HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING BUDGET

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING BUDGET

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to budgeting. A wedding is one of the most significant events in someone's life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. To help you navigate the process, here are some tips for wedding budgeting.

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DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES

The first step in wedding budgeting is determining your priorities. Sit down with your partner and make a list of the things that are most important to you. Do you want a large guest list, or would you rather splurge on the perfect venue? Once you know what is most important to you, you can allocate your budget accordingly.

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SET A BUDGET

Once you have determined your priorities, it's time to set a budget. Be realistic about what you can afford, stick to it and track it. Determine how much you can spend on each aspect of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, flowers, and photography. It’s like buying a car – you’ll know exactly if you can afford an Aston Martin or a Smart Car, but equally as good for spinning the wheels, yet we do have an expectation of what we can afford, right?

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CONSIDER ALL COSTS

When budgeting for your wedding, it's important to consider all the costs involved. This includes not just the big-ticket items like the venue and catering but also smaller costs like transportation, favours, and stationary.

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BE OPEN TO ALTERNATIVES

There are always alternatives to the traditional wedding expenses that can help you save money. For example, instead of hosting a wedding on prime summer weekend, consider low season or mid-week dates – this is particularly popular way of saving on your budget when your guests need to travel to your wedding internationally anyway. Would you consider having a more plentiful evening buffet instead of having a wedding cake? And would you consider seasonal and locally grown flowers over a Pinterest board and out of season bunch?

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GET CREATIVE

When it comes to wedding budgeting, creativity is key. Instead of splurging on expensive favours, you could make your own wedding favours and showcase your baking skills. Could you get your wedding party involved in some wedding DIY at a Bridal weekend or evening?

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT HIDDEN COSTS

Finally, when budgeting for your wedding, don't forget about hidden costs. These could include security deposits, taxes, service charges, and gratuities. Be sure to read contracts carefully and ask vendors about any additional costs that may not be immediately apparent.

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In conclusion, wedding budgeting can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. By prioritizing, setting a budget, considering all the costs, being open to alternatives, getting creative, and accounting for hidden costs, you can plan the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget.

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Venue Wedding Coordinator vs. Independent Wedding Planner

Over the past three weeks I was asked to present my Guide to Effective Wedding Planning talk at wedding open days, wedding fair and wedding showcases throughout Scotland.

At the end of these presentations, I was often asked by couples: "What is a Wedding Planner?" and "How does your role differ from their Venue Coordinator?"⁠⠀
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In few pointers below, I would like to bring to you the differences between my past venue roles and my current independent wedding planning role.⁠

I want to reassure you upfront that Venue Coordinators and Wedding Planners complement themselves in their efforts and can truly work together on creating the most magical day for you and your guests!

Firstly, let’s begin with a little bit about my background. I've been a Venue Coordinator for many years and at times I used to look after over 100 weddings each year across up to three venues.⁠⠀

Let's put this into perspective, many Venue Coordinators do an amazing job, win national awards for their excellent work and provide the best service possible, just like I did! Nevertheless, I'm sure a lot of you will agree that over 100 weddings each year is a lot!⁠⠀

My aim as an Independent Wedding Planner is to focus on 10 very special wedding celebrations per year and truly provide a top class service to each and every one of my couples! That's less than one wedding per month - can you see the benefits to that?⁠⠀

Another interesting factual difference is wedding suppliers relationship.⁠⠀

As a Venue Coordinator, I booked suppliers included in our packages such as Piper, Toastmaster, Linen Company, however, for all other requests I would have had my Recommended Suppliers List for couples to approach separately.⁠⠀

Now, that I work with couples directly, I can take care of all admin related to booking your wedding suppliers. Not only will I negotiate your rates (preferential trade rates, often in turn covering my fee), but I can also liaise and book those suppliers for you, without the need for you to worry about anything - removing the stress factor completely!⁠⠀

This is the area couples feel most overwhelmed by majority of the time, with managing multiple contacts and communication streams at the same time and ensuing everyone is all on the same page.⁠⠀

How do you feel about managing your time, multiple contacts and all relevant information effectively? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.⁠⠀

My final thought on the subject of Venue Coordinators vs. Independent Wedding Planners is the convenience and availability factor.⁠⠀

It was always difficult for me to detach myself from the most important day for my wedding couples, on my days off and holidays.⁠⠀

This was very clear when returning to the office from my days off or holidays and my inbox and voicemail were bursting.⁠⠀

It is a difficult balance for Venue Coordinators working when wedding couples are at work, and off duty when their couples plan their weddings.⁠⠀

I find this as the biggest advantage now that I can be available for my wedding couples at the most convenient times for them, online or at the most suitable appointment location to them, being unrestricted by venue walls.⁠⠀

All in all, Venue Wedding Coordinator and Independent Wedding Planner roles vary and at the same time complement one another very much! Irrespective of the roles, it is everyone’s passion in this industry to provide the best dream wedding experience possible to all happy couples.

Let me know in the comments below how helpful you’ve found this blog and feel free to book my FREE 15 Minutes Discovery Call to discuss how I could help you make your dream wedding vision a perfect reality!