JANUARY: How to budget for your big day!

Your wedding day is a special occasion that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. It’s a celebration of love and commitment, surrounded by your close family and friends. However, planning a wedding can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your finances. Creating a well-thought-out budget is the foundation for a stress-free and enjoyable wedding planning experience. In this blog, we’ll talk you through all the necessary steps you should take to create the most ideal budget to achieve your dream day without having to break the bank. 

Now the first step before diving into the budgeting  process, sit down with your partner and discuss your priorities for your wedding. What aspects are most important to both of you? Is it the venus, the food, the photographer or something else?. By identifying your priorities, you can allocate your budget more effectively to ensure that the things that matter most to you receive the appropriate funding. 

The next step is being determined on the total amount of money you’re willing to spend on your wedding day. This should be a realistic amount that takes into account your current financial situation and any contribution from family members. Avoid going into debt for your wedding- starting married life with unnecessary financial stress is not ideal. Once you have a total budget in mind, you can start breaking it down into categories. 

Following this, divide your budget into specific categories like venue, catering, attire, decor, photography, entertainment and all the further add ons. Allocate a certain percentage or amount to each category based on your priorities. Keep in mind that certain categories might require more funding while others can be trimmed down if needed. Research the typical coast in your area to ensure your budget is accurate and realistic. 

One thing a lot of couples forget about is hidden costs that often sneak up on a couple during wedding planning. These might include alteration to attire, marriage licence fees, transportation and tips for vendors. Having a buffet in your budget for unexpected expenses will give you peace of mind as you plan.  If you find that certain categories are taking up more of your budget than anticipated, go back to your priorities. Determine if you can adjust your budget to reallocate funds to the elements that matter most to you and your partner. 

As you come to having booking for your wedding it’s always a good idea to keep an ideal spreadsheet of all your expenses. This will help you stay on top of your spendings and avoid going over budget. Include due dates, payment amounts and different vendors’ contact information for easy reference. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of wedding planning and overspend. However, sticking to your budget is crucial for your financial well-being. Bw disciplined and resist the temptation to go beyond your means. 

One last thing to remember is that your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment. While budgeting is important, don't let it overshadow the joy of the planning process. Embrace the experience and keep in mind the bigger picture. To conclude this blog, budgeting for your wedding day is an essential step to ensure a memorable and enjoyable celebration without unnecessary financial stress. By setting up priorities, conducting thorough research and consistently tracking your expenses you’ll be well on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams within budget.

Happy planning!