The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist
Planning Your Wedding Budget
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first crucial steps for any engaged couple. Your budget serves as a roadmap for your wedding planning, helping to ensure you don’t end up with costly regrets. While it might seem overwhelming to set up a wedding budget for the first time, remember, your wedding is likely to be the most significant and expensive event you’ve ever organized.
To avoid the stress of constantly handing over cash to vendors, follow these straightforward steps to build a budget that keeps your finances in check!
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Average Wedding Costs
In the U.S., the average wedding costs just over $25,000. That’s a hefty price tag, and it’s important to make every dollar count. With numerous must-have items and countless service providers, it can be tough to figure out how to allocate your funds effectively.
After assisting countless couples with their budgeting, here’s our best advice: Keep an eye on costs, but don’t let them dictate all your decisions.
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Budget Manager
Planning Timeline
Vendor Contacts
Guest List
Gifts Received
Getting Started with Your Wedding Budget
1. Determine Who’s Contributing
Traditionally, the bride’s parents cover the wedding expenses, but nowadays, it’s more common for couples to contribute themselves, with support from both families if possible. Have an open discussion with both families about what they’re willing to contribute and any decision-making expectations tied to their contributions.
2. Prioritize Your Budget
Once you know your total budget, start dividing it up. Decide what’s essential and what’s a nice-to-have. Allocate more of your budget to the elements that matter most to you. For instance, if having amazing wedding photos is more important than elaborate floral arrangements, ensure your budget reflects that priority.
3. Review Regularly
Check your budget frequently with your partner to stay on track. Adjust as needed if you overspend in one area. Regular budget reviews will help you avoid financial stress and make future budgeting easier.
14 Smart Ways to Save on Your Wedding
Be Selective with the Guest List: A smaller guest list means fewer expenses. Trim down your list to include only those closest to you to save on catering and other costs.
Minimize Your Bridal Party: Fewer attendants reduce costs for flowers, gifts, and transportation. Keep your bridal party small to save money.
Choose a Single Venue: Holding both your ceremony and reception at the same location can cut costs on venue fees and transportation.
Personalize Your Decor: Use photos and personal mementos for unique and budget-friendly decor.
Reuse Decorations: Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception. Bridesmaids’ bouquets can double as centerpieces.
Bundle Services: Save by booking multiple services with one provider. Combine flowers, decor, and more with a single vendor.
Choose In-Season Flowers: Opt for seasonal blooms to cut costs. Use out-of-season flowers sparingly.
Downsize Centerpieces: Smaller centerpieces are more budget-friendly and practical for conversation.
Shorten Cocktail Hour: Reducing cocktail hour time can lead to savings on drinks and service.
Budget-Friendly Kids’ Meals: Offer simple, cost-effective meals for younger guests.
Skip Favors: Consider making a charitable donation instead of providing favors, or choose inexpensive options like chocolates.
Use Candles for Ambiance: Candles are an affordable way to create a romantic atmosphere.
Avoid Saturday Weddings: Consider a weekday wedding for potential savings and additional perks.
Simplify the Cake: Opt for a smaller cake and use a larger sheet cake for extra servings. Stick to simple decorations.
9 Overlooked Wedding Expenses
Postage: Mailing invitations and thank-you notes can add up. Consider e-vites for certain events and use postcards to cut postage costs.
Cake-Service Fee: Some venues will allow you to bring your own cake, but then charge a fee for cutting and serving your cake. Negotiate or choose a venue that includes this service.
Gratuities: Tips for service providers are appreciated as in most service-based industries. Before handing out any gratuities, check your contracts and make sure if gratuities are included in advance to ensure you do not overspend.
Coat Check and Valet: Some venues offer coat check and valet for a fee. In many cases, the Bride and Groom cover this expense for their guests. If you’re providing these services, find out if tips are expected from guests, if so, you don’t need to provide additional gratuities.
Additional Desserts: Skip extra desserts if you’re already serving cake. You may be able to negotiate for a lower price or ask for credits towards other items.
Alterations: Alteration costs for your wedding gown can add up. Plan ahead and check alteration fees and schedule before committing.
Prime Dates: Choose off-peak dates for potential discounts or additional perks.
Personalized Extras: Skip costly personalized items like napkins and koozies.
Guest Favors: Save on expensive favors by making a donation in lieu of physical gifts. If you still want a guest favor, consider possibly going the DIY route to stretch your wedding budget further.
At Velvet & Lace, we’re here to make wedding planning enjoyable and stress-free. Ready to start planning your perfect day?
