Having a wedding planner to look into every intricate detail of your wedding should be your first option but, if you would prefer to plan everything from start to finish yourself, then our next few articles on DIY weddings should be on your reading list. DIY weddings are quite popular in countries like the States and in Europe but are yet to catch on in India. This may be because weddings are quite an important occasion for the family and even for the community as a whole, and that may explain why the elders prefer to take matters into their own hands or to hire a wedding planner instead.
DIY weddings require meticulous planning and unless you are 100% sure that you can take up the challenge, it may be wise to hire a wedding planner to help you out for at least the main wedding ceremony. On the other hand, a DIY wedding offers a great opportunity to bond with your partner and you both will also get lots of time to spend with each other as well- so it’s undoubtedly a win-win situation! Here are a few tips to keep in mind BEFORE you begin working out the finer details:
Decide the ceremonies: Indian weddings are never just about the all important wedding day, there are also so many customary ceremonies that take place before such as the sangeet as well as after the wedding such as a reception. If money is a constraint, then cut down on the number of ceremonies and have a grand wedding instead. Or, if conducting all the ceremonies is an absolute must, keep them small and intimate by inviting only close family members.
Have a budget: The core idea of having a DIY wedding is to keep a tight rein on the budget. Experts say that it’s best to arrive at a budget after you get a tentative idea about how much things like invitations, food, etc will cost. Add an extra 10% of the total amount as a safety net, just in case you need it later.
Be your own accountant: Yes, if you truly want to know where every single rupee is being spent, the best accountant you can trust is yourself. A lot of us aren’t really comfortable with figures, keeping invoice copies, quotations and the like but it’s advisable to start now. Maintain a separate box file with different headers for quotations and price estimates for vendors, as well as a few paper files for invoices and other bills. Using a web sharing tool like Google Docs allows you to review your expenses at just one glance. More importantly, these online documents can also be accessed from anywhere, updated instantly and shared with other family members.
Make your guest list: Creating a guest list is always the tricky part of planning a wedding simply because there are so many people you would love to invite so that they can celebrate with you, but separating guest names into two or three lists depending on their importance will help you decide who should be invited to your wedding and who can be left out. For example, immediate family members, close colleagues and friends would ideally feature on the first list, whereas acquaintances and distant family relatives would feature on the second. Do keep in mind that the number of guests you invite and who are likely to come has a direct impact on your wedding expenses too!
More such helpful tips coming your way next week, before we get into the nitty-gritties of planning your DIY wedding!