Before starting your wedding planning, between the two of you, you need to decide on a budget for your wedding. This is a crucial first step of your planning process and will help to keep you grounded throughout your planning. But how do you start? Below are a few questions to consider to help you as you begin your planning.
What is the most important to you?
When you begin planning, it can feel overwhelming to know what you should be spending money on and how much is a reasonable amount. When you’re ready to start planning, decide between the two of you which three aspects of your wedding day are really important to you, and allocate a larger portion of the budget to these areas.
For example, whilst some couples will prioritise cinema level videography, others will prioritise an open bar for their guests. How you spend your budget is based on what you value out of a day, so there is no right or wrong way to spend it. Once you have decided on your three things, the other aspects of the day can either be cut, be given a more budget friendly option or perhaps a friend or family member could help as a gift.
What is a reasonable amount for you to spend?
This will vary a lot from couple to couple as ‘reasonable’ is subjective. The average wedding in the UK costs £30,000 in Yorkshire and £35,000 in the South of England. Based on your individual priorities, you may deem this an unreasonable amount to spend OR not enough. This is entirely your choice based on your own circumstances.
Together, decide what is reasonable to you and work towards that.
How will your budget be made up (and is anyone else contributing towards it)?
Once you have an idea of what you’d like to put budget towards and if this is a reasonable amount that you are both happy with, it’s time to consider how the budget will be made up.
Have either of you been saving already for your wedding?
Do you need to give yourself ample time to save for your wedding which will ultimately affect your wedding date?
Do either of you have any other larger financial commitments that need considering? For example, are you buying or selling a house during your engagement, or considering a larger holiday?
Is anyone else contributing towards your wedding? Dependent on your family’s culture, tradition and financial circumstances, this is a large consideration. With no expectation, approach any family members (usually just parents) and mention that you are beginning to budget for your wedding and then look at venues. Give them some space, and maybe a couple of weeks, to consider if they would like to contribute, placing no pressure on them.
Breaking down your budget
Below is an approximate example of how your budget could be spent. This budget includes full price items for all the key elements of your day, however, some suppliers may be able to be cut, adapted or a DIY version instead to save on costs. Booking a wedding planner may save on your overall costs, due the minimising of costly mistakes and knowledge of cost savers.
Thank you Gabriela’s Photo & Film for the featured photo on this post.
