One of the first things a newly-engaged couple has to decide is how much they are going to spend on the wedding. Here Comes the Guide, an online resource, offers these tips on building a wedding budget:

Who is going to be part of paying for the event? Those participants could include the couple, their parents, or other family members like grandparents or godparents who have been saving for this day since the couple was in diapers.

Add to that how much additional the couple can realistically save before the wedding date, and whether there are other savings that could be used for funding the nuptuals. 

These figures added up are the budget.

Next, consider how many guests will be invited. The cost of a wedding is directly proportional to its guest count.

After the number of attendees has been narrowed down, the coupld should set their priorities. There is usually one No. 1 for each the bride and the groom. Perhaps it is the reception menu, the venue or the honeymoon that is the one thing that will not be compromised.

When those items are selected, the associated costs should go at the top of the list. The remainder of the budget is a good estimate of what is left for other, less important expenses.

But make sure to do your research.

There are things that might not come to mind at first, or hidden fees. Some expamples are set up and breakdown costs at the venue, or a delivery and setup fee for the cake.

Then crunch the numbers. Do the items on the lists and the costs fit into the budget? A spreadsheet with every dollar allocated could be very helpful.

Lastly, most planners frown on over use of credit to pay for an over the top wedding the couple cannot afford. Focus on how the day should feel, not how much it cost.

The feeling is what will be evident to the guests and the wedding party, and shine through the wedding photos no matter how many years have passed.