Ugh, the dreaded word… “budget”. Your wedding budget can feel like a beast at times. However, there are a few factors that can help you tame your budget to get it to exactly what works for you.
Your budget should be one of the first things that you decide on after you say “yes” and before you start detailed wedding planning. Deciding on a number with those involved will keep everyone on the same page about the reality of your wedding day.
We are human though, and we often allow financial burdens to cause us stress. Especially when the burdens were unplanned or unexpected.
As you are working on your budget, take the 3 following things into consideration to help control the spending…
The Venue
📷 Alaina Ronquillo Photography
Your wedding venue is likely going to be one of the biggest amounts spent all at once. Venues that are situated in popular areas will generally charge more than smaller venues outside of main cities. Venues also have different packages and policies that you'll need to consider. For example, some venues might require you to use their vendors, some of which might not fit in with your budget. A lot of venues also have minimum catering requirements that may go beyond your guest list. It's important to look at average costs of areas and venues before you make a final decision on where you want to get married.
At the Amazing Graze Barn, our rental fee covers the venue for the day, use of our inventory closet, a wedding planner, and access to the venue for photos before and after your wedding day.
We understand that experiencing the wedding of your dreams while maintaining your budget is top priority. That’s why we strive to offer our brides a beautiful and affordable space with all the wedding extras.
The Season
The time of year and day on which you are getting married can also affect costs. The more popular the time of year and date, the more you are likely to have to add to your budget.
Planning to get married on a Saturday in the summer will be more than getting married on a Friday in the Winter, for example.
If you are not tied to a specific date, consider the option to get married in the “off-season” to help free up some of your budgeted money. Also, it is okay to ask vendors if they offer discounts based on the day of the week and season they will be providing the service.
Check our “seasonal pricing” for various price points and options throughout the year.
📷 Photographs by Stephanie
📷 Boyette Designs
The Guest List
Most former brides will tell you that the most difficult part of planning a wedding is nailing down the guest list. You have a list in your head, your grooms has his list, likely parents and family members will have requests, therefore overwhelming you with people to invite.
Unfortunately, every guest is an additional cost. From invitations to chairs to food to favors, the more guests generally means the more money you will have to plan to spend.
From the beginning, agree on how many guests you want to invite and stick with that number. If possible, avoid asking for opinions from those who are not contributing to your wedding budget.
It is difficult, but if you stick with your plan, you and your spouse will be grateful that you did in the end!
Remember, your wedding day has the sole purpose of getting you and your groom married! Anything else that happens on the day is a bonus. As long as the two of you get married on your wedding day, that is all that matters in the eyes of the Lord!