Wedding planning can be an exciting but also stressful experience, especially when it comes to your wedding budget. Between the venue, catering, attire, and decorations, wedding costs can quickly add up – in fact, according to Hitched.com, the average wedding in 2022 cost £18,400! With that being said, with a little planning and organisation, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Here are 5 tips for planning your wedding budget:
Determine your overall wedding budget
Before you start planning your wedding, it is important to determine your overall budget. This will give you a clear idea of what you can afford and what you cannot. Consider factors such as your income, savings, and any contributions from your parents or other family members. Set a realistic budget that takes into account all the expenses you expect to incur during the planning process.
Determine your overall wedding budget
Before you start planning your wedding, it is important to determine your overall budget. This will give you a clear idea of what you can afford and what you cannot. Consider factors such as your income, savings, and any contributions from your parents or other family members. Set a realistic budget that takes into account all the expenses you expect to incur during the planning process.
Prioritise your wedding expenses
Once you have your overall budget, prioritise your expenses. What are the most important aspects of your wedding? For some couples, it might be the food and drink, while for others it might be the venue or the decorations. Determine what is most important to you and your partner, and allocate your budget accordingly.
Get creative with your wedding cost-saving strategies
Weddings can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your special day. Consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday, or opt for a daytime wedding instead of an evening one.
Top Tip: You can also get married during the week if you don’t mind your guests having to book time off work – these can often be some of the cheapest wedding dates so definitely worth considering!
You can also choose to have a smaller, more intimate gathering or opt for less expensive food options. Be creative and think outside the box when it comes to cost-saving strategies.
Keep track of your expenses
It’s important to keep track of all your wedding expenses to ensure you stay within your budget. Consider using a wedding budget planner or spreadsheet to keep track of all your expenses, from the big-ticket items to the small details. This will help you see where your money is going and make any necessary adjustments.
Plan for unexpected costs and expenses
Despite your best efforts, unexpected expenses may arise during the wedding planning process. To account for these, set aside a contingency budget of 10-15% of your overall wedding budget. This way, if any unexpected expenses arise, you’ll be prepared to handle them without having to compromise your wedding plans.
In conclusion, planning your wedding budget requires some time, effort, and creativity. But when done correctly, and with these tips in mind, you can plan a wedding that is both beautiful and affordable.
You can also learn more tips like this in our Ultimate Pre-Wedding Checklist, which features other tips and how-tos to make the most of your wedding day.
If you’re getting married in the next year or two, we would love to hear from you! We offer wedding photography, wedding videography and a modern photobooth for your wedding reception. Simply reach out via our contact form to check our availability and secure the date in our diaries.
