Tips to help you keep to your budget
There is a wealth of information online and in magazines as to the best way to help you contain your wedding budget. You can become so bogged down by this overload of information that you aren’t sure which way is best. So, I have compiled a list of the do’s and don’ts with regards to your budget.
Do’s
- When you have your total budget (as mentioned in our first post), try and take 10% – 15% off for those unexpected costs. This way, you are less likely to spend over your budget.
- Split your remaining figure in half and that is the total fund for your venue. This will cover venue hire, food and drinks.
Total budget ÷ 2 = Venue budget
- Try and figure out cost per head before booking venues.
Total venue budget ÷ Number of guests = Cost per head
- Once you have booked your venue, go back and readjust your budget if necessary; your venue may offer savings or expenses regarding other aspects of your wedding.
- The other half of your budget remaining should be divided at your discretion between your other suppliers.
Other ½ total budget caters for all other suppliers
- Make a list of most important to least important so you can see which things you would spend more on than others.
- Get quotes from different suppliers for each element before you settle for one as some may be more expensive than others; some may even offer discounts for added extras that may already be on your list.
- Make sure you list insurance as a priority expense. You are parting with large amounts of hard-earned money, so it is better to keep them protected.
- Always factor in hidden costs; you have that 10% – 15% buffer to help with these.
- Stop and think before you spend – would you pay that much if it wasn’t for your wedding day?
- Book priority vendors and then stagger the rest throughout your engagement.
Don’ts
- Don’t have too many things on your list of priorities. Try to limit 1 or 2 things; a high priority and priority.
- DIY projects won’t always be the savers you want them to be. They can end up costing more when you must buy expensive tools for those projects to be just right. They could also end in disaster if you take on a project that’s too big or time consuming.
- Don’t assume that things such as corkage, wine or even room hire is included in your venue cost. Ask the right questions before you pay deposits to vendors.
- Don’t buy non-essentials that were not on your list to begin with. Even if added by a family member.
- Don’t cave into the pressure – if it wasn’t on your list to begin with, it really can’t be that important!
It’s important to remember that these are just guidelines to help you stay within your budget. If you want tips on how to save so you can try and come out under budget, look out for our next post.
If there is anything you feel I could have added to this list of do’s and don’ts, please feel free to get in touch!
info@bigredbus.biz
#planning #weddingbudget #budget
If you need to decide on the type of ceremony you want, see our previous posts on civil ceremonies and religious ceremonies.
