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Wedding Budget

It is extremely important that you make out a budget based on what you are able to spend before you make any arrangements! This will prevent costly mistakes and misunderstandings.

If the bride and groom, the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents (or any combination of these) are paying for the wedding, you must arrive at a total figure that is the maximum amount you are able to spend. You must then break this down into an amount for each item. Sample figures are listed below but this can be radically different based on the area where your wedding will take place:

If someone is paying for a particular item (for example, the groom’s parents have offered to pay for the bar bill), you must still determine the maximum amount they are willing to spend. Don’t settle for "Whatever it takes." This can lead to major problems later. If they’re not sure what it will cost so don’t know what to budget, just ask them for a figure they’re willing to live with. If you come in lower, you’ll be a hero. And, if it’s going to cost more, there won’t be any unexpected surprises.

Once you have determined your total budget, you can figure out the exact amount to start with in each category. Then, when you go to a vendor, you can tell them how much you have to spend in this area. (If you decide that you absolutely must have something that is over your budget figure, you know you can order it only if you cut back another area by that amount.) This way you will avoid emotional spending as well as prevent overspending.

Your best bet is to try to stay at least 1,000 under budget. As you proceed with your plans, set up two columns next to the original budget figures – one for estimated cost and one for final cost. This way, you will be able to track your expenditures as you progress with your plans.

Here’s another budgeting trick that can save you stress as the day gets closer. When you make arrangements with a vendor, you will find out what his payment plan is. You can then make up envelopes addressed to the vendor for the number of remaining payments. In the stamp space, write the date the payment is due and the amount due. Then file these envelopes in order of date and check them weekly. When a payment is due, just write a check for the amount listed, enclose it in the prepared envelope, add a stamp and send it off.

Also, in most cases, the final payment will be expected a week before the wedding. Do yourself a favor and pay the final payment two weeks before the wedding, leaving the final week with less things to do.

The envelopes with payments that are due either at the rehearsal or the day of the wedding may be prepared in advance as well. Simply write the checks or enclose the cash (with a nice thank you note, please) for the church, the clergyman or judge, the organist, singers, etc. in advance and they’ll be ready to hand out at the proper time.

Once you have the budgeting organized, you’ll be surprised at how much more smoothly your selections will become. It’s easy to look at dresses that are triple your budget but what’s the point? Go directly to those you can afford and save yourself a lot of hassle. The same is true of all your decisions. And, by telling each vendor what you have to spend, you’ll make their job easier as well as your own. It is much easier for them to suggest selections that are within your price range.

Happy shopping!