7 Tips for Managing Your Wedding Budget

It’s one of the most common areas of discussion we enter into with all of our couples and is a key aspect of the wedding planning process. From all ranges on a broad scope, every couple wants to know the best way to manage and allocate their wedding budget.

We’ve put together 7 tips to keep in mind when budgeting for your Wedding Day and some tips to making the most of it, to help you along the way.

1. Be realistic.

It’s always best to budget for more and to end up spending less, but don’t forget to allocate your funds to suit a realistic budget. As wedding planners, we have seen all kinds of budget ranges, there is certainly no set amount for every wedding day. So, it’s important to keep a realistic view of what is possible to achieve with your wedding budget so you know what to expect and to avoid disappointment.

2. Work out your priorities.

Figuring out your priorities is a key consideration for smart budget management. It’s important to realise the elements that are important to you so you can invest in these areas while discovering elements that are less important and saving in these areas. Also, consider clever ways to make the most impact with your spend. For instance, when it comes to Styling, it’s a great idea to focus on a key element such as a beautiful lighting or floral installation that can make up for less detail on the tables and vice versa. In the end, it’s your wedding day so prioritise the things that mean the most to you.

3. Do the research.

One of the most effective ways to save money when planning your wedding day is exploring all of your options. For instance, spend the time to look around when it comes to picking your wedding venue as this will ultimately be the biggest spend of your wedding day. The more research you do, the better informed you will be on making smart decisions and prioritising the budget appropriately.

4. Choose an off-peak season.

Consider getting married at a time of the year that is less popular for weddings. You will find that venues and suppliers are more available and more affordable in the off-peak seasons, allowing your overall budget to go further. January and February are some of the least-popular months for wedding day bookings.

5. Hire a Wedding Planner.

Industry knowledge can be your best friend when it comes to allocating your budget. A good wedding planner should be able to give you insight into what things cost, where to get the best price and where to save and spend.

6. Consider your guest list.

It’s a difficult area for any couple to manage and sometimes it’s just not possible to adjust or downsize, but your guest list is the biggest factor in determining the cost of your wedding day as the costs per person are considered for everything – from the invitation they receive in the mail, the meal they eat, the place setting they sit at, to the guest favour they take home with them. Lowering your guest list will minimise the overall cost of your wedding day.

7. Get Creative.

DIY is a great wedding budget saver. If you have the time and a creative flare there are some areas of the wedding day you could consider having a go at yourself. For example, you could design and print your own wedding stationery. You might get crafty or get handy and decide to make your own table centrepieces, ceremony backdrops, or even furniture!