Hustle

While planning my wedding, I quickly realized that creating my big day on a budget was a mammoth task. From extended family to please, to the random details like lighting and napkins, things I previously gave no f**ks about suddenly occupied all my thoughts. The thought of putting together your own Sri Lankan wedding (especially with your own funds) may leave you shuddering, but with a little tenacity and great organization skills, you’ll be heading in the right direction in no time. Take it from a veteran.

- Shihaam Hassanali

SET A BUDGET

Establish a limit as to how much you’re willing to spend overall on your wedding. Then decide where the funds will come from. Are you and boo splitting it between yourselves? Will mom and dad, and your soon to-be in-laws pitch in? Would you have to take out a loan? If so, what’s an amount the two of you can realistically pay back? Sit down with your fiancé and hash out the details, because, after all, money does matter.

Once you’ve figured out costs, break down the budget even further. Include the number of guests, location, food, outfits for you two, decorations, flowers, bouquets, alcohol, entertainment, photography and/ videography, invitations, envelopes, printing, hair and make-up, jewellery etc. Always make an allowance for miscellaneous expenses — something random will always come up.

Costs can be as low or as high as you want. “When my friend got married, he kept it as simple as possible,” shared Sharmila, 30. “He got married at the church one morning, where he invited all friends and family. Afterwards, he held a separate lunch for 20 of his and his wife’s closest family at a hotel in town. It wasn’t anything elaborate, they just went out for a buffet lunch with family. They spent under Rs. 100,000 in total for their wedding and had a fabulous honeymoon. Genius!”

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