"Understanding Finances in Marriage: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Expenses Beyond the Wedding Ceremony"
2016.11.24 published
How much money do you really need for a [wedding]?
Getting married to your beloved partner is such a joyful and happy occasion, but the reality is that there's always the concern about "money"...
There are many expenses involved in marriage beyond just the wedding ceremony. *Being prepared means you have nothing to worry about! Start checking with your partner on “what do we need?” now♡
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ① Engagement and meeting of families
If you have an engagement ceremony, you will need to budget for engagement gifts and returns. *Whether the groom pays for the engagement gift or the parents cover it can vary by family. Don't forget to check costs related to the venue for the engagement or family meeting, meal expenses, and photographs as well◎
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ② Wedding ceremony
The largest expense many people face when getting married is for the wedding ceremony. The cost can vary depending on whether you invite only family for an intimate gathering or hundreds of guests for a large celebration.
The average cost for a wedding ceremony is said to be between 3 to 4 million yen for about 60 to 80 guests. It's key to calculate with the expectation that you will receive some money as gift contributions. *The average formula for calculating gift contributions is the number of guests multiplied by 25,000 to 30,000 yen.
Recently, "DIY weddings", where various items are handmade for the ceremony, have become popular. *Some brides have felt that in their zeal to create the perfect DIY items, they could have just bought them for less, while others have lost track of how much they actually spent on the wedding due to continuously shelling out little amounts. Ensuring you have a solid budget when doing DIY projects can bring peace of mind♡
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ③ New life
The expenses of starting a new life vary by individual. *With marriage, some may choose to buy a home, rent a new place, move, or live together in one of their current homes. Couples who are already living together may not incur additional costs.
For many couples choosing to move into a rental, expenses include deposits, key money, one to two months' rent, moving costs, and furniture and appliances. It’s wise to overestimate when budgeting for these expenses◎
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ④ Honeymoon
Many couples go on their honeymoon after the wedding ceremony is over. *The destination and plan—whether it's domestic or international—significantly influence costs.
Some couples may choose to go on their honeymoon one to two years after the wedding, *as this may be a once-in-a-lifetime long trip together, so proper planning is essential!
Sometimes brides find that the expense of buying souvenirs for friends, acquaintances, or those who gave wedding gifts was surprisingly high. *Make a list of people you need to buy for and ensure you have enough budget to avoid forgetting anyone◎
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ⑤ Wedding rings
Engagement rings and wedding bands can cost several hundred thousand yen each. *Since the groom typically buys the engagement ring, the bride may not be directly involved, but many brides still express concern, saying, “It will be part of our joint finances!” Don't forget to include the cost of returning gifts related to the engagement ring in your budget◎
Expenses incurred when “getting married” ⑥ Gifts in return for wedding gifts
Once you settle down from the wedding ceremony and new life preparations, it’s easy to forget about “returning wedding gifts.” Be sure to send them out as soon as possible after the wedding and honeymoon, ideally no later than one month afterwards, either by mail or in person. *Remember to keep a note of who gave each gift!
Some brides have found that sending wedding announcement cards to everyone in the groom's workplace ends up costing more than expected. *Since there might be varying trends at companies regarding whether or not to send these announcement cards or New Year’s greetings, it’s a good idea to check beforehand for peace of mind◎
There are many costs associated with weddings! Prepare with ease♡
How do you feel about the costs related to the wedding? Perhaps some brides are saying, “I’m all set♡,” while others might realize, “I forgot this item…!”
Being financially and emotionally prepared can help prevent any marriage blues and ensure everything goes smoothly◎ Reassess the expenses for your wedding and start your wonderful new life together with joy!