Figuring out your wedding budget is the first step toward planning a wedding that suits you. You and your fiance will want to prioritize what is most important to you both before setting your budget.
Shop thrift stores for patterned or vintage plates that you can use as chargers, table runners, or favors. Add a touch of green with long lengths of ivy instead of pricey flowers.
1. Plan Ahead
When it comes to budgeting, you should always start with a clear picture of your financial situation. This includes your savings, any contributions from family members and what you plan on using those funds for later (like paying off student loan debt or your first home).
Sit down with your S.O. and any other contributing parties to discuss the terms of the contribution. Make sure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and timelines to prevent any unnecessary friction.
Once you have a clear picture of your overall costs, separate the wedding day must-haves from the ones that can be dropped or cut back on without affecting the big day. For example, opting to get married on a weekday instead of a Saturday can help lower the cost of your venue, catering and vendors.
2. Do It Yourself
When it comes to budget-friendly wedding planning, doing some things yourself can really save you money. This is especially true for decor and other personal touches.
Flowers can be a big expense for many couples, but you can save by choosing flowers that are in season and buying bulk. You can also upcycle a lot of your wedding decor by raiding thrift stores for items like glass jars, mason jars and paper lanterns. You can paint them in your wedding colors or use battery-powered fairy lights for a beautiful effect.
Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse or anyone who is contributing financially to your wedding and make a list of non-negotiables. This will help you stay on track and avoid spending more than you can afford.
3. Be Honest
The key to a budget-friendly wedding is being honest with yourself and your partner about what you are willing and able to spend. Some items may be a must-have but others could be cut to help bring down the total cost of the event.
For example, hiring a calligrapher for your invitations can be costly, but printing them yourself could save you the same amount or more. Similarly, choosing a sit-down dinner instead of a reception brunch can significantly reduce your food and beverage costs.
Other items you might want to consider cutting are personalized favors (which often end up in the trash) and paper invitations. Evite or digital invites are much more affordable and just as chic. Likewise, if you’re having a lot of guests, opting for a smaller bridal party will save on dresses and floral costs.
4. Be Flexible
Many brides and grooms have very precise visions of their dream wedding day. That’s okay but it is also important to remain flexible throughout the planning process. This means knowing what your priorities are and sticking to them, even if that Beatles cover band you’ve been dreaming about isn’t in your budget.
For example, if you’re deciding between a venue with all-inclusive packages and a site that requires you to bring in tables, linens, dishes, silverware and food service, compare apples to apples. Often, venues that have all of these items already on-site will be cheaper than those that require you to bring them in.
Other flexibility factors can include choosing an off-peak date to save on venue rentals and avoiding ceremony decor that doesn’t need to be taken home at the end of the night (think aisle runners, sign posts and table displays). These are just some examples of how being flexible can help you save money.
5. Be Creative
Whether you are planning the entire thing yourself or have contributors, it is important to have an idea of what things will cost you up front. This will help you stay on track and prevent any surprise expenses that can put you over budget.
For example, floral decorations can be a big expense. Try to find creative ways to use flowers in your wedding without going over budget. Pinecones are a great option for centerpieces and can be found on the ground or at craft stores. They can also be gilded to match your color scheme.
Another way to save money is to avoid sending out favors. Instead, send guests home with something they can enjoy. For example, make a wedding website where you can ask your guests to sign up for your registry or check updates.