Wedding Budget 101: How to stick to your budget

While planning your wedding is an exciting journey, it's essential to keep a close eye on your budget to ensure that you don't overspend and feel stressed along the way. If you prioritise and identify your non-negotiables for your wedding, you are also less likely to overspend on items that don’t matter as much to you. 

Here are some factors that can result in blowing your budget, along with practical tips on how to maintain it.

1. Guest List

It is very easy to get carried away and invite more people than originally planned. Adding extra guests means additional costs for invitations (and other wedding stationeries), seatings, catering, wedding favours.

How to maintain your budget:

• Set a clear guest count limit and stick to it.

• Prioritise inviting only those who are genuinely close to you (and have a “Plan B” or “Maybe” list, in case there are guests from your original list who are unable to attend).

• Consider holding an intimate ceremony and a larger reception.

Photo by Samantha Gades

2. Venue Costs

Unless you have your heart set on a particular venue (for example, a church which has strong ties with your family generations), choosing an extravagant venue can quickly eat up your budget. 

While a stunning location is important, consider these tips:

• Be open and explore several venues at the same time.

• Brainstorm your non-negotiable aspects of venues. 

• Discuss with the venue if they can provide both ceremony and reception venues (as a package).

• An off-peak or weekday wedding for potential discounts.

3. Wedding Attire and Accessories

Designer wedding dresses, custom suits, and over-the-top accessories can blow your budget if you're not careful. 

To save but also look beautiful on your wedding day, perhaps:

• Shop during bridal sales and sample sales for discounts.

• Consider renting or buying pre-loved attire.

• Opt for budget-friendly accessories and shoes that complement your look (sometimes simple looks just as stunning, if not better than looking over-the-top).

Photo by Africa Images

4. Lavish Decorations and Flowers

While beautiful decorations and abundant florals can enhance your wedding's ambience, they can also be expensive. 

To control costs:

• Choose in-season flowers and greenery for your arrangements.

• Opt for silk or artificial floral arrangements.

• Consider renting decorations rather than buying.

• Focus on key areas like the ceremony altar and reception centrepieces for floral accents.

Photo by Jonathan Borba

5. Unplanned Extras

Often, couples forget about small but significant expenses that can add up. 

To avoid unexpected costs:

• Review all of your contracts and invoices thoroughly to understand what's included and what's not.

• Create a detailed budget spreadsheet to track all expenses.

• Allocate a buffer fund for unexpected expenses.

6. Entertainment

Live bands, DJs, and entertainment can be costly, but there are ways to save:

• Consider a DJ instead of a live band for a more budget-friendly option.

• Create your own playlists and rent sound equipment for background music.

• Limit extravagant extras like fireworks or photo booths if they're not essential.

Are you ready to make your dream wedding a reality while staying within your budget? Let’s work together to create the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank!

Maintaining your wedding budget requires careful planning, discipline, and constant open communication with your partner. By setting realistic expectations, prioritising your spending, and considering cost-saving alternatives, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without the stress of going over budget! Happy planning!