Things to Consider in Wedding Budgeting
Before you can start actual preparations for your wedding, the first task you need to take on is wedding budgeting. Not all soon-to-be-wed couples are fortunate to have a fortune to spend on their wedding but whether you do or you don't, wedding budgeting is important to ensure that your funds will be spent accordingly. Remember that once you have agreed on your exact budget, stick to it.
You can still have a beautiful wedding while keeping costs under control. Below are some suggestions to help you with your wedding budgeting and cost-cutting:
Have your wedding on a weekday, preferably any day from Monday to Thursday when venues and wedding suppliers typically charge less. In addition, choose to hold your wedding on months that are considered wedding off-season such as September through March.
The reception would be the biggest part of your wedding budgeting and the best way to cut down costs here is to limit the guest number. Be strict about who you will invite. Include only those who you really want to share your special day with, in other words, your close relatives and friends.
When it comes to catering services, choose a buffet meal rather than a sit-down meal because the former would cost less but would allow guests to have their fill of your wedding feast. Alternatively, you can try other reception ideas such as a garden party or a barbecue party if you will be having a home garden wedding. Your family can take care of catering as long as one or two people really know how to cook. You want to reduce expenses but you still want to make sure you serve good food.
Other things to include in your wedding budgeting include flower arrangement, stationary, favors, hair and make-up and the wedding dress. The great thing about all these things is you do not have to spend a lot on them to make them beautiful. You and some talented friends or relatives can easily make your own wedding invitations and souvenirs as well as flower decors and centerpieces. You can also ask someone you know to do your make-up or make your wedding dress.
It would also be great if you personally know a good photographer. If not, this one aspect of your wedding preparations that you can actually spend more on because your wedding photos are one of the few items that you will keep as a remembrance of your wedding day.
Devote as much as time as possible in researching for suppliers so you can compare prices and get the best deals. However, keep in mind that wedding budgeting should not be all about penny pinching. Always make sure that you are getting quality suppliers and using quality materials for your do-it-yourself projects. Lastly, make sure you write every expense down so you can easily check if your wedding budgeting is right on track.
