Getting married should be one of the most exciting days of your and your partner’s lives. However, the journey leading up to the big day can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, especially if you don’t budget correctly.
When beginning the wedding planning journey, budgeting should be the first step, so you can really figure out how much you want to spend, and which aspects of the wedding you want to take priority of the spending pot,
2024 data shows that the average wedding in the UK costs £20,775. This figure highlights the importance of smart budgeting to ensure your wedding remains within your financial means, while still being memorable and magical!
In this post, we’ll look at setting a wedding budget, why it’s important, areas where you can save money, and how to keep your wedding budget on track.
When you begin to speak to venues, florists, caterers, etc, you need to find out exactly what you’re getting for your money.
When discussing venue hire, consider the following:
Knowing precisely what is included can help you establish where you will incur potential additional costs, or secure a bargain with other elements already included.
It’s also important to figure out how much everything you want costs, so you know how much of your budget each item on your wedding wish list will require, and which items to prioritise.
Could you have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location? This would cut down on travel costs considerably and avoid the additional costs of paying for two site fees and improves accessibility for your guests too.
In addition, consider whether the venue has a stunning backdrop that doesn’t require decor expenses. When it comes to location, depending on your style and dream wedding, locations such as golf course wedding venues, manor houses and beach-style weddings will require very little further decor as the scenery for these venues provides it all.
Most couples have a certain time of year in mind for when they would like to tie the knot.
However, did you know that venue rates differ at certain times of the year? It may be worth speaking with venues to see what these discounted months are. For example, you will often find June to be much more expensive than January, so plan accordingly!.
There may also be a reduced rate depending on the actual day you want to get married, too, with many couples now opting for mid-week weddings to celebrate their day and save on costs.
Staying organised when there is so much to think about is sometimes easier said than done when planning a wedding, however, staying on track with your budget is vital.
Planning a wedding on a budget means writing everything down and keeping a very close eye on your expenditure. Work out your budget, how much you will need to spend, and itemise the essentials as you go.
Doing this allows you to plan out your `must-haves` and non-negotiables, and see where you could potentially make savings in other areas.
This might be hard, we know!
There are some incredible wedding pieces that you can include and bring into your special day but stop and ask yourself; do you really need it? Is it on your `must-have` list? Will it even fit with your theme or style? What are the most important things to you? What areas or items do you absolutely want to spend your money on?
Limiting guest numbers at your wedding can be a strategic way to keep your budget on track. With each additional guest comes additional expenses, including catering, venue space, and potentially even accommodation.
By carefully curating your guest list to include only close family and friends, you can significantly reduce these costs while ensuring a more intimate and meaningful celebration.
Not only does this approach help to manage your budget more effectively, but it also allows you to allocate funds towards other aspects of your wedding that are important to you, such as entertainment, decor, or a dream honeymoon.
Getting creative with certain elements of your wedding can not only keep costs down but also add a unique and personal touch to your special day. From DIY decorations to homemade favours, there are plenty of opportunities to inject your personality into the celebration while saving money in the process.
For example, crafting your own centrepieces or wedding favours can be a fun and rewarding activity, especially if you gather friends and family for a crafting session in the lead-up to the wedding.
Creating lists of must-haves and nice-to-haves is essential for budgeting as it helps you prioritise your spending and allocate funds effectively.
By identifying essential elements such as the venue, catering, and attire as must-haves, you can ensure that you allocate a significant portion of their budget to these key areas.
On the other hand, including nice-to-haves allows you to consider additional elements that can enhance your wedding experience, but which may be subject to budget constraints.
Having these lists helps you make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget, ensuring that you create a wedding that meets your priorities and preferences within your financial means.
Of course, every list is personal to each couple, but it should typically look something like this:
Must-haves:
Nice-to-haves:
Remember, a wedding is about you and your partner, and you shouldn’t lose sight of what truly matters.
These wedding budget tips are only the start. You and your partner must think about what you want and what your dream is, and from this point, start to look at how you can make your dream a reality.
Trust us; you can make your wedding one of the most memorable days of your life without it costing the world!
At The Nottinghamshire, we understand that couples have different budgets, which is why we offer a range of packages tailored to suit various financial needs for your Nottingham wedding.
Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a lavish celebration, our packages ensure that every couple can find the perfect fit for their special day.
Download our brochure and contact us to explore our offerings further and start planning your dream wedding with us.
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