So, you’re engaged! Congratulations! I know you may be buzzing with excitement. From the venue, to the cake testing, to the dress picking, you can’t wait to get started. However, I’m going to be a bit of a downer because one of the first things you need to do when planning your wedding, is to determine your budget. I know this isn’t necessarily the most fun activity, but it is essential. When determining your dream wedding, you may not realize how expensive your vision may be, so here are five helpful tips to setting your wedding budget!
Decide what your dream wedding style is
1. You probably have been dreaming of this day for a while, whether it’s been a childhood dream, or you’re just obsessed with your Pinterest board! So, what do you like? Are you a girly, romantic type? A boho chic gal? Big wedding or small wedding? Figure out what your style is and do some research. How much is it going to cost? Talk to people who have had similar wedding styles. Figure out what you like and how much it will cost, so it won’t hurt your wallet.
Who is paying/contributing to your wedding budget?
2. Are you and your fiancé paying for the entirety? Are you taking the more traditional route and having the bride’s family pay? Talk to your partner and involved family members to decide where the money for your big day is coming from. Maybe your father wants to write a check for everything or maybe your grandparents want to gift you the money for your wedding dress. This process can be awkward, but it’s great to have a basis for your budget. The biggest thing to remember is to be respectful and be prepared if you don’t hear exactly what you want.
Crunch some numbers
3. Once you decide who’s paying and for what, you can take all that valuable research you previously did and combine it. As a couple, you should make sure that you and your partner are putting a reasonable, but also comfortable amount of money toward the wedding. Based off that, you and your fiancé can start effectively planning on how much you should be saving between now and the wedding.
What is important to you?
4. Now that you have an estimate budget set up, you and your fiancé need to discuss what are some aspects of the wedding that are must-haves? Maybe your fiancé wants a DJ and you want an open bar. Put those things as priorities for your budget. Then, discuss topics that you two may disagree on. Maybe instead of the 5-course meal that you want and the 1-course meal your fiancé wants, you can comprise on a 3-course meal, instead. Pick between 2-5 priorities for your wedding so you can put a bigger amount of money toward the things that will really make your dream day as special as it should be.
Track your money and keep yourself accountable
5. From now until the wedding, really focus on your budget and track your expenses. Don’t just go spend $1000 more dollars on a photographer if that wasn’t something that was super important to you. Put your money toward things that are non-negotiable and then, get crafty when it comes to the other smaller parts of your wedding. Maybe DIY some decorations or compare rental prices to get the best deals! Hold yourself accountable to your budget, but also give yourself a little lenience when it comes to those priorities. Sometimes, you underestimate parts of your budget so by having a little bit of wiggle room, you should be just fine!
A practical, yet essential part of the wedding day organization, the budget is a big deal. We hope we made the process a little more stress-free for you and your bank account!
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