How to Create a Wedding Budget That Works for You
Making a wedding budget can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be. You can create a budget that works for you and your partner by following a few simple steps and being honest with yourself about your priorities.
Determine your overall budget as the first step in creating a wedding budget. This is the total amount of money that you and your partner are willing to spend on your wedding. This figure will serve as the foundation of your budget allowing you to determine how much money you can spend on each aspect of your wedding.
Once you’ve determined your overall budget it’s time to break it down into smaller categories. Some examples of common categories are:
- Catering and location
- Videography and photography
- Flowers and decorations
- Wedding attire and decorations
- Entertainment and music
- Favors and stationery
- Transportation
- Makeup and hair
Determine a specific dollar amount to be allocated to each category. Remember to include any non negotiable expenses in your budget such as the venue or photographer. After you’ve set a budget for each category you can start researching and comparing prices for vendors and services.
Begin to research and compare prices keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best. When selecting vendors and services, quality and reputation should be taken into account.
Setting aside a contingency fund is another critical step in creating a wedding budget. This should be a small portion of your overall budget set aside for unexpected expenses. This can include last minute wedding changes or as well as unexpected weather related expenses.
Once you’ve finished your budget its critical to go over it on a regular basis and make any necessary changes. Remember that your budget is not fixed and that things can change during the planning process. Be willing to make changes and adjustments as necessary to ensure that your budget works for both you and your partner.
Developing a wedding budget can be a daunting task but by following a few simple steps you can develop a budget that works for you and your partner. Begin by determining your overall budget then breaking it down into smaller categories researching and comparing prices and putting money aside for emergencies. Remember to be flexible and willing to make changes and adjustments as needed throughout the planning process to ensure that your budget works for you and your partner.
