Creating your wedding budget is one of the first things to tackle when planning your big day.
Creating your wedding budget is one of the first things to tackle when planning your big day. While money can be an uncomfortable topic, establishing a budget early is crucial. It allows you to make informed decisions, and having a solid budget also takes some stress out of wedding planning. If you don’t have a realistic budget, you may run out of money sooner than you’d like. Or, you may be forced to compromise on important aspects of your wedding due to overspending. Here are some tips and strategies for saving money when planning your wedding.
Know Your Starting Point
The first step in setting a wedding budget is determining what you have to spend and what you can afford. A good starting point is to have an honest conversation with your partner. Look at your savings account and what percentage or dollar amount you’re willing to spend on your wedding. From there, discuss how much you can add to that total between now and the big day.
Familiarize Yourself with Common Wedding Expenses
If you’ve never planned a wedding, you may know everything that goes into one. From venue fees to wedding favors, there is a lot to keep track of. While not every couple will want or need to budget for everything, some common expenses within each category include:
- Wedding Venue, Reception, and Catering: Reception venue rental fee, chair and table rentals, linens and tableware, food and beverages
- Wedding Planner: Professional planning services, day-of coordination
- Photography or Videography: Wedding photography package, second shooter, videographer, prints or a wedding album
- Reception Music or Entertainment: Live band, DJ, reception photo booth
- Flowers, Centerpieces, and Decor: Real or faux flowers, signage, lighting, sound equipment
- Wedding Attire: Wedding dress, tuxedo, shoes, cufflinks and jewelry, tailoring
Do Some Research.
The average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $30k. Remember, these numbers are averages and vary widely based on state, guest count, style, and other factors. Do some homework first to avoid sticker shock when inquiring with potential vendors. Research the average costs of photographers, florists, and venues in your area. Ask friends and family members what they spent, and search on Google and social media to find out what other people are spending.
Prioritize Your Expenses
Once you decide on the amount you’re comfortable spending on your wedding, the next step is to prioritize your expenses. Decide which aspects of your wedding are most important to you, because you will allocate more funds to those areas. For example, you could choose to increase your budget for food, and choose to save on other areas, such as flowers.
Sit down with your partner and prioritize the essential elements of your, which ones are mid-tier, and which elements are not necessary. After determining which elements are the most important to you, and what you’re planning to spend versus save on, create a list of vendors needed for the wedding.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.
