Mastering your wedding budget is an essential first step in the journey to “I DO”. We want you to create your dream wedding without overspending. Your budget sets the parameters for every aspect of your wedding. From which venues you will consider, to if you’ll be able to book live entertainment and a Dj. To save yourself any heartache and extra stress you need to have your budget outlined before you start spending.
Now you may be wondering, how do I even begin setting a budget in the first place? Look no further, because we are sharing helpful wedding budget tips to stay within your allotted spending and ensure you have a stress-free planning experience.
How To Determine Your Overall Wedding Budget
Talk Money
Talking about money is never fun but it is an important important first step to building your wedding planning structure. Find time to sit down with everyone involved in providing financing for the wedding. Whether that is parents or you and your partner. Discuss who is contributing and how much. Do this early on because it allows you the opportunity to determine spending limits prior to signing contracts and committing dollars.
Know Your Non-Negotiables
Non-negotiables are the elements that you absolutely must have for your wedding day. Things you have been dreaming about and that will make your wedding a memorable experience. Big or small, these details are important to you and need to be discussed and decided upon at the beginning of your budget planning.
For instance, you absolutely can’t imagine your wedding without an 8-tier wedding cake draped in fresh flowers. Or your fiance wants superhero socks for each of the attendants.
While determining the non-negotiables, take into consideration the entire theme and style of your wedding and consider if these must-haves fit with your dream vision. If it does, put it on the budget and mark it as non-negotiable. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s an idea that is best not included in your big day. Knowing the things that you and your partner are firm on and the exact vision you both have in mind will help you create a list of things you’re willing to splurge on. Further, it will indicate what items you may need to scale back on financially in order to include all of your non-negotiable elements.
Set Your Expectations
Understanding the general cost of services and items needed for your wedding will allow you to see a realistic financial outline from the onset. Which in turn will keep you from being disappointed later, when you realize you can’t get everything you need and want for your dream wedding. We suggest you research the average cost of weddings and wedding services in your area to get a full picture of the expenses involved. If you need help, our team is available to discuss wedding budget setting and average costs – schedule a call with us. Otherwise, remember the number of guests attending your wedding greatly impacts the overall cost.
Unexpected Wedding Expenses
There will always be unexpected expenses that were inadvertently left off the budget. Allow room in your budget to cover these items. Remember to look for these things as you are reviewing contracts and booking your wedding vendors:
Unexpected Fees:
- Vendors not approved by your venue may incur an additional fee. As much as 20%+.
- Some venues may require event insurance. Ask during your tour.
- Cake cutting fee may not be included in your catering standard package.
- Cork fees; some venues and caterers will charge a cork fee for outside alcohol.
- Delivery fees will be an addition to most of your orders. For instance, cake delivery, rental items, and florals.
- Service Charges may be added and usually range 22%-30%+.
Commonly Forgotten Items:
- Marriage license.
- Gown alterations and special undergarments. Can start at $350+.
- Gown cleaning and preservation.
- Meals for day of; breakfast, getting ready, champagne/whiskey with attendants, snacks before “I Do”.
- Vendor meals.
- Sales tax, tips, and gratuities.
- Jewelry and accessories.
- Brida party gifts.
- Transportation.
Creating A Wedding Budget
So far we have provided you with information on where to start, who to include in the discussion, tips on non-negotiables, unexpected expenses, and forgotten items. Now it’s time to get down to the business of creating your wedding budget. Get started with our sample wedding budget template, click the image below.
At Socialite Event Planning we help our couples create a budget that fits your wedding and your needs. If you decide this is too stressful and you need assistance, give us a call and let us help you create a realistic budget that allows you to confidently start planning your wedding.
Wedding Cost Saving Strategies
If you have found yourself at the end of your budget realizing you have overbudgeted, here are a few wedding cost saving strategies to help you better meet your financial requirements.
- Double-check your guest list
The more guests you invite the more expensive your wedding will be as it increases the cost of catering, venue size, and number of rentals to list a few examples. Cutting down your guest list will help reduce your expenses and free up funds you can apply to your non-negotiables. Instead of 200 guests, consider sizing down to 100. An intimate wedding will mean fewer tables which in turn means fewer chair rentals, centerpieces, and meals.
- Re-Use Rental Items
If you plan to order ceremony and reception chairs, consider using the same chairs for both areas. Choose seating options that are comfortable and will match the aesthetic of both your ceremony and your reception.
However, check with your planner to ensure there is no additional fee to have the chairs moved to the reception area after the ceremony. Also, consider the number of guests you have, if you have a large wedding, moving chairs is not feasible.
- Catering Menu Items
Your catering services likely have a minimum purchase threshold. If you have exceeded that threshold, consider adjusting the menu to better stay within your minimum requirements.
- Choose a Weekday Wedding
Some venues offer less expensive packages if you choose to get married on a weekday, instead of a weekend. If this is an option for you, speak with your venue to see if they provide weekday savings.
Finally, go over your budget with your planner. They are the experts at weddings and may be able to assist you in trimming some items off your budget to better fit your financial needs.
Hire A Planner To Help With Your Wedding Budget
At Socialite Event Planning we want to guide you through the entire wedding planning process. We live and breathe weddings and we’re here to help you enjoy every moment from budget to I DO without any unnecessary stress or hassle. Contact our owner, Stephanie to start creating a budget that is perfect for your wedding day.
