A lot of brides like to use the phrase “I’m on a budget!” when dealing with different vendors for their wedding, but it doesn’t exactly help anyone out if no one knows what it means, including the bride! We understand that every bride realistically has a budget, and we are hear to help you figure out how to determine what yours is, and how to properly express it when planning for your wedding.
Starting to be tackle even the idea of your wedding budget can be really hard, and intimidating, so we thought we’d share a few simple things to get you started.
Think in terms of ranges
You don’t have to tell your vendors your exact budget, but it will be a lot easier on you and them if you define it. Try to come up with a possible range that you are comfortable with to express as your budget, or at least try to figure out how much your willing to spend in their specific category. Giving a “max budget” number is also very helpful, especially for us, the planners, so we can really make sure that the numbers stay where you want them. This also help you stay accountable to what you are comfortable spending. If you keep an eye on the numbers it will keep you from getting caught up in all the pretty and over spending.
Every Last Detail has come up with three different budget ranges that we think are a great help to determining your range for your budget. These ranges won’t work for everyone but the key here is to start thinking in terms of ranges when dealing with your vendors so you can stay clear of the arbitrary phrase “I’m on a budget!”
1. Up to $35,000
2. $35,000-$70,000
3. $70,000 and up
Note: If you’re hoping for a wedding for $20,000 or under we would suggest you mention that as well. It’s harder to have a wedding for less these days (unless you only want 4o people there) so it’s even more important to be honest with your vendors about your budget from the beginning. After all, we can’t help you if we don’t know your goals and expectations.
Break it down!
Probably one of the more common mistakes a bride will make is that once you know your overall budget for your wedding, it can be difficult to know how much you should spend on different aspects of the wedding. This is integral for the overall budget because once you know how much you should spend on different vendors, it keeps you in check and away from running the risk of going over budget.
Every Last Detail (yes, another from them, but really, it’s an amazing blog! If you’re not following it, you should be!) came up with a fabulous chart that shows the average percentages that should be allocated to the major aspects of your wedding day. Of course every bride is different (and that’s what we love!) and may want to spend a bit more or less in some areas, but using this as your template will make staying on budget a whole lot easier.
Defining your budget is for your special day is key when working with and getting the best out of your vendors. Remember, everyone is on a budget (big or small) and your vendors hear a similar, if not same comments, from all brides so don’t be afraid or embarrassed to state it. All your vendors are there to make your life and wedding day easier and as stress free as it can be.
Happy planning!
