How to build your wedding budget and what not to skimp on based on real couple advice.

Weddings are often related to romance and unique moments spent with your loved ones, but they are also a huge financial decision. Your wedding might be the first time you have had a conversation about money with your couple, and as challenging as it seems, I encourage you to start your plans by settling your budget. And you might be asking yourself how even to start building your wedding budget if you have no idea how much a wedding cost. Well, I have a couple of easy steps you can follow to build a realistic wedding budget. 

Set up a spending limit. 

Knowing your limit can help you determine the size and type of event you can host. Determine that number by considering how much you can pull off from both of your savings’ accounts. Add the amount you can save monthly from your earnings and multiply it by the months left for your big day. It is helpful to start with budgeting and set your date later if you wish to save for a couple of extra months and have a larger budget. 

Establish priorities and percentages. 

Write in order of importance your priorities for the big day; you can use the following list of the main elements and build a list together to know which areas of your wedding you want to invest more. The venue, rentals, marriage license, invitations, photographer, videographer, catering, bar, décor, entertainment, favors, cake, rehearsal dinner. 

Find out who is cooperating. 

Nowadays, couples mainly pay for their wedding expenses, but if you think your family will hop in and help with a portion of the expenses, you need to communicate clearly with them. Have an open and honest conversation with your families and determine if they are cooperating and the amount they will provide. Please don’t assume they will pay for something unless they clearly say it. 

Top things you shouldn’t skimp on when planning your wedding. 

Photography and Videography. 

After months of planning, your wedding day will finally arrive, it will be unforgettable, but let’s face it, after some years you might start to let go of tiny details. That is why wedding photography and videography are so important because your wedding will be over in the blink of an eye, and there are moments you will miss. For example, the bride usually never sees the inside of the ceremony venue because she is so nervous and arrives at last. 

Another clear example is the getting ready and first look photos and videos; it is so precious to see repeatedly the reaction of your loved ones when you put on your wedding attire. Especially to see the look in each other’s eyes when you first crossed eyes. Plus, your wedding photos and video are a treasure for generations to come, and you want them to be high quality. 

Entertainment.

If you think about it, when you attend a wedding, you remember key moments such as the ceremony, first dance, and having a blast on the dance floor. Since they all involve music, you should be careful when choosing your wedding entertainment. Hiring a low-price wedding DJ who lacks experience is not such a wise idea. You need an experienced entertainer who knows how to read crowds and set the right atmosphere. 

Food. 

Finally, food, I am sure we all have heard about those spooky stories involving the entire guest list being rushed to a hospital because of food poisoning. That is why you should never skimp on food. If you have a restricted budget, you should find a catering service that adapts to the number and keeps it simple. Don’t try to DIY or hire an inexperienced caterer who won’t keep up and serve food on time. 

As you see, weddings involve many vendors, and it is easy to lose track of how much you are spending. But when you start with the right foot, prioritize, and set up limits, there is no way you can go wrong. I hope my advice helps allow your wedding day to be The Greatest Of All Time.