|
As soon as the excitement of your engagement has died down its time to start the research and planning for your big day. Not only is your wedding day one of the most special and exciting days of your life, it can also be one of your most expensive if you don’t agree and then stick to a budget from the beginning.
The first step, together with your fiancé, is to take a close look at your finances. See how much you currently have saved and carefully think about what you can realistically put aside each month on the run up to the big day. Take into account luxuries you could cut out and any bonuses you might earn. Every penny counts so don’t be tempted to skip saving on the odd occasion as it will be worth it in the end.
Once you have decided on your budget, it’s time to start the research – locating the perfect wedding venue, finding a wedding photographer at the right price and style, sourcing a caterer for the day and the list goes on. To help you budget correctly and ensure you have money set aside for everything, here are some things you need to include on your savings list:
Venue: Every venue is priced differently. Some you pay per room, some you hire exclusively and some hire charges include complimentary bedrooms, welcome drinks or seasonal flowers. Make sure you clarify exactly what is included before signing any contracts and confirm when the bar closes (if a bar extension is available), what time you must vacate the venue and maximum capacity.
Decorations: Dependent on the venue you may need to put aside some money for decorations such as garlands, balloons or extra lighting.
Wedding Dress: If there is one day in your life you can get away with wearing a big over the top dress – your wedding is it. Weather you pick a glittery meringue or a sumptuous tight silky number make sure you have enough pennies set aside to get your dream dress.
Bridesmaids: Having lots of bridesmaids can be great fun however if you need to cut costs, try and stick to 1 or 2. Costs for bridesmaids include dresses, cardigans or shrugs in the winter, shoes, and jewelry. Some bridesmaids are happy to help cover the cost too so bear this in mind if costs are escalating.
Accessories: The bride needs more than just a dress for the big day. What about shoes, a veil or tiara, jewelry, lingerie and maybe even a bolero jacket if the weathers a bit cooler on your big day. When picking your dress, also bear these added costs in mind and also similar accessories for your bridesmaids.
Hair & make up: The all important final touches. If you are not confident to do it yourself ask a friend or family member to help out on the big day or if budgets permit, hire some professional help in. Don't forget you may need to pay for pre wedding consultations and trials.
Groom & best men: It’s traditional for the groom, best man and ushers to wear matching suits. Weather you opt for morning suits or standard suits with waistcoats, add these hire charges into your budget.
Wedding car / transport: If you need transport from your home to the church, from the church to the venue or simply to enjoy a short drive with your new husband or wife after the ceremony, take a bit of time to decide what time or vehicle you want and for how long. If your church is a short drive from the evening venue you may wish to lay on a coach or vintage bus to transport guests and likewise, back to accommodation in the evening.
Wedding rings: One item which stays with you for the rest of your life and is a lasting memory of your big day is your wedding ring. The amount you spend depends on the metal, weight and style you choose so it’s best to visit a few shops to price up exactly what you are after. This way you know how much money you need to put aside for this.
Gifts: It is tradition for the newlyweds to present the mother of the bride and mother of the groom with a bunch of flowers to say thank you on the big day. A token gift is also presented to the ushers, bridesmaids and anyone else involved in your big day.
Caterer: One of the largest costs of your wedding will be the food and drink costs. Take into account canapés, welcome drinks, wedding breakfast and table wine, glass of fizz for during the speeches and evening buffet. Don’t feel obliged to also put on a free bar as guests will not expect this. Also check whether you need to factor in hire charges for cutlery, glassware, crockery, linen, chairs and tables.
Tables: How many tables will you have and how are you going to decorate them? Flowers are an expensive option but look great. Why not try and cut costs by making your own table decorations, favors and place names?
Photographer: You certainly won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to a photographer and there are plenty of different packages available to suit every budget. From a disc only service to a full day coverage and wedding album package – there is something for everyone. Why not place disposable cameras on tables or take a long a Polaroid camera for people to use?
Wedding stationary: Are you going to buy or make your own save the date cards / invites / order of service / thank you cards / table plan? Consider how many you need and also postage costs in your plans.
Flowers: Speak to a local florist to help with costing your flowers. Consider flowers for the bride, bridesmaids, ushers and button holes for key family members. Do you also want floral decorations at the church or venue?
Cake: Again there are plenty of options available on the cake from – from three tier masterpieces to hand made cup cakes or even a ‘cheese cake’ (blocks of actual cheese) to accompany your evening buffet. Why not ask a friend to help to save on costs? If a cakes not your thing why not hire an ice cream van or just give a normal desert?
Honeymoon: This is one time in your life when you have the opportunity to be frivolous and take a longer and more luxurious break. Why not ask for money towards it your honeymoon from guests – some websites offer an online service to manage this www.honeymoney.co.uk
Wedding insurance: To ensure you don’t get caught out by suppliers, invest in some wedding insurance as soon as you start paying out deposits.
Registrar: Don’t forget to include registrar fees in your budget.
Music: To add to the atmosphere on the day its worth considering hiring a DJ, pianist, live band etc for during the ceremony, welcome drinks and evening reception. Look at local suppliers, visit live music venues or wedding fairs to tout for local talent.
Entertainment: Budget permitting – why not go for the wow factor and hire something different like stilt walkers, a magician or dance act.
It’s safer to be over generous when budgeting as costs do have a tendency to escalate rather than reduce. So be realistic – try not to exceed your budget at any stage and remember it is only one day so don’t go so mad or you’ll still be paying it off in years to come.
Related articles:
Related Products:
Camera Insurance | Wedding Insurance | Holiday Insurance | European Travel Insurance | Travel Insurance for Weddings Abroad | Wedding Lingerie |
|
Lifestyle 