On Polka Dot Wisdom today, we have Vanessa of The Wedding Creators sharing her tips for creating a realistic wedding budget. Vanessa is guiding us through practical steps to help you design a budget that works for you. From setting your priorities to managing unexpected costs, these tips will ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of, without breaking the bank.

Photography by Alana Atkins Photography via What Would They Know? Vanessa Bragg of The Wedding and Event Creators

Planning a wedding is super exciting, but it can also get pretty expensive. Making a realistic wedding budget is key to having your dream day without the extra stress. Here are some tips to help you create a wedding budget that matches your vision alongside your bank account!

1. Start with a Vision

Before diving into numbers, sit down with your partner and discuss your wedding vision. Do you dream of an intimate backyard celebration, a lavish black tie affair, or something in between? Understanding your priorities—be it the venue, the dress, or the food—will guide your budgeting decisions.

Photography by Sebastian Paynter via Elliott & Finn’s Relaxed Timeless Wedding at Worrowing

2. Set a Total Budget

Determine how much you can realistically spend on your wedding. This might include contributions from both families and any savings you’ve set aside. Be honest about your financial situation and set a total budget that won’t leave you in debt after the honeymoon.

3. Break Down the Costs

Divide your total budget into categories: venue, catering, attire, photography, entertainment, flowers, hire, stationery, and miscellaneous. Research the average costs in your area to get a rough idea of what you’ll need to allocate for each category. Websites like this one (Polka Dot Weddings) or some of the online group chats on facebook etc often feature real wedding budgets that can give you a sense of what to expect.

Photography by Captured By Kate via How To Keep Track Of Your Wedding Vendors

4. Prioritise

Decide what’s most important to you and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those areas. If having stunning photography is a top priority, you might choose to spend more there and save on catering or favours. Being clear on your priorities will help you make decisions when you need to adjust your budget.

Photo by Carla Mitchell Photography via Leah & Rob’s Seriously Memorable Destination Wedding in Breathtaking Queenstown. N.Z

5. Track Your Spending

Use a spreadsheet or a wedding budget app to keep track of every expense. Include deposits, payments, and any additional costs that come up. Regularly update your budget to avoid any surprises and ensure you’re staying within your limits. There are lots of great apps and websites online you can use for this, so find the most user friendly!

Photography by Heart And The Sea via Cosy & Modern Winter Wedding Inspiration

6. Be Prepared for Hidden Costs

Weddings often come with unexpected expenses. Consider costs like taxes/gst, overtime fees, alterations, delivery charges, and beauty trials. Setting aside a contingency fund (about 5-10% of your total budget) can help cover these unexpected costs.

7. Consider Off-Peak Times

If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider having your wedding during the off-peak season or on a weekday. Venues and vendors often offer discounts during these times, which can help you save significantly.

Photography by High Impact Headshots via Lucy & Nadia’s Sparkling Modern Wedding at Seacliff House

8. DIY Where It Makes Sense

Incorporate DIY elements where feasible, but be realistic about your time and skills. Handmade invitations, favours, or decor can add a personal touch and save money. However, don’t take on too many projects that will stress you out or end up costing more in the long run.

9. Discounts or Special Rates

Be sure to compare prices from different vendors to ensure you’re getting the best deal without compromising on quality (sometimes you need to check if you are getting apples and oranges or apples and apples in your quotes to not be caught out!). Some vendors offer a special rate or discount of you pay in advance or pay more up-front, so doesn’t hurt to ask!

Photography by Matt Ashton via Laura & Mitch’s Modern Wedding At Seacliff House

10. Keep Perspective

Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment. It’s easy to get caught up in the details and feel pressured to have the “perfect” wedding, but the most important thing is the joy of marrying your partner surrounded by loved ones. Perspective people!

Photography by Mitch Pohl via Uppy & Sam’s Whimsical & Fun Red Wedding

Creating a realistic wedding budget is all about balancing your dreams with your financial reality. By prioritising, tracking expenses, and being mindful of hidden costs, you can plan a beautiful wedding that doesn’t break the bank. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, your wedding day will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Happy planning!

About The Wedding Creators: At The Wedding Creators, our team is able to offer a comprehensive approach to your wedding by having everything in-house! We can cover all your styling, hiring, planning, coordination, setup, and floral needs. We can assist from the beginning with styling concept and design through to set up, hiring goodies, florals, and then execution on the wedding day.