A wedding budget is absolutely essential for planning your marriage. It  should be prepared well in advance, rather you need to start planning right away once you  decide to tie the nuptial knot This duration can be anything from 8 to 12 months prior your great day.

Prices can easily spiral out of control so always make a rough estimate and stick to it strongly. Don’t go on a shopping spree just because it’s your wedding. Spend sensibly, limit your expenses. Give preference to the important things first .Make a priority list.
There are some aspects of the wedding where you can spend money lavishly.
First and foremost you need to spend on a wedding dress and your appearance. You want to look your best so don’t shy away in splurging on make up, hair style and some accessories. But you can always visit wedding sales for saving some of your hard earned cash.

The next is your wedding ring which will be your prized possession for the rest of your life, so choose an exquisite one.

Wedding photography is another aspect where you need to shell out the bucks .Make sure photography is the top notch where you can splurge to get that picture perfect, which can be cherished by both partners throughout life.
Food is not the aspect where you should try and cut the bills because it’s the food which will be talked about later .A good food will be praised for days but a not so good food will be remembered for months.

Now you can save or spend less on a number of items .Make a list of things you can easily skip.Your expenses can easily skyrocket so here are some tips to keep your budget under control.

Consider the wedding budgeting tools. The ceremony should cost 3 % of the budget. It includes location fee, marriage license, fee of the officials etc
The reception can cost around 48% of the budget. It includes food, drink catering charges, favors and the wedding cake. The attire of the couple must cost 10% of the total. This should include the bride’s dress headpiece/veil ,shoes accessories,  jewelry hair and make up .So also the groom’s tuxedo or suit , shoes, cuffs, studs etc
The rings both his and her along with the engravings must cost around 3% of the amount.

The flowers can cost nearly 8% of the sum. It covers the decoration, bouquet for the bride, boutonnieres for the groom, flower girls their baskets and other floral arrangements. The music costs need to be about 8%.

Photography charges must be 12% of the total amount. The transportation can cost around 2% .The stationary which includes invitation cards, reception cards, thank you notes, postage, and calligraphy and guest book, must cost nearly 3% of the total expenses. The remaining 3% can be spent on the gifts.

Here are some tips for keeping your budget under control.
Limit the number of guests to friends, family and close acquaintances only. Don’t just invite a person for the sake of inviting or just because he/she is a colleague. Have a small party. Avoid too many bridesmaid and groomsmen as you have to shell out lots of bucks for their accessories, invitation cards, thank you gifts and favors.
Consider an off season wedding where you can get things done at much cheaper rates. Don’t plan a wedding on a Saturday or Sunday as charges are high on the weekends.
Choose a venue close at hand even if it costs a little more. This way you can save a lot of your hard earned cash which would have been spent on transportation
Book the hall 6 to 8 months prior the wedding so that you need not pay more at the   eleventh hour.
Think in an innovative manner. See to it where you can save money. Order for plastic chairs instead of cushioned ones .In this way you can save lots of cash.
Discuss the budget with your would be partner and decide who pays for what. Discuss with your near and dear ones what gifts they are planning to give you so that you don’t end up in 2 washing machines and no microwave.

.Excess tipping needs to be avoided as it can burn a hole in your pocket.
Have a buffet system rather than serving the guests .Serve wine or beer instead of a full bar. If at all you are planning a bar open it only during the cocktail hours or ask the guests to pay for it. If your better half doesn’t drink consider a dry party.
Consider a small wedding cake. Limit the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen to cut your costs.

Don’t shy away from taking help of family and friends. Pool in all the resources to save as much money as you can. They can help you assemble favors make invitations centerpieces, invitation cards etc. Don’t forget to thank them later in the party.
Consider designing your wedding ring, attire, invitation card etc if you are a creative buff.

All in all, try to save wherever you can but don’t be a miser either. After all you need to have a lavish bash on your great day .Put your best foot forward and make your wedding the most memorable day of your life. Best of luck!