Honesty and setting realistic budgetary and planning priorities is crucial when planning a wedding.
At the forefront of any wedding budget lies the venue – typically 37%. Other expenses to keep in mind include catering and entertainment as well as transportation and postage costs associated with save-the-date cards or invitation cards.
Venue
Your choice of venue can have an enormous effect on the cost of your wedding. A historic building or landmark tends to be more costly because they provide unique locations; alternatively, brewery wedding venues typically range between $4,000-$15,000.
Most venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover the costs associated with tables, chairs, linens and wedding cake rental; additional services like event planners may also be included at no additional charge. If these services don’t already exist on site they can usually be added onto your package at an additional fee.
Many venues require that you use their in-house caterers, adding another expense to the overall food and beverage bill. You can negotiate this requirement with your coordinator; other venues provide only space rental; in this case you would be expected to provide everything yourself, such as catering and equipment.
Before visiting venues, it is wise to have both your vision and budget clear in your head. This will enable you to assess whether they meet your expectations. Inquire as to any hidden fees or taxes such as corkage charges, service charges or cleaning charges which might arise.
Catering
Food and beverages served at your wedding will make up a substantial part of its catering costs, with costs depending on factors like menu type, guest count, and whether or not alcohol is part of your meal package.
By opting for a buffet-style menu, you will save money on caterer fees as it requires less staff than sitting-down service. However, regardless of which service option is chosen, it is recommended that team servers remain present so guests are fed on time.
Make sure to consider any extra items, like cake cutting and champagne toasting, that may be part of your catering package – some caterers offer these as standard offerings while others may charge an additional fee. Also take into account rental expenses like tables, chairs, linens, plates glassware utensils.
Be mindful that the location of your wedding can also have a major effect on its catering costs. Caterers in popular cities must pay more to operate there, which can increase service prices significantly.
Entertainment
Budgeting for your wedding is an integral component of wedding planning. A budget allows couples to determine which expenses are necessary and which can be cut, which is especially crucial during times of inflation when costs continue to escalate across the board.
Your wedding cost depends heavily on factors like location, time of year and vendor pricing structures. A spring or summer wedding tends to be more costly as venues and vendors book up quickly during these seasons; furthermore, nighttime events typically incur greater costs because venues, caterers and vendors charge higher rates during these events.
Entertainment can be an expensive part of wedding expenses, as many couples use this opportunity to show their unique personalities on their special day. DJs, live bands and photo booths are popular choices but can add up quickly.
If costs are becoming a burden, don’t be afraid to get creative with your choices. Consider an outdoor location such as a backyard or beach instead of an expensive hotel/resort; opt for a potluck dinner rather than catered reception; reduce guest numbers – it may open the doors to unique venues or less expensive vendors!
Floral
Flowers are another significant wedding expense. Their cost largely depends on several factors: type and quality of blooms used (roses, orchids and daisies tend to cost more than standard roses or baby’s breath), arrangement size/quantity requirements such as bridesmaid bouquets, ceremony floral backdrops or reception centerpieces and set up time required.
Consider what you hope to achieve with your florals; if your vision includes creating an extravagant flower garden for your wedding day, the extra expense may be worthwhile in order to ensure all of it comes to fruition.
Make it cost-effective to save on flowers by choosing an outdoor venue with natural beauty that doesn’t need additional floral decor – like a windswept beach or stunning garden for instance – saving costs without compromising beauty!
Make the most of your wedding flower budget by opting for silk rather than real blooms for some items, which will significantly lower costs compared to fresh blooms and can even be saved and reused post-wedding in your home or office.
Decor
Decorations account for a significant portion of any wedding budget, typically accounting for 10% or so of total costs. Florists and lighting account for 10% on average; additionally, set aside some funds for favors/gifts for your guests (or, in an outdoor wedding setting, parting gifts from Mother Nature!).
If you’re planning a big-city or popular travel destination wedding, the costs will likely skyrocket as demand outpaces supply. To save money on wedding expenses and cut expenses further, look for venues with less amenities or flexible pricing plans such as smaller venues with reduced amenities or more flexible costs.
Assuming your venue includes food and alcohol costs per guest, your food and alcohol expenses could account for approximately 29% of overall wedding costs.
Remember to include hair and makeup expenses for yourself, your bridesmaids and any additional people needing it. Many couples also choose to set aside some funds for wedding favors and gifts so their guests have something sweet to remember their big day by. Set aside at least 1% of your budget for these items. Likewise, consider any overtime expenses which might arise should your ceremony and reception go over time.
Transportation
Your wedding guests without their own vehicles may require transportation on your big day; providing this can be an additional expense, but worth it for peace of mind and helping out-of-town friends and family experience your wedding.
Limos and town cars offer cost-effective transport solutions for bridal party members, immediate family members, children attending, and any guests staying nearby. These come in different sizes to meet any guest list needs; additionally if your wedding involves out-of-town guests who require transportation from/to their hotels if staying close by then transportation could also be provided between ceremony/reception venues and guest hotels if required.
Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft can provide another economical option for transporting wedding guests, often at less than half the cost of hiring a limousine or taxi service. But because these services only get you and your party to the venue, a call sheet should include all pickup/dropoff details so that a point person (typically your wedding planner or trusted friend) can handle logistics on wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Hotel shuttle services might be another convenient option when considering out-of-town guests as guests of honor.
Vendors
Weddings provide vendors and entertainers with a large source of revenue, but even those not catering exclusively to weddings still must cover operating costs like business licenses, insurance premiums and marketing expenses to remain operational – leading to increases in rates just to stay afloat with inflation.
Note that couples attempting to negotiate prices with vendors should keep in mind why those prices were established in the first place. “Nickel and diming a professional who has set their rates as they have for good reasons is never recommended,” Bishop advises.
Date is another factor that can have an effect on wedding expenses, with Saturday being an often-chosen option; however, by choosing to get married during an off-peak season or time of week you could potentially save some expenses.
Your planner can assist in creating a wedding budget breakdown that clearly outlines all of the costs involved and helps prioritize what matters most to both of you as a couple. They may also suggest ways to reduce expenses, such as finding alternative vendors for services that may still be important but less essential to the overall vision of your wedding day.
