Setting a Budget and Sticking to it

It's so easy to let the money pile up while planning your wedding vision. Trust me. I've been there.

We made the mistake of planning the first half of our wedding without a set budget. We had a number in mind but didn't write down the amount we were spending to get a reasonable estimate of what the total should be. Not setting a budget from the get-go is a mistake that a lot of people planning their weddings make.

I have had couples come to me with a budget of 10,000 dollars, thinking that having a "beautiful wedding day isn't possible" this idea is completely and utterly false. If you follow some simple steps of how to stick to a budget anything is possible, as long as you're willing to put in the work.

Tip One:

Set a budget and stick to it.

This is the most natural step. Think about what you can realistically afford to spend. The wedding day of your dreams does not have to bankrupt you. Choose a number that fits your lifestyle right now. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to change your vision. It might just mean a bit more work on your (or your planner's) end.

Once that number is on paper, on an Excel Spreadsheet, or whatever keeps you organized, it is much easier to narrow down what vendors to use.

Tip Two:

Use a wedding planner.

While planners themselves cost money, in the long run, they will save you some. It is their job to stay within the budget you set for them. Their job is to find you the most "bang for your buck," that goes for vendors, decorations, and everything in between. They will also know money saving tips and tricks to make your day go without a hitch.

Tip Three:

Look into all-inclusive venues.

Some venues also provide catering, and this can be great because this might mean you do not have to pay extra fees for travel or delivery. If you are not required to, you might also get a discount for using their catering services.

Your venue may also have decor you can use for your event as well, there might be an extra fee involved, but it saves you from having to figure out what to do with a set of 24 table numbers after the wedding is over.

It is always a good idea though, to check costs everywhere before assuming that you're getting the best price.

Tip Four:

Look at hidden fees.

Sometimes extra fees are not apparent right away. Make sure to ask about every possible cost before signing the contract. Once your signature is on that document, you are legally responsible for whatever payment is listed there. If you decide later that you cannot afford something, or go a different direction, you might be forfeiting your deposit.

Be diligent about reading through the contracts, particularly about what you are expected to pay and when it is due. There might be times where a quote that you had agreed on did not include set up and clean up fees and the contract adds them in later, these are things to watch out for.

Tip Five:

Do your research.

Every business has different fees and services. Look around! There might be one vendor that is within your budget that you don't like, and there might be some that are out of your price point that you love. No two vendors are the same. Do your research and compare the quality of their services to the prices that they are asking for. You never know, there might be a vendor that is super inexpensive because they are just starting out, but are amazing at what they do! There are businesses out there where you are paying top-dollar for their name. Don't settle for a title, look at the quality of the product first.

Tip Six:

Invite fewer people.

This tip is a hard one because everyone wants to be invited. No one wants to miss a wedding! Stand your ground though, if you don't know the person very well, don't invite them! Only people that mean something to you should be invited to your wedding. The smaller the guest count, the cheaper the wedding.

Fewer guests mean fewer people to hold and fewer mouths to feed. Those are your two most significant expenses, venue, and catering. Cutting the guest count can reduce overall costs astronomically.

All of the planning is based on that number. Depending on how large the couple's family is, the guest count should be about the first things the couple should think about during the wedding planning process.

Tip Seven:

Write down every penny.

A big mistake people make while panning the wedding is not writing down everything they pay for, remember that Excel sheet or notebook? Use it! Format it to subtract money from the total every time you buy something wedding related, even the small stuff. It all adds up!

Tip Eight:

DIY.

Do it yourself has been a trend the past couple years with weddings. While all of the hand-made decor looks adorable and crafted with love, it can be a lot of work and added stress. If you are the kind of crafty driven person that could handle it, by all means- do it! Your guests will love the added home-made flair. If your budget can swing it, sometimes the extra money is worth experiencing less stress.

But beware of sneaky costs! Make sure that the price of the item itself does outweigh the amount of money for the supplies to make it. That's where that spreadsheet comes in very handy. Check the price of the thing you are trying to make before committing to buying the supplies and making it yourself.

With Love,

Macy