Arrange a Free Consultation >

Why Your Budget Should Be Your New Best Friend

What’s Your Number?

Mention the word budget to a client and the first response is almost always the same…silence.

We get it, people don’t like taking about money especially to someone who at the start of any wedding planning journey is still essentially a stranger. Don’t worry, we’ll be inseparable come your wedding day, but we understand, we’ve only just met and you feel as if we are asking to see bank statements.

It’s a hurdle we need to move past. But why is budget always viewed so negatively?

The word budget inevitably conjures up a sense of restriction. It’s discussed as something which will essentially hold you back. Your wedding nemesis if you will. But the truth is, your wedding budget is the best companion you can have and you begin to negotiate this crazy world of wedding planning. So, make friends with it. Be honest with it. Listen to it. Above all stay loyal to it and you might actually enjoy the sense of comfort it can bring when you start making those all-important decisions.

 

Priorities and How To Set Them.

There are lots of different ways to build a wedding budget. You can pick a number you are comfortable with and work out what that affords you, or you can list out everything you want, decide if you like what you see and lock it in. 

Always, always ensure your plans are affordable. Research everything you believe you will need to make the wedding you want come alive. Be honest with the figures and be prepared to cut of necessary. If you start well, planning your wedding can almost be as much fun as the day itself.

Venue is often the first big decision a couple will make and usually, this will be a large portion of any wedding budget, but what do you really want in a venue? And how does that relate to the budget you have available. 

Be realistic when thinking about guest numbers. Remember you have to feed them and every meal or snack costs. You may want to give them a few drinks throughout the day. Possibly offer some transport. A table favour or two? For some, there may even be a special gift.

Establishing a realistic number of day guests will allow you to begin making informed decisions about the rest of your wedding. It will also help determine the size of venue you need.

Do you want a venue that offers catering or do you want the flexibility of choosing a caterer who offers you something unique, something relaxed, something which fits with your overall theme?

Is location important? Scenery for photographs? Accommodation?

How important is the look of a venue? Modern, classic, rustic? Or do you just want local?

Can you find a venue that meets your vision or do you want a project, somewhere you can decorate to make it wholly yours?

That then begs the question how creative are you?

Can you make the decor yourself or will you need to hire a company to style for you?

And what about entertainment? How important is this for you?

Are you a big fan of live music who wants to splash out on an amazing band. Is this your must-have, your line in the sand?

There are so many questions and this is where couples can begin to get overwhelmed. But pace yourself. 

Take some time to think about your priorities? Understand the difference between must-haves and things it would be nice to have but if necessary you could do without if your budget can’t stretch that far.

Really think about what is important to you as a couple. What will make your wedding day special for you? When you look back, what decisions will make you the most happy? Once you have it clear in your head, when you can visualise your day, then let the planning begin.

Allocate budget to the key must-haves. Start to build your day and then focus on what your budget allows. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Remember, as your new best fried, your budget needs attention, don’t forget to keep checking-in.

Before you make your first booking ensure you have an awareness of what the other elements of your wedding day may cost. Don’t get disheartened if the numbers begin to look scary, it happens with everyone. Just remember to stay faithful to your number and only speak with suppliers who fit within your budget. 

Help is Available

If you find planning a wedding budget scares you, there is lots of advice online. Or perhaps take the leap and speak with a wedding planner. We love a budget and we love finding solutions. We also may be able to suggest scenarios you haven’t thought of to save you money.

Your budget is your best guide throughout this crazy journey. So, get to know it. Don’t judge it. Take time to understand it. Don’t let anyone speak badly of it. Take it with you wherever you go.  But have fun with it just as you would any friend.

There are so many incredible venues and wedding suppliers out there for all budgets and they are all massively excited to play a part in making your wedding day the best day you could ever imagine.

So take a breath. Take your time. And happy planning.

 

It’s good to share!