Road tripping without a map? Reconsider...

What is a life without some sort of brainstorming and planning? 

What is a life without some form of uncertainty and confusion? 

Quite simply...Life. 

With the exception of divine intervention and Powerball winners, many of us must take responsibility and action in prepping for the future. A wedding is in no way any different. To disclose all, Shari and I are still in an ongoing state of planning for our special day, the one competitive advantage we now have is a road map to help us to our destination. Why you may ask? Do you drive from point A to point B without directions from Siri (Google Maps) to get you to your destination? Probably not. Why?

1.) Gas although cheaper is still expensive (word to the Prezzy)

2.) You don't want to get lost. (Then spend MORE money/time trying to be found)

Why would you delve blindly into the planning of a wedding without a budget (or roadmap)? Research shows the average wedding in the United States costs $25,200. Sure, this might not be your first rodeo or you've been a gut-feeling type of person/couple, and that's great - this might not be for you. Everyone else with Sallie Mae whispering in your ear - hear us out.

A road map, GPS or at the very least compass can, literally, be the make-or-break in how much stress you as a couple want to or are capable of enduring. It is especially important if you have two independent, pseudo-crazy lovers "attempting" to combine their previous experiences, personal desires, and vision to reach a collaborative goal. It is difficult. It is ugly and there will be heated, civilized discussions (mandatory). But it's a necessary conversation to get out of this thing alive. When you start shopping for wedding things you can easily get caught up. Keep in mind that when you are planning, everything is marked up 100% because of the words "wedding" or "bride". So plan something that's true to you, but true to your pockets as well. Remember the wedding is one day. The marriage is where the real investments should be made.

An ideal wedding for me was private, intimate, and cheap. Emphasis on cheap. The frugal side of me seems to always prevail. I really wanted something that would be appreciated by those that really love and care about me and my relationship. I was willing to be practical (not frugal), however, I was not going to compromise if it was something I couldn't live without. Later I would find I didn't really know what I can't live without (again, another post smh). It is with the initial talks that we identified that some compromise was badly needed - trust it took some fine wining and dining (Fajitas and Tequila shots) to gain traction but we found middle-ground, eventually. Conversations and compromise can take you a long way. 

Our negotiations led us to a joint decision to set a realistic financial cap that was soft, in nature, to allow some wiggle room. A figure modest enough that we were not breaking the bank or taking on ungodly amounts of debt. Yet, it was practical enough to meet our standard of quality we both desired for each other and our guests. This cap limit gave us a tangible number and allowed us to track exactly how every penny would be spent. Being honest about our expectations made the process that much easier.

Check this budgeting tool we used that is already formatted and provides an adjusted estimated vs. actual column, at your convenience: 

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/wedding-budget.html
Again, if you are a more tangible person, the wedding planners that I listed in the previous post (The Matrimony....[Word to Wale] have a section for budget planning. 

With that, if you are newly-engaged or seriously-considering, take two things to heed. First, there is great power in setting a financial foundation. There are so many factors to consider that the level of significance can not be overlooked. Secondly, please re-consider doing any road trip in life without a road map - it might be all the difference. 

Till next time...

| Shari & Donovan 10.03.15 |