OK, maybe this isn’t the most fun topic to discuss. After all, no one likes a budget! But it’s really, really important to be realistic and truthful here. This isn’t the time to skirt around financials. So be candid with each other, and talk about the following:

• How much can each of you contribute?
• Will either of your parents be paying for anything? How much?
• How many people would you like to attend?

While you need to know how much money you have to spend, it’s that last question which is really key. That’s because the number one factor that affects the budget, no matter how casual or fancy you want your event to be, is the number of guests attending. Make sure to decide on a ballpark number before you begin the actual planning process. Remember, more people equals more mouths, which means more food and drinks. ALL of which equals more money.