How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Budget

Each and every couple is different; therefore, it’s fair to assume that everyone will plan and celebrate their wedding in their own unique way. Consequently, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong approach to the wedding planning process. Wedding budgets vary hugely depending on several factors ranging from your priorities to your wants and needs, which all come together to shape your big day. So when you're in the throes of wedding planning, keep reminding yourselves what's important to you, who you want to be there, and how you want your wedding day to look.

When it comes to tackling the all-important wedding budgets, work out what funds you have and what you're able to save ahead of the big day, along with any family members who are kindly donating funds. Then, make a wedding budget breakdown and stick to it!

Now’s the time to pop your spreadsheet aside for 5 minutes and discover everything there is to know about making the most of your wedding budget…

Planning and budgeting

At the beginning of your wedding planning journey, it's integral to determine your overall wedding budget. Consider your income, expenses, financial goals, and whether any family members will help out. Once you know your total budget, if you haven't already, think about what sort of wedding you want and where you want to celebrate, and prioritise your spending based on what’s most important to you and your partner. Whether you've got your hearts set on a destination wedding or a small and intimate gathering in your local town, have these discussions at the planning stages, so you're both on the same page from the off.

This might also be the perfect time to explore budgeting tools to help you keep track of spending or create a comprehensive spreadsheet that includes vendor contract information, estimated cost, actual cost, additional service fees and tips, transportation, and taxes.

Venue and catering

From the beginning, consider the costs of ALL aspects of the wedding and include them in your budget. You’ll be amazed how they start to climb relatively quickly! This includes everything, including your venue, food, drinks, and styling. If you’re on a bit of a tight budget, consider looking for off-season dates where you can negotiate lower rates with vendors, and bear in mind that having a mid-week wedding will save on venue rates.

Top tip! Avoiding peak holidays is an easy win if you want to save money.

Numerous catering options are available to couples to help keep costs down, and your venue or suppliers should help you explore these. For example, you could always opt for a more straightforward or smaller wedding cake design or serve your wedding cake as a dessert.

It's all about looking for catering options that fit your agreed budget; this might be food trucks, sharing boards or picnics instead of a sit-down reception. Weigh up the costs of a buffet over a plated meal, and of course, speak to varying caterers to get a range of quotes to compare total costs. Remember that seasonal, local food should be more reasonable (and tasty). When it comes to drinks, is it an option to buy in your own bar? Or negotiate the corkage fee with your venue—if you don't ask, you don't get!

Attire and beauty

To save money, why not explore all the options, such as non-traditional bridal gowns or second-hand dresses? Look for outfits at affordable prices or consider DIY alterations if you have a friend or family member who's a whizz on a sewing machine. Be open-minded about wedding dress styles and consider alternative options, such as pre-owned. There are loads of online marketplaces and local boutiques offering affordable dresses and suits, so you'll not only be potentially saving money but also doing your bit to save the planet too—win-win!

When looking for wedding rings, shop around and consider purchasing to coincide with offers and discount sales. If you bought your engagement ring from the same retailer and are going to buy another two rings, they might be open to giving you a discount as you're proving to be a very valuable customer to them!

Look for beauty and hair options that fit your budget, such as DIY beauty or hiring a student stylist or one of your nearest and dearest who has the skills you need. Just don’t forget to organise hair and make-up trials and consider if you could do one or both yourself (or better) on the day.

Photography and videography

Regarding photography and videography, quality professionals don’t come cheap; this is one area where you shouldn’t cut too many corners. Capturing the memories of your big day is essential, but that doesn’t mean it needs to take up a large portion of your budget. There’s a photographer or videographer to suit every budget, so don’t be discouraged if your dream vendor seems out of reach. You can always negotiate – for example, book them for fewer hours or see if they can waive travel expenses if they’re local.

If you're exploring more budget-friendly options, consider hiring a talented student photographer or videographer, or even ask a guest with a good eye for photography to capture moments throughout the day. For any professional hire, be sure to confirm the total cost upfront, including equipment rental, to avoid any hidden fees later on.

Music and entertainment

Consider a DIY approach to your wedding music, such as creating a custom Spotify playlist or enlisting the help of a friend with DJ skills. In fact, this can be a fun and budget-friendly option! If you'd prefer live music or professional entertainment, explore local bands or DJs who fit within your budget. Just don't forget to clarify all costs upfront, including any additional fees for speakers, lighting, or other technical equipment.

Your venue may already have much of the necessary equipment, so remember to ask what’s available. You might be able to cut costs by using what they provide, avoiding the need to hire extra gear.

Flowers and decor

Opting for local, in-season flowers is not only a budget-friendly choice but also an eco-conscious one. You could even grow some of your own if time allows! Florists and stylists are experts at maximising budgets, so don’t hesitate to ask for creative ways to repurpose arrangements. For example, move your ceremony flowers to the reception to get double the impact without doubling the cost.

If you’re feeling crafty, gather your bridal party and create some of the decor yourselves. Sites like Pinterest are full of inspiration for DIY projects that can add a personal touch to your day while also keeping costs down. You can also explore silk flowers or second-hand decor from online marketplaces as more budget-friendly options.

Transportation and accommodation

Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same venue or within walking distance can naturally save on transportation costs. If transport is necessary, consider options like hiring a shuttle service or providing information on public transport for guests. Pay special attention to your out-of-town guests who may be unfamiliar with the area and need more detailed guidance on getting around.

When it comes to accommodation, block-booking rooms or suites can help keep costs down for your guests, especially if you know several of them will need a place to stay throughout the celebrations.

Common wedding budget mistakes to avoid

Set a realistic wedding budget by considering the average costs in your chosen area. Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator may seem like an added expense, but their expertise in logistics and budgeting can save you money in the long run. They’ll help ensure nothing is overlooked and will often have trusted industry contacts who can offer competitive rates. This can prevent last-minute surprises or the risk of paying more to secure vendors in a rush, which could end up doubling your costs.

Use a reliable budgeting system to track all your expenses. While it might seem tedious, regularly updating and tracking payments will help you stay in control and avoid unexpected bills. Make sure to log every payment and closely monitor due dates to avoid any financial surprises. A wedding budget checklist can be an excellent tool for staying organised! Just remember to schedule regular check-ins with your partner and anyone else contributing financially to ensure everyone knows how the budget is progressing.