Making a wedding budget is like cutting up a big huge pie. It has to be shared with every single person involved or attending your wedding. Budgeting helps you figure out how big that pie is going to be, and most importantly the best way to slice it so that everyone is happy. Follow the steps below and download our sheet to help you get through the first steps of planning.
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Have a good talk with your partner about what kind of wedding they are looking for.
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How much are the two of you willing to contribute?
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Here is how to ask the families in a polite, respectful way.
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Now that you know the budget, consider these areas to cut cost and budget for.
- Cutting down the guest list can be tough, but it ends up being one of the biggest expenses. Reducing the guestlist saves on the catering, bar, and even the cost of flowers (center pieces), and the type of reception hall you need.
- The bar can be another one of those big expenses that can be reduced dramatically by opting into another package. Ask if your venue to limit the bar to beer, wine, and a signature cocktail which can save you thousands.
- Pick a great looking venue that has a bunch of built in decor. The more decor at your venue the less you need to spend on jazzing it up.
- Reuse the flowers from the ceremony to the reception. Asking your florist to work with you on creating arrangements that can be reused at the ceremony and reception can cut your costs by a quarter to a half.
- Do a fall wedding. Typically, after September places have off-peak prices and are willing to work with budgets around the fall months. It helps that black tuxedos are a 50 degrees cooler and the trees are colorful
Don’t forget to think about these very common budget breaking mistakes.
- Taxes. A $25,000 wedding with 8% in taxes can create an additional $2000 in additional costs!
- Delivery, Set-up, Break Down fees. Yup! They won’t tell you but they will charge you for it. Be sure you ask about these fees with every vendor you work with.
- Overtime fees. If you rent a venue till 11:00 that may mean you have to end the festivities at 10:30 so your clean-up crew can go through the venue.
- Service charges and tips. Most venues will add these service charges and tips but be absolutely sure to ask what the amounts will be and if they add it on.
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