Your Wedding = Your Rules!
A wedding can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. The graphic below shows the average cost of some wedding vendors based on the 2019 Wedding Wire Newlywed Report.
Your budget is one of the first things that you will sit down and discuss when planning your wedding. It can also cause the most stress during the planning process. Below are 3 things that could affect your wedding budget and add to your wedding planning stress.
3 Things That Can Affect Your Wedding Budget
Where is your wedding?
Your wedding location will play a main role in the creation of your budget. Venues that are in popular areas will generally charge more than smaller venues outside of main cities (think rural barn wedding versus modern venue in downtown).
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. The venue might even require you to pay a fee of a couple hundred dollars to use vendors not on their list of preferred vendors. 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. Make sure you have a detailed discussion with the venue(s) you’re considering so you are not surprised by any extra fees.
When is your wedding?
Wedding seasons make a big difference to costs. Depending on where you’re getting married, the “wedding season” could be different. For example, in Cleveland the wedding season is from Spring to Fall with the peak being in Fall (mainly October). But a tropical place like Miami might have an all year wedding season with the peak being in a cooler month because cold in Miami is still pretty hot compared to Cleveland.
Day of the week plays a big role too. A midweek wedding can be a way to save money versus a weekend wedding. Planning to get married on a Saturday in the summer? Chances are you’re going to end up paying a lot more for your wedding. Look at your budget and how it fits in with the venue and location you have in mind and whether you can move your wedding to another season or day of the week to save on costs.
Vendors might also be able to offer you discounts for off-peak days and seasons.
How many people are coming?
This is one area that can very easily get out of control. Your guests are going to take up a large portion of your budget so it pays to be sensible about who you’re inviting.
Most venues and caterers will charge you for everything from drinks and food to the chair (yes, even the chair) your guest will be sitting on so think twice about inviting your aunt who you haven’t seen in 2 years or the cousin you haven’t talked to since you were toddlers. Agree on how many guests you want to invite and stick to it.
If you want to stick to your wedding budget and not be in debt by the time you come back from your honeymoon, carefully plan your finances before you even begin planning your wedding. Working with a wedding planner would be an added bonus as they can help you find better prices and keep you on track financially.
