How to budget your wedding 

Making a budget for your wedding day can be a headache, yet it is the most important task. Rest assured, we will provide key elements on how to make your wedding cost list.  First, you must sit down together and discuss how much you can afford to spend on your big day. Important questions to make: 

1. What is our budget? –Have a realistic economic vision of your wedding day
2. What is non-negotiable to you? To me? (It might be the dress, photography, decorations, entertainment) You will allocate funds accordingly depending on what is a priority to you on your big day. 

Question #1: What is our budget? 

Honesty is a necessity in this discussion. How much money do we have saved up? How much are we willing to spend without breaking the bank? How much do we need to save up and how will we make it happen? These are all questions that must be highlighted in your discussion. 

Tips: 

• Set up monthly savings quota to facilitate paying for your day.
• Create an excel spreadsheet to organize your budget and spending. For example, create a tab for wedding attire, including the costs for wedding gown, shoes, accessories. Include as much detail as possible that you will not have surprises.
• Economic relief angels, loved ones who have volunteered to pay for elements of your wedding, it may be the wedding gown or entertainment for example. However, keep in mind even if they are assisting you economically, at the end of the day it is your wedding day, your gown or your choice of entertainment. You choose these elements, not the person bearing the cost
• Allow room for overspending. 

Important factors that will determine your budget:

1. The number of guests
2. The venue 
3. How many services you will have on your day, decorations, photography and videography, entertainment-sound, dj, live band, cake and dessert tables for example 

How can I reduce my budget? 

A few ideas on how to reduce your costs! 

1. Have your date on a weekday and during low season, Friday-Saturday tend to be more costly
2. Buffet style catering
3. Food truck offering your favorite food, ex. tacos
4. Rented gown/suit
5. Virtual invitations 
6. If your venue allows, provide your own alcohol or stick to beer, champagne or wine instead of open bar 
7. Be open to having flowers that are in season 
8. Have your wedding during the day, a more relaxed atmosphere offering brunch for example to your guests
9. Pare down on the invitees. The less guests you have, the more affordable it will be. Prioritize the people who are a part of your life on a regular basis. 
10. DIY decorations 

Question #2, What are your non-negotiables? 

When discussing your budget for your wedding, keep in mind what is a priority for you individually and as a couple. To the bride, photography and videography might be her priority and to the groom entertainment might be a priority to him. As a couple, wedding attire might be a priority. In that sense, you will allocate funds appropriately. Keep in mind these elements for breaking down your wedding budget: 

• Wedding attire, including bride’s gown, bride’s shoes, brides’ accessories, hair and makeup, groom’s suit, groom’s shoes, groom’s accessories
• Wedding bands
• Venue 
• Photography and videography
• Decorations (Tip: create a visual board or pinterest board with ideas of how you envision the decorations)
• Catering
• Alcohol
• Entertainment
• Officiant
• Cake and desserts
• Flowers
• Event rentals (for example, furniture)
• Wedding invitations
• Rehearsal dinner 

•  

•  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.