Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for many. It's the day they want to cherish forever, hence weddings are usually very grand and expensive. But, is it really necessary?

No one said having a royal wedding is a sin, but keeping your budget to what's necessary after evaluating your financial status is the wisest thing to do before starting your married life.

Of course, everyone is entitled to utilise their hard-earned money on what makes them happy. If you have saved for the wedding and even prepared a sum of money to kickstart your life together, this article is not for you.



But, if you are thinking of spending thousands of ringgit on a wedding saree when you don't even own a house together, think twice. Keep reading to figure out if you can actually afford your dream wedding!

First, let's talk about how couples fund their wedding expenses. From saving up to applying for personal loans, there are many ways. Some even get funded by their parents. If you are planning to take up a loan or chuck in all your savings at the wedding, answer these 3 questions:

1. Do you own a house together to stay after the wedding?
2. Have you calculated your expenses moving in together?
3. Do you have emergency savings in the bank?


After answering these questions, think if you want to add up the burden of applying a personal loan into your monthly commitments. Or if you want to use up all your savings that can be put aside for emergency purposes?

A recent study concluded that 'money problems “contribute[d] to increased stress and tension within the relationship' and indirectly can lead to an unhappy married life. Starting with a debt or no savings at all, will not make things better.

Many of the wedding expenses can be opted out if you learn to prioritise without compromising on your dream wedding wishes.



Take a look at the breakdown of a temple wedding posted on Ringgit Plus for approximately 1,000 guests below. Notice how you can save money or cut the expenses altogether if you plan properly:

1. Wedding Reception Outfit: RM600 (Rented)

2. Wedding Planner Fees: RM7,000
A simple temple wedding doesn't require a wedding planner since you can manage your time and plan it with your partner or family members.

3. Wedding Decorations: RM5000
Depending on how you want your wedding to look, this amount can be brought down drastically.

4. Wedding Favours (custom-made candles): RM5000
Giving out laddos have always been the classic way to say thanks to the people who attend your wedding. It definitely costs lesser.

5. Catering: RM28,000 for 1000 people
On average, a proper Vegetarian meal in a temple wedding would cost anything between RM10 - RM18 per person.

6. Venue (temple in Brickfields): RM20,000
Find an affordable venue that won't burn a hole in your pockets.

7. Volunteers: RM180

8. Wedding Cards: RM800
Nowadays, people are following a trend of sending digital invites. Physical invitation cards are still okay as long as you keep the costs low.

9. A/V System: RM6,000
Unless you want to throw an all-night party, spending so much money on this wouldn't make much sense.

10. Photographer/Videographer : RM3,800
Basic but if you can get discounted deals during the off-wedding season would be great!

11. Performers: RM3200
Again, your family members or relatives can make good performers too.

12. Accessories: RM702

13. Accessories for Bridesmaid: RM244.80

14. Makeup Artist: RM500

15. Reception Shoes: RM680
Can be rented if you are not going to use the fancy shoes again in your life.

Total Reception Cost : RM81,706.80

This is a lot of of money. If you follow our tips, you can save at least half of this amount.

Focus on your needs, not your wants. While weddings are extremely special and close to heart, it's important to pick on what matters the most. Prioritise and learn to find happiness in the simplest and most intimate moments of your wedding.

For those, who have properly planned their dream wedding all their life and have prepared for it financially, no worries. Go ahead and have a magnificent wedding. After all the effort, it's worth it!

Source: Business Insider,
Photo Credit: Medium, Plan Your Wedding & Pinterest