Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162483
realadvice It helps to review your money situation regularly designer gown that will put you $1,000 over budget? It helps to review your money situation regularly, says Dunsworth. In the year leading up to their own wedding, Dunsworth and her fiancé sat down once a month to check their expenses to date. "The reality is things change," she points out, "and you need to keep an up-to-date tally of where things are at." By reviewing the numbers regularly, you'll be able to see where you may be going over budget and need to cut back, or you may be inspired to look for savings elsewhere. This is where you'll put your priorities to the test, and you may find yourself scaling down, or crossing off items that are optional or low on your wish list. Details, Details To avoid surprises later, try to anticipate all your costs ahead of time. Before signing contracts with any vendors, make sure you understand what's included and what's not. There may be additional fees you wouldn't expect, such as shipping charges to deliver items the day of your wedding, or a teardown fee at your reception venue, so always ask about any extra costs upfront. 26 Dunsworth also notes that brides tend to budget for hair and makeup, but often overlook other beauty costs, such as facials, manicures or tanning. Another expense that sometimes gets forgotten, she adds, are costs outside of the wedding day itself, particularly thank-you items like the rehearsal dinner if you plan to host that yourself, or gifts for shower hosts or other friends or family members who extend themselves on your behalf in the period leading up to your wedding. Just Say Yes You may not be in the habit of ever asking for a handout, but parents and other family members are often more than willing to help when there's a wedding at stake. "If you have family that generously wants to give you money, take it!" laughs Dunsworth. If it's important to you to hold the best wedding you possibly can, then why not feel free to accept any assistance that's offered to you? Just remember that your day will be unique and memorable regardless of how much you spend, but it will be that much sweeter knowing you can start your new life together with cash left in the bank. rw R EA L WEDDINGS p22-29_Real Advice.indd 26 4/24/12 2:50:54 PM