 10 minutes. Voluntary guests witnessed the entire event from park benches. I provided the bride and groom flutes, a toasting beverage, a video, and still photos. Once the ceremony was over, the couple boarded a carriage to take a scenic stroll to the French Quarter. I had the cake delivered to the restaurant. The couple ate dinner with their parents. There was no big huge fanfare. The couple found me over the internet and told me they had a small budget. They stuck with the budget and the love was definitely evident.

So, it's not really about inviting everyone in creation or spending your last. A wedding is about the two people getting married.

Stick to a final number. Try to pace your money based on your income. Spend wisely.

If you want me to look over your budget or give you some advice on spending, do not hesitate to contact me.

Happy planning!