suggest thinking about getting a friend to photograph the day (there are more budding photographers out there than baubles on a Christmas tree), a crafty friend who can help with invites and save-the-dates, maybe an army of great cooks who might be able to help with the food. Unexpected costs include musicians, videographers, make-up artists; chances are you'll know lots of people willing to help out. Schedule A Meeting Money is an awkward topic. Especially in the context of parents to the bride and groom, if one set has a greater capacity to contribute to the costs of the wedding.The best idea, suggested on the Herald's website, is to ask each set privately whether or not they feel they can contribute, and then sit down with both sets and explain your budget to them. That way, everyone is involved and can suggest ways of keeping the costs down. No one is likely to be caught on the hop further down the road with extra expenses. Set Up A Slush Fund You might have the most comprehensive budget since you practiced in Year 10 commerce. It still never hurts to have an emergency wedding fund- if the dress needs extra work, something happens with the venue, the friend with the fantastic vintage car has said car break down two days before the wedding. As soon as you get engaged, set up an automatic deduction to a separate account. If you don't spend it by the wedding, consider it extra spending money