Be Your Own Wedding Budget Planner
Budget wedding planning is no different from planning any other sort of wedding. The only difference is the real need to stick to a strict budget.
Depending on your eventual budget this usually means deciding which elements you absolutely cannot do without and those that can be forgotten about, or at least low priority. Budget wedding planning is a lot about compromises, but this needen’t make your wedding any less of a great day for you.
Decide On Your Total Budget – And Stick To It
So, to get started you really need to decide upon how much money you can afford. Then stick to your budget.
It’s all too easy to get carried away, and sometimes even get hit with unexpected hidden costs.
Get Your Budget Organized!
At the very least you should invest in a finance organizer book. There are lots of types available and are also known as a bill organizer, bookkeeping record, account book, budget book, and record ledger.
If you are working to a real tight budget, then be assured the $10 or so it will cost is a worthwhile investment.
(If you are on a REALLY tight budget you can just use any old notebook, or even a sheet of paper.)
Get It Down On Paper
The next thing you should do is make a list of the things you definitely need for your wedding.
What’s Important To YOU?
Lots of the following are common to nearly all weddings and include:
♦ venues – wedding and reception
♦ someone to perform the ceremony
♦ rings
♦ wedding attire – dress, tuxedo(s), shoes, veil?
♦ catering – this should include the cake
♦ flowers
♦ entertainment – band, dj, music
♦ photographer & maybe videographer
♦ transport
Then there are other things like wedding favors, hair and makeup, oh and don’t forget the honeymoon!
Prioritize – decide how much you are willing to spend on each element. This will give you an idea of how your overall budget is looking. For those things that are most important to you, you could consider hiring a professional, or at least getting a quote.
For instance, if the food and drink is high up your priority list then a caterer could take care of these needs, even down to the seating, centerpieces, napkins, crockery and cutlery. Just be sure you stick to your pre-determined budget.
There Are ALWAYS Alternatives
Don’t feel pressured into spending big money – as a lot of tasks you can do yourself.
Maybe you love to cook, or know friends and family that do. You could save some money by making your reception a buffet style rather than a formal sit down meal for instance.
Do you know someone, preferably more than one person, who would be willing to photograph or maybe film the wedding?
Do you know anyone willing to be a DJ at the reception?
Your choice of flowers can drastically reduce costs, choose local seasonal ones, or even get (or hire) artificial ones (you need to shop around, but bargains are always available).
Now Organize Your Time
Get another notebook and make this one a timetable of events from the present day to the wedding day.
The good news is that (most) weddings are planned well in advance, this gives you ample time to choose and arrange things just the way you want them.
A typical timeline might go something like this:
Between 12 to 6 months to go
♦ Choose your budget limit – (stick to it)
♦ Choose the wedding date
♦ Decide on the number of people you plan to invite (this will impact on your budget & choice of venues)
♦ Depending where you live,(different states have differing requirements,) you will need to apply for a marriage license.
♦ Choose the wedding venue (to save money don’t go too far)
♦ Choose the reception venue
♦ Choose someone to tie the knot for you
♦ Choose honeymoon (visas/passports needed)
See if the above is available on the date you want and book it.
♦ Decide if there is going to be a wedding theme
♦ Decide on dress, shoes etc (buy or hire)
♦ Decide on the catering & who will do it (book if needed)
♦ Decide on entertainment (book if needed)
♦ Decide on flowers (book if needed)
♦ Decide on who will be the photographer/videographer (book if needed)
Between 6 to 3 months to go
♦ Decide who to invite & send out invitations
♦ Choose and order the rings
♦ Arrange transport in advance if you plan on hiring a limo or similar
♦ Decide on seating plan if applicable
♦ Get dress fitting (if needed)
♦ Arrange groom and others tuxedos fitting
A few weeks to go
♦ Finalize the guest list, find out who can and can’t make it
♦ Ensure everyone knows their roles, eg best man
♦ Get the rings
♦ Decide on music
♦ Book hair, makeup etc appointments (if needed)
♦ Confirm that everyone you booked are still aware of your arrangements
The day before
♦ Pick up dress and tuxedos
♦ Make sure all is packed for your honeymoon
♦ Have a wedding rehearsal if necessary
The wedding day
♦ Hair and makeup
♦ Marriage licence
♦ Make sure best man and maid of honor have the rings
Enjoy yourself!!
Budget wedding planning need not be stressful. Just decide what you want, what you can afford, keep accurate records, pre-plan each step and you can’t go wrong.
I hope these budget wedding ideas inspire you to consider some money saving alternatives.
I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
-Unknown
Have a close friend get certified to be the officiant at your wedding! They can do it online and it would be special for the two of you and save you some $$!