YOUR WEDDING BUDGET

It's good to figure out how much you are willing to spend on your wedding to get what you need. And also how much you can pay to get what you desire. But, if you have been avoiding the process of putting pen to paper to work on your wedding budget, you are not alone. It's stressful when the numbers add up and the cost is more than you expected to pay for a wedding. But you can't move forward with your dream day until you know how much money you have to spend on it. So go for it!

My Favorite resource to help with the budget is The Knot because it's user-friendly and gives some actual estimates.

Determine your priorities Before you start planning your wedding, sit down with your partner and determine what aspects of the wedding are most important to you. Is it the venue, the food, the entertainment, or the photography? By identifying your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly.

Set a total budget Once you have identified your priorities, it's time to set a total budget. Be open about what you can afford and stick to it. Consider whether you will be paying for the wedding yourselves or if you will have help from family members.

Break down the budget Divide your budget into categories, such as the venue, catering, flowers, photography, and attire. Allocate a certain percentage of your total budget to each category, based on your priorities. For example, if the venue is your top priority, allocate a larger percentage of your budget to the venue category.

Research costs Research the average costs for each category in your area. Use this information to adjust your budget as necessary. Keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on the season and location of your wedding.

Be flexible Be prepared to make compromises if necessary. If you find that a particular category is more expensive than you anticipated, consider cutting back in another category to balance your budget.

Keep track of expenses Keep track of all your expenses as you plan your wedding. Open a separate bank account, so you are not commingling wedding funds with your personal funds. Record every payment on a spreadsheet or a budget template because being organized is vital for keeping track of your wedding expenses.

Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love for each other while having fun with your family and friends.

If you are interested in Wedding Planning by the Hour, click here to learn more!