How to set your wedding budget.

Love it or loathe it, setting your wedding budget is a MUST at the start of your wedding planning journey.

There is no ‘set’ guide to this as we all have different tastes, my *FREE BUDGET TRACKER* is based on my own preference and items that I deem to be important; you may of course change these. But hopefully, it is a guide to get you started on your budget.

BEFORE YOU START

As you have just got engaged and are just starting to think about the planning side, before you get to the nitty gritty of money, take some time to both sit down and discuss what your dream day looks like, how many people are there? What sort of venue to you imagine? In what season? Get all this down onto paper.

GUESTS

A large part of your budget will be the catering, so determine a rough estimate of who you want to invite so that when you are looking at venues and food, you will be able to make a good, educated guess on how much the food will cost. Do remember that around 15% of those invited may not be able to attend.

*BUDGET BUSTER*

Have a look at alternative venues, pubs, country inns or hotels for example. Some of these do fabulous inclusive packages and may cut that budget in half

PRIORITISE

As we have discussed, the venue and food will make about half of your budget, so the detail is down to you to prioritise what comes next. Have a chat about the things that are important to you, as individuals and as a couple.

WHO CAN HELP?

Do you have any friends or family that could help with things? Cakes, flowers, invitations, cars – have a brainstorm to see if you know anyone that would love to help.

Note: If you are getting help with food items, do check that your venue will allow this as some don’t.

*BUDGET BUSTER*

Make sure that VAT is included in your quotes, and if it isn’t, work it out and add it.

BE REALISTIC

I have to mention this, I know, I know, but you have to be realistic, Pinterest makes for fantastic inspiration but its just that (Unless you have unlimited funds) I hate to be the ‘boring’ one but there is no sense in spending over what you can afford, if you are sensible, cut down in one area and spend more in another but please don’t forget to check your bottom line often.

*BUDGET BUSTER*

Check the small print in your contracts for any hidden costs – Read those T’s & C’s!!!!

INSURANCE

Post covid, I know a lot of you are finding it hard to find insurance, but if you can, absolutely take some out. It will protect you against suppliers going bust, or an accident with your dress. As with anything legal, check the contract thoroughly! Obviously it wont cover a change of mind, or cold feet – but for out of your hands stuff, definitely worth it. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend any for you as I am not legally allowed to.

Another key point, is to put large purchases on your credit card as you are protected by section 75 [Ensure you pay the balance so as not to accrue interest] Section 75 is a UK protection regulation that comes under the Consumer Credit Act of 1974, go HERE to read more about what it may help you with.

Grab my FREE BUDGET PLANNER when THE VAULT goes live in March!