If you are in the midst of planning a wedding or have just begun your journey, you know budgeting is a big topic in the event planning world! When it comes to the world of weddings, things can get expensive — fast.
From food and decor to high price points on venue rentals, it is crucial to account for every little thing to avoid spending more than you had originally bargained for. In this article, we will explore a few tips and tricks to help create your wedding budget so you don’t break the bank.
Speak With Your Partner
The first thing you’ll need to do before picking out anything wedding-related is speak to your partner. Have an open and honest conversation about who will be paying for what, expectations around the event, and other living expenses that you are budgeting for outside of the wedding world. These can be difficult conversations as weddings bring on a lot of pressure on both ends, but it will be great practice for you both as you come together as a couple! Speaking openly about finances is important in any long-lasting relationship, and this will be a great first test.
Be Honest About Expectations
When it comes to weddings, everyone has different expectations of how the event should go. Some have dreamed of this moment since they were children, planning out every little detail and having a very clear image in their heads of what their dream day looks like. Others want to spend money elsewhere in life, either buying a home or car with their new partner and are looking to keep the event cost-effective.
Then there are the expectations of friends and family members who have their version of the “perfect wedding” mapped out in their brains. Before going into budgeting, it is important to be honest about expectations, both with yourself and with loved ones involved.
Set Up an Itemized Budgeting List
Before jumping into ordering pieces or booking venues, set up an itemized budgeting list. This list should account for each and every item needed in order to host your event. From food to attire, you’ll want to account for it all in an itemized spreadsheet so that you can take a look at how much you are spending on individual items, categories, and the day in total.
In order to be extra careful, add on another ~$2,000 to the end of your budget sheet. This is approximately the amount that couples are under-budgeting when planning a wedding. As long as you are comfortable with the total price of the event after the 2k extra is added on, you’ll be good to go!
Don’t Be Afraid to Strike a Deal
When it comes to hosting your wedding and planning to be as cost-effective as possible, don’t be afraid to strike a deal. Look for venues that offer lower prices in the off-season or partner with a small business instead of a large catering conglomerate. There are plenty of ways to cut down on costs as long as you’re willing to get creative!
We hope this article helps you as you begin your wedding planning journey. For more helpful content on all things love, marriage, weddings, and more, check out the rest of the Fan C Designs blog! Happy budgeting!