5 Simple Steps to planning your wedding budget
You’ve just got engaged! and amongst all of that initial excitement you have found yourself signing up to every wedding fayre around and already have your wedding vision spread across 10 Pinterest boards. However, although it may seem boring it is absolutely essential that you plan your wedding budget at the start to avoid any disappointment during your wedding planning journey.
According to Hitched, the national average for a wedding in the UK as of 2024 is £20,700! However please bear in mind that this is just an average, with some weddings costing significantly less and some costing significantly more. The important thing to acknowledge is what you are looking for from your wedding day and from there deciding on your wedding budget.
Being wedding photographers for 8+ years we have captured so many beautiful weddings at varying budgets. From intimate registry office to country estate weddings and everything in between, we have captured them all. With this experience, we think we are some of the best people to help plan your wedding budget, with so many options available to ensure you have the perfect day.
Wedding Budget Steps
Some of you reading this may have already set your wedding budget and are just after some useful top tips for allocating your wedding budget. Feel free to skip to the most relevant section for you, although we recommend reading the whole way through so you don’t miss any golden wedding budget nuggets.
The ultimate wedding budget tracker
So before you go any further please download our useful wedding budget planning excel sheet for you to get a general feel for what options you will come across when planning your dream wedding day.
This planner allows you to insert your overall wedding budget and will keep you on track as and when you start booking wedding suppliers, to make sure you don’t go over your budget.
Top Tip – Set a contingency on your wedding budget of 5-10% for any hidden costs that you may not have thought about during your journey.
Allocating your wedding budget towards different wedding suppliers is also something you need to consider. Our best advice is to checkout our blog on How to allocate your wedding budget, which will take you through the average percentages you need to allocate towards specific suppliers.
Ultimately however, the cost of your wedding suppliers will be determined by what you value most on your wedding day be that the wedding photographer, wedding cake, band and so on.
Step 1: Set Your Budget Foundation
First things first, let’s talk finances. Gather your partners in crime and discuss your overall budget. Factor in savings, contributions, and what you’re comfortable spending. This initial step lays the groundwork for the rest of your wedding planning journey. You can have beautiful weddings at £5000 and at £50,000, but its important you set your overall budget to something you are comfortable with before diving into all the options you have available to make your day something unique to you.
Step 2: Identify Your Wedding Essentials
What’s non-negotiable for your big day? Is it the venue, the food, or perhaps the photography? (not being biased but the photography is definitely up in the top 3!). Identify your top priorities and allocate a larger portion of your budget to these key elements. This ensures you’re investing where it counts most to you.
Take a closer look about us and why we think wedding photography is something that a healthy proportion of your wedding budget should be allocated towards. As the saying goes –
“The Cake gets eaten, the flowers will die but your photos will last forever”.
Step 3: Research, Research, Research
Time to do your homework! Explore various wedding resources, from online platforms to local vendors, to get a sense of pricing and options. Dive into the fine details, like venue packages and catering menus, to make informed decisions that align with your vision and budget.
Also consider what things can be done by good old fashioned DIY. Some of the best decorations we have seen at weddings are ones which couples have made together on weekends and evenings leading up to their special day.
Step 4: Create a Detailed Spending Plan
Dividing your wedding budget into categories like venue, catering, attire, and entertainment is crucial for effective financial management. By assigning funds based on your priorities, you ensure that each aspect of your big day receives the necessary financial backing. However, don’t forget to set aside a buffer for unexpected expenses. Unforeseen costs, such as last-minute vendor fees or logistical challenges, can arise during the planning process. Having a contingency fund allows you to navigate these surprises without derailing your budget.
A comprehensive spending plan keeps you organized and on track throughout the planning process. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget ensures you make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds. Whether you’re splurging on a dream venue or prioritizing live entertainment, your budget serves as a roadmap to help you achieve your wedding vision within your financial means.
Step 5: Maintain Flexibility and Tranquility
Last but not least, keep calm and plan on! Stay adaptable as you navigate the twists and turns of wedding planning. Be open to alternatives and compromises, and don’t lose sight of the celebrations at the heart of it all. With a solid budget and a positive mindset, your dream wedding day is well within reach.
To summarise, planning your ideal wedding day in the UK is a journey best embarked upon with practicality and enthusiasm. By following these steps, you’ll craft a memorable celebration that reflects your love story without straining your finances.
