Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Money, Money, Money!

HOW TO: Budget your Wedding



Hello Brides! This is a big topic, so let’s just dive right into this!
There are some simple steps you can follow to help break down what seems like a very daunting task.

#1 – Make a spread sheet and categorize the Budget in one of the following ways (or a variation that works for you!)
First way to categorize your budget: à  
{ Ceremony  | Bridal  |  Reception  |  Honeymoon }

Second Way à 
{ Pre-Wedding  |  Ceremony  | Vendors |  Reception  | Flowers & Decorations }

Each of these categories will have items pertaining to that category. If you’re not much of an organizer, you can find templates on Pinterest on Bridal/Wedding websites. (I will eventually post my own)

Here are just a couple of sites I used (and currently re-visiting for tips again!) for many ways to save on your wedding: 


Even if you don't plan to go as far as what these ladies did for their weddings, it certainly gives you idea of how to save in certain areas.

{In case anyone is curious, our wedding is budgeted at $10,000 CAN. I might eventually publish the break down of that budget. Originally we had planned a 6,000 dollar wedding, but my parents had envisioned a much larger guest list and it turned out that a lot of my out of country friends and family WERE planning on coming! In compensation they helped with the raise in the budget, which got us our ideal location, so it worked out!}

#2 –Do research.
This Research stage happens throughout the process. Obviously you don’t have to pick all your vendors right away and know exactly which dress you will buy. The specifics will come along the way as you discover cheaper options, make deals, and book your vendors. There are many websites and articles that give estimated costs for different aspects of a wedding.

For instance: ~ Wedding dress may cost between 700-1,700$ dollars
                    ~ Reception costs about $30-$50/person
                    ~ Photographers cost about $1,500-$4000
These are very lame examples, as there is a large range of options depending on your budget and choice of vendors.
In this blogpost I have an info graph that compares two different wedding budgets. (click link to see full version of the side graph).
One that is "the norm" and the other is a cheaper version that is still possibly a bit more expensive than what some people would want to spend, but it gives you a ball park estimate if you're having a wedding that is at all some what traditional and with the times.

A great source of knowledge would be any friend or family who has gotten married recently! Not just for budgeting, but all kinds of things!


#3 -- Over estimate everything

Always put the highest approximate on your budget, because chances are things like taxes and gratuity may be something you forget to factor. Also, it’s just awesome when you, say, budget 250$ for your bouquet, and you find a florist who can do what you want for 120$! Better safe than sorry!Not only will you possibly forget to include things like taxes, but you might actually have something pop up that you didn't plan for, like maybe you decide to have a photo-booth to entertain guests, or you decide it's a good idea to make programs after all. Whatever it may be, even if they are small things, they can add up. So if you over estimate on most things and spend less than you budgeted, you will have funds for sudden or unforeseen things.

#4--Guesstimate your Social

If you live in Manitoba, then you might be having a social to help raise some funds. Be realistic. Are you going to invest/have connections for really great prizes? Will there be alcohol or will it be family friendly? Will you tie it to a holiday? Figure out what kind of social you want to have to know approximately how much you would raise.


This is a relatively small blog post about budgeting. There are many aspects to it, it would take me hours to write it all out. It really is a bit of an on-going process for a couple of months, but should generally guide your wedding planning process. Work it out with your fiance, and never forget to ask for help! Parents, friends and other family can offer advice, and might even chip in!

Happy planning!
The Sheepish Bride

No comments:

Post a Comment