Tips For Planning A Wedding On A Budget
In a time when the expenses of many weddings are in 5-digit figures, planning a wedding on a budget requires a little help and a dose of creativity. Many families need to know there are alternatives to a high priced wedding that won't require you to give up the wedding of your dreams.
The first step to planning a wedding on a budget is to decide exactly how much money you have to spend on the wedding. Talk to any family members who are going to contribute to the expenses, and examine your own finances. It's becoming more common for the bride and groom to pay for all or part of their wedding. Planning a wedding on a budget requires open communication about financial matters between everyone.
Once you know how much money is available, the next step to planning a wedding on a budget is to decide how that money is going to be spent. Budget is not a dirty word, but it does require discipline. Your wedding budget should be based on how many people will be attending, and how large your bridal party will be. Planning a wedding on a budget then requires you to break your spending into specific categories and setting a limit for each category.
The advice on how much money to spend on each area when you are planning a wedding on a budget varies. The most expensive line item for most weddings is the reception. Experts recommend planning to spend 48% of your budget in this area. After that, plan to spend approximately 12% for photography and videography, 10% for clothing, 8% for flowers, 8% for sound and music, 3% for favors and wedding party gifts, 3% for invitations, and 2% each for rings and the ceremony.
Planning a wedding budget doesn't mean you need to stick to exactly these percentages. You can certainly adjust them to fit your own priorities. You may choose to have a more modest reception and spend more on your wedding dress and a really great photographer. Only you can decide what the most important thing is to you.
Once you have your own percentages set, you know how to shop for the services you require. You can get estimates from different wedding professionals and know how to make the best choices among those who are in your price range. You may even be able to tell someone your budget limit and find that they are willing to meet your price.
Planning a wedding on a budget can be done, but it requires attention to detail and careful planning. Below is a list of resources we've compiled that offers more information on planning a wedding on a budget.
And be sure to check out our pages that offer information on Planning A Wedding, Wedding Planning Software, Wedding Planning List, Wedding Planning Guide, and Wedding Planning Checklist elsewhere on this site.
