Wedding Budget 101

Top Tips for Staying on Budget & Ways to Save Without Sacrificing

For most people money talk is something that’s highly uncomfortable and often avoided, but it’s a must when wedding planning. The first step is to figure out who’s contributing and paying for what. Are the parents of the bride paying for the entire wedding? Are the bride and groom paying for it themselves? These questions must be answered and discussed in order to come up with a total budget and to know what you can afford for your big day. Having open and frank discussions with all parties involved will ensure that everyone is on the same page and will create a lot less headaches throughout the planning process.

Even if it’s $10,000 or $100,000 everyone has a budget and it’s important to have a specific number to go off of. We suggest coming up with a total number and then working backwards allotting a certain amount to each category.

These are the recommended percentages for each category:

Reception: 48-50%

Ceremony: 2-3%

Photography/Videography: 10-12%

Entertainment/Music: 8-10%

Attire: 8-10%

Flowers: 8-10%

Stationery: 2-3%

Wedding Rings: 2-3%

Parking/Transportation: 2-3%

Gifts: 2-3%

Miscellaneous: 8%

To avoid stress, allot 5% of your budget for a "just-in-case" fund.

We suggest slightly low balling the maximum number you can spend to account for overages and unforeseen costs so you don’t actually blow the budget. It’s important to know all the costs upfront to make sure your budget can cover it all. Hidden costs (gratuities, hair & makeup trials etc.) are often forgotten about and need to be factored in. The type of wedding you want to have will also really affect your overall budget.

Here are our tips for saving without having to sacrifice on your special day:

1. Decide on What's Important

Make a list of your top three priorities and allocate a little more money for them and pick three low budget elements and budget accordingly. Don’t feel as if there are certain things you HAVE to incorporate just because it’s tradition. Anything goes for weddings today and it’s all about what’s right for you and your fiancé.

2. Get Married on a Day Other Than a Saturday

Venues often charge more for Saturday night or holiday weekends so opt to getting married on a Friday or Sunday to help save on costs. Being open to another day will cut down on your venue costs substantially.

3. Cut the Guest List

The larger the wedding the greater the costs. We know it’s tricky since you don’t want to leave anyone out, but if budget is a concern consider taking some people off your guest list. Not only will you save on the per person catering costs, but also on décor, rentals, stationary etc.

4. Explore Catering Options

Skip the traditional sit down dinner and go for something unique and different. Family style or roaming stations are great alternatives that are fun and interactive. They're typically less expensive as well.

5. Choose Your Buds Wisely

The cost of flowers can quickly add up especially for certain types of flowers. A good way to cut down on your floral costs is to pick less expensive flowers that are in season and local, rather than ones that must be flown in.

6. Negotiate

There is always room for negotiation. Seeing what a vendor can do for you and asking for a discount can never hurt. If this is something that you feel uncomfortable doing, that’s where us planners come in. We have very good working relationships with vendors and can negotiate costs. Even if a vendor must stick to his or her fee, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Xo,

Sarah & Michelle