Planning a wedding comes with a whirlwind of decisions, but one of the biggest? Figuring out how to stretch your wedding budget without sacrificing the wedding of your dreams. Some things are worth the splurge, while others? Not so much. Let’s break it down so you can allocate your funds wisely!
Wedding budget: Where to splurge
1. Photography & Videography
Once the flowers wilt and the cake is eaten, your photos and videos are what remain. This isn’t the place to cut corners. A talented wedding photographer will capture moments you’ll cherish forever, and a videographer will let you relive your vows, your first dance and that epic speech your best friend gave.
2. Venue & Catering
Your venue sets the stage for your entire day, so invest in a place that feels right. A beautiful venue can reduce the need for extra décor. As for food? Guests might forget what colour the napkins were but they won’t forget a bad meal. Quality catering is a must.
3. Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Even if you love a good DIY challenge, planning a wedding is a whole different level of logistics. A full-service planner isn’t just about aesthetics – they handle vendor coordination, timelines and those inevitable last-minute hiccups so you don’t have to. If that’s not in the wedding budget, consider a month-of or day-of coordinator. They’ll step in when it matters most, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can actually enjoy your wedding day instead of worrying about whether the caterer showed up on time.
4. Your Wedding Attire
Your wedding dress (or suit!) is something you’ll look back on forever, so if there’s a dream dress calling your name, don’t be afraid to go for it! Quality tailoring also falls into the splurge category – because a perfect fit makes all the difference.
Where to Save
1. Invitations & Paper Goods
Gorgeous wedding invitations set the tone but they can also eat up a chunk of your wedding budget. The good news? With so many beautiful digital options, this is an easy place to save. If you love the idea of traditional invites, you can still DIY parts of your stationery or choose a more budget-friendly printing option.
2. Flowers & Décor
Florals add so much beauty to a wedding but they don’t have to drain your wedding budget. Instead of oversized, extravagant centrepieces, go for in-season blooms, lush greenery or even dried florals for a stylish and budget-friendly alternative. And here’s a smart move – reuse your ceremony flowers for the reception. Aisle arrangements can frame your sweetheart table and altar florals can dress up the bar or entrance, giving you twice the impact without the extra cost.
3. Favours
Your guests are there to celebrate you – not for the mini candles or personalized coasters. Many wedding favours get left behind so consider skipping them altogether unless it’s something meaningful.
4. Cake & Desserts
A towering cake with intricate details looks stunning but does it really need to feed all 150 guests? Many couples choose a smaller decorative cake for photos and a sheet cake for serving. Cupcake towers, doughnut walls or dessert bars can be fun alternatives that cost less than a custom-tiered cake.
Smart budgeting tips
Beyond splurging and saving in the right places, here are a few more strategies to help you stay on track:
- Set Priorities: Make a list of your top three must-haves and focus your spending there.
- Track Everything: Use a wedding budget spreadsheet or app to monitor costs.
- DIY Wisely: Handmade elements can add a personal touch but be mindful of time and materials.
- Negotiate & Compare: Vendors expect some negotiation so don’t hesitate to ask for package deals or price matching.
- Keep an Emergency Fund: Unexpected costs pop up (they always do!) so set aside a little cushion.
Leave a Reply