When it comes to budgeting for your wedding the phrase “how long is a piece of string” is very relevant.
Many couples will save for years for their dream day but become stressed and anxious about the expense.
By clearly defining what you want from your big day and identifying what budget you have available it’s possible to create definitive parameters within which to create your special day.
Try some of these top tips to setting your big day budget and keeping within it:
1. Take Your Time
When it comes to the planning process of your wedding rushing the job in between your hectic schedule, work life and other outside factors can more often than not cause you to make silly decisions. We would advise that you try to give yourself a year to plan and spend time doing research and making sure you are making informed decisions.
Being patient and prepared will help you to get the best from your day and ensures you leave no stone unturned in your planning.
2. Let Your Venue Help
Most hotels have a range of expert staff members who can help you not only make informed decisions about what they offer but also recommend many local suppliers who are trusted, respected and offer great prices.
3. Get Your Date Right
Saturdays can often be difficult to get – if you want a Saturday you must book early as that is the one day that is usually most in demand. Don’t forget the day and date you pick will also affect which guests will be able to attend and which won’t. Booking your wedding on a week day might save you money but you could end up losing friends of family from the guestlist if they can’t get time off work.
4. Think About The Food & Drink
The food and drink can often take up the largest part of your wedding budget so be sure to take time to think about what it is that you want. Avoid choosing a menu to “show off” stick to what you really want.
Many people also choose smaller wedding cakes and less free alcohol so they can invest it into the main meal, some people opt for a smaller reception but a bigger evening affair.
5. Decorating Your Day
Don’t forget to discuss what decor you want on your wedding day with your venue. Some people prefer to bring in outside companies which can add to the budget. However, you might find you’re happy with what the venue can provide.
Another option is to bring some decor yourself, it’s important you liaise with venue staff beforehand to ensure that they can accommodate all your requests.
6. Meet Your Vendors
One sure way to bag yourself a bargain is to purchase other services and products at exhibitions and bridal fairs. Not only do you get the chance to look for new ideas and meet the people you are doing business with but you often find there are great deals to be had if you lay your deposit down there and then.
7. Consider Your Extras
Think about the extras you want. Everything from entertainment, photography and videography to photo-booths, kids entertainment and more…it’s important to make sure you’ve listed everything you want and make sure you factor it into your budget at the beginning of your wedding planning journey.
8. Be Creative
When it comes to buying your wedding gown or services it’s always a good idea to look off the beaten track. By doing some fun research you can find a whole host of services at great prices that might not normally be aimed at weddings. On top of that you would be surprised at what alternatives there are out there for wedding dress shopping these days…which could help cut another chunk from your wedding budget.