One of the first things to do when planning a wedding is to create a budget. This is because the budget influences almost every decision, such as the venue, meal service, photography, entertainment options, and guest list. But with ever-changing wedding trends and rising prices, it can be challenging to set a budget. Those wanting to plan a memorable wedding without breaking the bank will need to use smart wedding budgeting strategies.
Use technology to keep things organized
Wedding planning can go in a hundred different directions, and this will definitely affect the budget. To avoid spending more than what was planned, it is useful to have some assistance through technology. A top wedding budget planning tip is to use a wedding budget calculator. Several of these are available online and help estimate the ceremony’s expenses. A smart budget tracker can also be useful to monitor every expense and get timely payment reminders.
Break down the expenses
Before making any decision about the wedding expenses, one must figure out how much money they can spend in total. A good way to do that is to look at the savings account. Both the bride and groom might have saved some money in the run-up to the wedding. In some cases, the parents of either the bride or the groom or both might be willing to bear a percentage of the expenses. All of these should be considered while deciding the total wedding budget. Once this is done, one can get ahead with the wedding cost breakdown. This generally comprises 12 main categories.
- Venue and catering
- Wedding planning
- Photography, videography, and content creation
- Stationery for wedding invites
- Wedding attire and beauty
- Music and entertainment
- Flowers
- Décor
- Transportation
- Cake
- Favors and gifts
- Tips
- Marriage license
Prioritize what is important
When thinking about how to manage a wedding budget, it is important to consider the priorities of the bride and groom. Some couples wouldn’t mind compromising on guest list size but might want the best venue for the ceremony. One will have to look at these priorities and accordingly allocate expenses in the most economical and effective way. Whether the budget is $1,000 or $10,000, a good tip for reducing wedding expenses is to figure out which parts of the wedding are highly important to both.
Save on food and drinks
For many, weddings are all about providing the best experience to their guests. This means spending a large part of the budget on high-quality meal services. But when looking for budget-friendly wedding ideas, a significant amount of money can be saved in this category. All that is needed to be done is to steer clear of the white-gloved, high-end meal catering service. Alternatives include buffets, which are one of the cheapest, followed by family-style meals and then plated meals. Those who want to add more personalization and go off the beaten path can have food trucks at the venue. Instead of gourmet food, one can add the favorite meals of the bride and groom, which can be as simple as tacos or burgers. For drinks, one can stick to a couple of signature cocktails instead of an open bar.
Look into DIY decor options
One of the best ways to save for a wedding is to go for budget-friendly wedding decor. DIY wedding decorations give a lot of freedom for self-expression and personalization, especially if the bride, groom, or both are creative. From flower crowns to wedding signs, menus, wedding program templates, ceremony backdrops, grand entrances, aisle decor, ceremonial arches, and more, all can be done the DIY way, well before time.
Save on entertainment and music
Like food and beverages, good music and entertainment are important to give the wedding guests an enjoyable experience. Many choose to go with live bands for this reason. But, hiring a band can easily cost thousands of dollars. So, for those looking for affordable wedding planning tips, it can be cheaper to bring in DJs. A local DJ will charge far less than a live band.
Use flowers that are in season
Weddings are incomplete without florals. From decor to bouquets, flowers are a key part of the event. This is why flowers add up to nearly 10% of the total wedding expenses. When thinking about lowering the cost of the wedding, it can be helpful to stick with flowers that are in season. Being flexible can easily help pull off an affordable wedding.
Look into the inclusions offered at the venue
To get the best out of the wedding budget, one must consider what is included in the venue. For example, if tables and chairs are available on the site, it can be a huge money-saver. Some venues even offer multi-day rates if pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party and rehearsal dinner, are also held at the same place. While checking out a venue, one can ask about any promotions or packages that might be on offer. Filling in when someone else cancels their venue booking can also reduce costs. Further, it helps to look for discounts on full upfront payments.
