Budgeting for your Wedding
Keeping a Wedding on Budget
When meeting with brides and their parents I often hear them mention that they have already gone well over budget. This happens easily and very quickly for families that aren’t accustomed to hosting large events. Over spending can put a huge damper on the whole event and can greatly diminish the joy for the hosting family. A wedding is a celebration that should be especially joyful for the bride and her family; creating a day filled with stress can leave you feeling that all the planning and investment was hardly worth it. Over the years that I have worked with a wedding/reception venue, I have recognized some methods to keep clients on budget.
First, it is most important to decide on a realistic budget for the entire event. Many people have never hosted a wedding, or if they have, a significant period of time has passed leaving them unaware of current day pricing. When making the decision it is important to do some research into pricing of various aspects of the event. This allows you to have a realistic idea of the cost of hosting. Attending bridal shows where various wedding vendors are available to discuss their services can be a great place to start. These often give you an idea of options you may not have thought of. Areas to consider when creating a budget follow.
1. Dress and Rings: There is a broad range of pricing options for dresses. Be sure to explore a variety of options before making your final decision, and have a firm idea of the range of prices before making your choice and deciding upon your final budget. It is best to get realistic ideas of pricing of all the components of a wedding before making purchases; this keeps you from over spending on one aspect and having to scrape by on others. Once you have a total budget in place, you have a realistic idea of what percentage of that budget should go towards various aspects.
2. Guest Count: The number of guests you plan to host is a big part of the budget. The cost of food and alcohol per guest being the most obvious thing that comes to mind, but other aspects are determined by guest count as well, like the venue you choose to accommodate those guests, the number of rental items needed (chairs, tables, linens, glassware, dishware, flatware, etc.), the size cake required, printing expenditures and postage (save the date cards, invitations, menus, and programs), number of centerpieces required, and favors if applicable. Keeping your guest count manageable can be difficult, but is ultimately the best way to offer a pleasing experience to your guests- you can provide a more luxurious experience to fewer guests and make them feel very special. The intimacy of a smaller gathering can be more emotional and memorable for all the right reasons too.
3. Realistic DIY: Often various sources recommend DIY projects as cost saving ideas. While they absolutely can be, it’s wise to choose these thoughtfully. Flowers and décor are often listed as a good DIY option, however I have seen brides and bridesmaids struggle and stress through this process because of lack of experience and skill. And if fresh flowers are being used, these projects need time and attention the day before and day of the wedding. This can over extend a bride and her family when a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner are planned or when you are occupied with hair, makeup, photos, etc. Take on projects that you and your family and bridesmaids can do well in advance, like assembly of favors, making signs, and aspects of your décor that don’t require perishable products. If dried or silk floral décor is used, these can also be accomplished well in advance.
4. Venue: Facility costs of venues vary widely, communicate with several before making your decision. Be sure to find out what amenities are included. Some only offer the space and all tables, chairs, dishware, and flatware must be rented separately, while others provide some of those necessary items included in the facility cost.
5. Menu: Explore your options and make your decision based on what appeals to you and the groom. I have worked with couples who shared a love of Mexican food, and chose to offer a taco bar with multiple options and traditional side dishes. It made for a more casual and relaxed event that the guests had lots of fun with! Others have chosen pasta buffets with Italian themed sides; always a crowd pleaser! Keep in mind it’s all about the experience for you and your guests, do what feels right to you to make it fun for all. These are just a couple of examples of budget friendly menu choices, be creative and discuss options your caterers suggest.
When it’s all over you should be able to reflect back on your special day with warm fuzzy memories! Planning ahead and preventing over taxing yourself financially are the best ways to make sure that happens. Some of the most charming weddings I have attended have been held at a family member’s farm or home, where guests were served homemade dishes provided by the family’s best cooks and the guest tables were simply adorned with mason jars filled with wildflowers. Accept the help of your crafty friends or those aunts who are fantastic cooks! Most importantly, make it a day you and your family thoroughly enjoy!