Smart Wedding Budgeting Tips: Plan Your Dream Day Without Debt
Congratulations on your engagement! 💍 This is such an exciting time, filled with dreams of your perfect wedding day. But amidst the excitement, there’s one important thing to remember: your finances. Don’t worry, though—we’re here with practical tips to help you have a beautiful wedding without financial stress. Let’s dive in!
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Determine Your Total Budget: First things first, figure out how much you can spend. Be honest with yourselves about what you can afford—this will save a lot of headaches down the line. Consider creating a detailed list of all potential funding sources. This can include personal savings, contributions from parents or other family members, and any additional sources like a wedding-specific savings account or side income.
Prioritize What's Important: Make a list of your top three must-haves. Is it the venue, the dress, the photography? Allocate your funds accordingly to ensure these priorities are covered. It’s important to sit down with your partner and discuss what elements of the wedding are most important to both of you. Maybe it’s the breathtaking venue with the perfect view, a professional photographer to capture every moment, or the dream dress. By knowing your top priorities, you can allocate funds accordingly and trim the budget on less critical areas.
Always keep in mind that what makes the wedding beautiful is you getting married to the one you love. Everything else is extra. Your guests are attending to celebrate the beginning of your new life. With that being said, here is an example for a $15,000 wedding budget for 150 guests.
Sample Budget:
Venue Rental - $2,000
Catering (150 guests x $30) - $4,500
Beverages (150 guests x $7) - $1,050
Decorations - $600
Entertainment - $500
Photography and Videography - $1,200
Cake- $300
Transportation - $300
Favors and Gifts (150 guests x $2) - $300
Invitations - $200
Bride's Attire - $1,000
Groom's Attire - $500
Hair and Makeup - $300
Officiant Fee - $200
Wedding Planner - $800 (optional)
Miscellaneous - $1,250
Total - $15,000
This is a sample budget for 150 guests to get your budgeting journey started. Continue reading to get a breakdown of the costs and learn to adjust it to your needs.
2. Track Your Spending
Use Budgeting Tools and Apps: There are so many great tools out there to keep track of expenses. Apps like WeddingWire, and The Knot can be lifesavers. These apps allow you to set a budget, track expenses, and even send reminders for upcoming payments. They can help you keep all your financial information in one place and ensure you stay on track.
Create a Wedding Spreadsheet: If you’re more old-school, a good spreadsheet will do the trick. Track every expense and make sure you’re staying within your budget. Create columns for different categories (e.g., venue, catering, attire), and update it regularly. You can even use a shared online spreadsheet so both of you can access and update it from anywhere.
3. Be Smart with the Venue
Choose Off-Peak Dates and Times: Consider getting married during off-peak seasons or days of the week. Venues are often cheaper, and you might even get better service since they’re less busy. For example, winter weddings or those held on weekdays can be significantly less expensive than peak summer Saturdays.
Consider Non-Traditional Venues: Think outside the box—parks, backyards, and community centers can be beautiful and budget-friendly. Non-traditional venues often come with lower price tags and can offer a unique and personal touch. For instance, a family member’s backyard or a local park can provide a beautiful, intimate setting at a fraction of the cost.
4. DIY Where You Can
Invitations and Decorations: DIY projects can save a ton. Get crafty with invitations, centerpieces, and other decorations. It’s fun, personal, and cost-effective! Consider using online templates for invitations and printing them at home. For decorations, gather ideas from Pinterest or wedding blogs and involve friends and family in creating them.
Wedding Favors: Homemade wedding favors add a personal touch and can be more meaningful to guests. Think about making homemade jams, candles, or even small potted plants. These can be personalized and add a unique touch to your wedding.
5. Save on Attire
Shop Sales and Sample Sales: Timing is everything. Keep an eye out for sales and sample sales for wedding attire. Bridal stores often have end-of-season sales where you can find dresses at a fraction of the original cost. Sample sales are another great opportunity to find designer dresses at discounted prices.
Rent or Borrow: Consider renting your dress or suit. Borrowing from friends or family can also be a sentimental and economical choice. Many companies now offer rental services for wedding attire, allowing you to wear a beautiful dress or suit without the high price tag. Additionally, borrowing accessories or even the dress itself from a loved one can add a special, personal touch to your day.
6. Food and Drink
Opt for a Buffet or Food Stations: Buffets and food stations are usually more affordable than a sit-down dinner and offer more variety. Guests can enjoy different dishes, and it often requires less staffing than a plated meal.
Limit the Bar: Instead of a full open bar, consider a limited bar or offer signature cocktails. This can significantly cut costs while still providing a fun and festive atmosphere. You can also limit the bar to certain hours or offer a cash bar for premium drinks.
7. Photography and Videography
Hire a Talented Newcomer: Up-and-coming photographers and videographers can offer great work at lower rates. Look for professionals who are building their portfolios and might offer discounted rates for high-quality work.
Limit Hours of Coverage: Book professionals for key moments only. This way, you still get beautiful photos and videos without the hefty price tag. For example, you can hire them to cover the ceremony and the first part of the reception, capturing the most important moments without the full-day cost. You can check out My Work and pricing on the website. I can guarentee that you will get a professional photographer within your budget!
8. Entertainment
Create a Playlist: A well-curated playlist on a good sound system can be just as fun as a live band or DJ. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs and rent a sound system for a fraction of the cost of live entertainment.
Local Talent: Look for local musicians or performers—they’re often more affordable and add a unique touch. Local bands, singers, or even talented friends can provide great entertainment at a lower cost.
9. Stay Organized
Create a Timeline: A detailed timeline helps avoid last-minute expenses and keeps everything on track. Break down tasks month by month leading up to the wedding, so you know what needs to be done and when. This helps prevent any surprises and allows you to spread out expenses over time.
Regularly Review Your Budget: Check your budget regularly to make sure you’re not overspending. Adjust as needed. It’s easy to get carried away with spending, so regular check-ins can help keep you on track and ensure you’re not exceeding your budget.
Lastly remember, it’s possible to have a stunning and memorable wedding on a budget. Focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with friends and family. Enjoy this special journey together!
I’d be delighted to photograph your wedding and keep the services under your budget. Please feel free to check out my portfolio, services and send a message to discuss further or book your date! Subscribe to the blog below for more tips as you continue to plan your wedding and also recieve a 15% dicount from regular prices!