We’ve all seen or been guests at a wide variety of weddings. Some with large extravagant budgets and others were small and simple. When it comes to your big day, you want to make sure that you can fulfill your wedding vision and dreams. But, as much as we want to wave our wedding planning wands and grant all dreams true, your wedding day reality comes down to budgeting and funds. Now, when it comes to creating and staying on budget, sometimes knowing how to begin can be challenging. This week we will explore all the wedding day expenses and how to not bust your budget.

Staying on a budget is tough, especially when you have a clear vision of what you want your wedding day to be. One tip would be to create a separate wedding account, just for your wedding day funds. This makes it easier to only use money dedicated for your wedding and will ensure that you remain on budget. Create a spreadsheet to record all of your budgeting information. This can include the estimated cost, actual cost, vendor information etc. Be sure to use the spreadsheet to track every financial decision during wedding planning. 

The first step in creating an effective budget is creating the guest list. Your wedding guest count will determine the majority of your wedding planning decisions and drive your budget. Almost 50% of your wedding day budget will be used on the needs of your guests. We’re talking about the venue, keeping your guests fed, providing beverages, and even entertainment. Staying with a comfortable wedding guest count will help you stay within your set wedding day budget. Once you have a total guest count, consider dividing this number in half, then each partner can create their portion of the guest list. And if you’re still having a hard time staying on budget, go back to the first step and revise your guest list.

Once you and your partner have decided what your guests count is, the next largest part of your wedding planning budget will be selecting a venue. Research a few venues and keep an open mind. Be sure to visit venues in person and select a few to tour. Venues that can hold both the ceremony and reception would reduce overall costs. Another tip is selecting dates out of the peak wedding season and choosing an alternative day and time. Check to see which venues include rentals such as tables, chairs, tablecloths etc. Venues that include basic rentals in their contract can potentially save you from having to use an outside rental company. Or, ditch the venue completely and find your way outside. Parks or approved nature reserves are a beautiful alternative to a traditional wedding venue– and it will save you money. 

Today, most venues have preferred caterers that they work with. If they do, check the total costs of each caterer, as if 100% of your guest list attends. If your venue allows you to contract outside catering companies, shop around. Save money in the catering department by having a tapas or appetizer themed dinner hour or even having your favorite taco truck serve dinner. Bottom line, be sure to read the fine lines of your venue and catering contracts and be sure to plan on the biggest part of your budget, around 40-50% to be used on contracting your venue and catering company. 

Once your venue and catering company are booked, it’s time to start looking at photographers and videographers. Depending on your budget, there are a lot of ways you can save in this area, but typically this portion will allot for 15-20% of your budget. In our social media driven world, it’s common that photographers often post on social media sites with deals or looking for support in building portfolios. But, remember to stick true to what you are looking for in a photographer and be sure to shop around. Meet with photographers in person and discuss their packages before signing on the dotted line. 

The remaining part of your budget will go towards decor, wedding attire, and entertainment. Traditionally, going to a florist was the way to go. But today, there are a lot of ways to save money and use items that are an alternative to fresh flowers. Finding thrifted finds, or using touches that could incorporate the couple could allow savings in this area. You can head to social media and look at wedding items that are being resold. This really is the area in which you can find some savings and have the ability to negotiate. As you choose these details of your wedding, think about what you must have vs. what you want; ask yourself how you can meet in the middle to stay on budget. Now, if you’re thinking DIY is the way to go, rather than going with traditional vendors, be sure to price every detail out, or find some talented friends and put them to work. Maybe your Aunt Becky is an insane baker or your colleague is a cricut master. Asking for support from those around you is one of the biggest ways to save.

So, sit down with your partner and open up Excel. Start creating your wedding day budget and breaking down each area. As you begin to plan, keep your budget at the forefront of planning and do not sign any contracts until it fits inside your wedding budget. You can stay true to your wedding day vision and priorities on a budget – you just may have to get creative with it. Happy wedding planning and remember to stick to your budget!

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.