For every wedding, there is a budget.  From small to large, it can be an extraordinary feat to plan a wedding within the parameters you have given yourself (or your parents have handed over).  I see brides and grooms every week who are tearing their hair out over how to achieve the wedding they want with the money they have.   It is a difficult process for many.

A wedding coordinator can help immensely when it comes to your wedding budget.  Today I share with you one of my favorite tips in wedding budgeting: The Top Five.

Step 1: Make a List

There are a plethora of things which one could purchase to make a wedding happen.  It can be quite overwhelming.  Some of these items are necessary, some are not.  It all depends on what type of wedding you want.

I encourage you to sit down with pen and paper and make a list of all the things you need to purchase, reserve, rent or otherwise spend money on for your wedding.

Here is a typical list to get you started (these do not apply to each wedding, so check off the ones which do not apply to you):

Venue & Catering

• Venue Selection
• Catering
• Drink Selection (open bar, beer and wine only, etc.)
• Guest Favors
• Wedding Cake
• Reception Musicians
• Reception Rentals (linens, tents, glassware, etc.)

Clothing

• Wedding Gown
• Wedding Undergarments
• Wedding Accessories (veil, shoes, etc.)
• Suit or Tuxedo rental or purchase
• Groom's Accessories (cuff links, etc.)

Photography & Video

• Photographer
• Videographer

Grooming

• Hair and make-up
• Tanning
• Nails
• Waxing

Transportation & Lodging

• Transportation for bride and groom
• Guest Transportation
• Lodging for bride and groom
• Honeymoon

Ceremony

• Ceremony Site Fee
• Ceremony Decoration
• Ceremony Musicians
• Ceremony Programs
• Minister or Celebrant Fee

Flowers

• Bridal Bouquet
• Bridesmaids Bouquets
• Boutineers and Corsages
• Ceremony Decor
• Reception Flowers

Bridal Party

• Gifts for Bridal Party

Wedding Weekend Expenses

• Rehearsal Dinner
• Day After Brunch
• Welcome Reception
• Wedding Coordinator

Miscellaneous

• Save the Date Cards
• Invitations
• Postage
• Always reserve (at least) a few hundred dollars for last-minute miscellaneous items.

Step 2: Pick FIVE High Priority Items

Looking at the list of things you will budget for, pick five areas where you want to splurge.  Splurge does not mean blow three-fourths of your budget on your gown and leave your guests hungry at the reception.  Step back and think more philosophically.  What is important to you?  What do you want to stand out?

Most couples I encounter want to spend their money on these items:

1. The Ceremony & Reception Site
2. Fabulous Food for Guests
3. Stellar Photography
4. The Wedding Gown
5. Beautiful Floral Arrangements

 

Step 3: Pick FIVE Lower Priority Items

Now that you have chosen your priorities, comb back through the list and visit things which you are less than excited about.  Not being interested in expensive invitations does not warrant an evite.  It simply means you may reign in your urge to go with letterpress invitations and opt for something more simple. Sometimes you can nix something all together, which can save you hundreds in the strike of a pen.

Again, I urge you to think philosophically, about what is not a huge priority for you.  I love a gorgeous letterpress invitation as much as the next person, but I also know the invitation will be in the recycling bin after the wedding.  So, if it does not fit with your budget, then I encourage you to look for a more affordable alternative.

Here are the five things many couples spend less on:

1. Lavish invitations
2. Wedding Favors
3. Wedding Programs
4. Out of Town Bags or Gifts
5. The Wedding Gown (also on the list of top priorities--to each her own)

I hope this exercise helps you discover what you want and do not want to spend your wedding budget on.  If you have other tips for budgeting, feel free to comment.

 

Add Comment