3 Things That Could Affect Your Wedding Budget
Let’s go ahead and lay that dirty word on the table… Come on, you can do it… We’ll say it together: BUUU-DG-ET. Whew! That was tough, but don’t you feel better now? (No? Shucks, but that’s ok. You will by the time you get to the end of this post.)
In all seriousness, “budget” is a small word that can cause some large stress if not handled with care. Your budget is one of the first things you should sit down and discuss after your engagement. That discussion should include anyone who will contribute financially to the implementation of wedding plans, such as parents or other family members.
In this edition of The Barn at Cranberry Creek Blog, we’re sharing 3 very important aspects of wedding planning to keep in mind as you set your budget.
@littlewagonphoto
- Where you wed. Your wedding location will play a leading role in the creation of your budget. Venues that are situated in popular areas will generally charge more than venues outside of main cities. Venues also have different packages and policies that you’ll need to consider. For example, some venues might require you to use their vendors, some of which might not fit in with your budget. A lot of venues also have minimum catering requirements that may go beyond your guest list. It’s important to look at average costs of areas and venues before you make a final decision on where you want to get married. At The Barn at Cranberry Creek, we provide our clients with a suggested vendor listing. We don’t require specific vendors, (and we’re always glad to work with “new to us” wedding pros) but we think of the people on our list as our “dream team.” Within that team of vendors, you’ll find various price ranges and services for all budget levels. Our clients appreciate the direction, choices, and respect for their budgets. By the way, our vendor friends do not receive kick backs from us, nor do we receive kick backs from them. (Full transparency over here.)
- Time of the year. Your choice of wedding seasons may make a big difference in costs. Planning to get married on a Saturday in the fall? Chances are you will pay more for your wedding. Look at your budget and how it fits in with the venue and location you have in mind and whether you can move your wedding to another season or day of the week to save on costs. Vendors might also be able to offer you discounts for off-peak days and seasons. This information isn’t necessarily posted on a venue’s website, so be sure to reach out and find out specific information and prices.
In the south, the months of April through June and late September through November are generally considered peak wedding months. For the past three years, these have been the fastest booking months for The Barn at Cranberry Creek. We’re already booking fall 2022 dates, so when you find a venue that fits your budget and needs, lock it in! - The number of guests. This is one area that can very easily get out of control (Trust. Us.) Your guests are going to take up a large portion of your budget so it pays to be sensible about who you’re inviting. Venues may charge you for everything from drinks and food to the chair your guest will be sitting on so think twice about inviting your third cousin who you haven’t seen in 10 years. Agree on how many guests you want to invite and stick to it. Sometimes the conversations on who will or will not be invited are super tough. The guest list should be as equitable as possible for both bride and groom. If parents or other family members are helping fund the wedding, they should also have some input on who’s invited. It’s best to get this settled and taken care of as soon as possible.
@littlewagonphoto
The Barn at Cranberry Creek has different package levels to accommodate different budgets and different needs. Our packages include tables, chairs, linens, and much more. Our full costs are shared with you up front. And again, we let caterers handle food and drink, but we proudly provide our clients with the suggested wedding pros to handle those needs within their budgets.
With these tips, you can plan your wedding AND stay within your budget like a boss! (Insert whip crack here.)
P.S. One more quick thought: many people see hiring a wedding planner as an unnecessary expense, but we can assure you, that would be one of the smartest decisions you make (after choosing Mr. or Mrs. Right, of course)! Not only will they save your sanity, but they will find you better prices and keep you on track financially.
What about you? What was (or is) your largest wedding expense? Have you managed to stay within budget?
