Planning A Wedding On A Budget: A Practical Guide

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful endeavour. However, there are many resources available to help you plan your dream wedding on a budget. From books to podcasts, there is a wealth of information to help you allocate your budget and decide what is most important to you as a couple. This might include figuring out how much you can afford to spend on hair and makeup, or whether you can stretch to a Beatles cover band.

Budgeting

Once you have a budget, you can start allocating it to different categories. Dantus and Gamez advise couples to choose three categories for allocating bigger chunks of the budget. You can then start to plan how much you will spend on each wedding vendor and item.

It is important to remember to stick to your budget when booking vendors and paying for items. You can use clever tips to save money on all the wedding costs, but remember to only spend what you have allocated for each category.

As a general rule of thumb, the bigger your wedding, the more expensive it’s going to be. So, if you are trying to save money, consider having a smaller wedding.

Prioritising

When planning a wedding on a budget, it's important to prioritise what's most important to you as a couple. This will help you decide where to spend and where to cut costs.

First, figure out your wedding budget. How much do you have to spend, and how do you want to allocate it? Wedding planning experts Dantus and Gamez suggest that couples choose three categories for allocating bigger chunks of the budget. For example, you might decide that the venue, food and music are the most important aspects of your wedding, and allocate more money to these areas.

Next, plan how to spend your budget. Write down how much you plan to spend on each vendor and item. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid overspending. Remember, the bigger your wedding, the more expensive it's likely to be.

Finally, start booking vendors and paying for items. Use clever tips to save money on all the wedding costs as you go, and commit to staying within your budget.

Saving money

The first step to saving money when planning a wedding is to figure out your budget. This might feel like an overwhelming process, but it's important to ensure you don't stretch yourself too thin. Have a conversation as a couple about what you can realistically afford, and what is most important to you. You can use a wedding budget template to help you with this part.

Once you know your budget, you can start allocating it to different categories. Dantus and Gamez advise couples to choose three categories for allocating bigger chunks of the budget. You can then start to plan how to spend your budget, writing down how much you plan to spend on each vendor and item.

As a general rule, the bigger your wedding, the more expensive it will be. So, if you're looking to save money, consider keeping your guest list small. You can also save money by prioritising what is important to you, and cutting costs on things that are less important. For example, you might decide to spend more on food and less on entertainment.

There are also clever tips and tricks you can use to save money on wedding costs. For instance, you could opt for a cheaper cover band instead of spending thousands on a Beatles tribute act.

Booking vendors

When it comes to booking vendors, the first thing to do is to create a budget. This will help you to allocate your money effectively and ensure you don't overspend.

Once you have a budget, you can start looking for vendors that match your style and vision. Social media is a great place to find local vendors, and you can also ask for recommendations from your wedding planner or other vendors. When you meet with vendors, be honest about your budget and what you can afford.

It's important to book vendors well in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a particular vendor. Florists, for example, can book up quickly, so it's recommended to book one 9-10 months before your wedding. Similarly, if you want a specific officiant to marry you, it's best to book them 8-10 months in advance.

Remember, the bigger your wedding, the more expensive it's likely to be, so keep this in mind when booking vendors.

Hair and makeup

When it comes to hair and makeup, there are a few things to consider when planning your wedding on a budget. Firstly, it is recommended that you book your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) at least three months in advance. This will give you enough time to choose the right artist(s) for you and schedule a trial run.

To find the right artist(s), start by researching those local to your wedding venue or area of residence. Look through their Instagram and professional portfolios to find an artist with a similar style to your dream look. You can also view their reviews to see what other brides and clients have said about them. Once you've found an artist you're interested in, send an inquiry and request an investment packet to discuss pricing and availability.

When budgeting for hair and makeup, don't forget to factor in additional costs such as skin prep (e.g. wedding facials, tanning, or special products), false eyelashes, updo hairstyles, and airbrush makeup, which can be more expensive. You should also prepare to tip your artist(s) 15-25% of the total bill if you're happy with their work.

Finally, consider the hair length and texture of yourself and your bridal party when choosing hairstyles. Certain hairstyles work best with longer hair, fine hair, or hair that holds a curl well, while others are better suited for thick or textured hair.

Frequently asked questions