LUCKY THE COUPLE for whom the sky is the limit when it comes to planning their wedding. For most of us, money is very much an object. Although Chinese tradition dictates the groom should pay for the event, while in Western society it is typically the bride's family who foots the bill, many modern couples pay for a substantial portion of their wedding themselves. And while it isn't worth compromising quality for the sake of a few dollars, you don't want astronomical debts spoiling your newly acquired marital bliss.
Dull though it may seem to think about finance when you've just got engaged, it is essential to set a wedding budget before you even spend a dollar. Even the smallest extras add up, and if you don't account for everything your nuptials may end up costing much more than you anticipated.
According to Denise Cheung, president of financial planning company Money Concepts, the average cost of a wedding in Hong Kong ranges from $150,000 to $200,000, but spending less doesn't necessarily mean a second-rate event. With some resourceful thinking and careful advance planning you can still have the day of your dreams and avoid a potentially expensive disaster.
'We don't want people overspending [on their wedding] and then regretting it,' she says. 'Couples should write down their priorities, then take their top three or four choices and assign more money to those items. If your reception and outfits are most important to you, cut back on something that isn't, such as transport.'
Prioritise items that will last beyond the day - typically the rings and the photographs - and then buy the best you can afford. 'You don't have to go to a designer shop for your wedding bands,' says Cheung. 'Small jewellers often give good deals.'