IT’S THE FIRST STEP TO PLANNING THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS…

Let’s properly set you a budget.

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important things to consider is your budget. As a newly engaged couple, it can be overwhelming to dive into the world of wedding planning, but creating a budget can be a helpful way to ensure that you stay on track financially throughout the entirety of the process. 

The first step in building a wedding budget is to sit down with your partner and come up with a ballpark figure of what you’re able to spend based on the number of guests you wish to invite. This will most likely depend on your financial situation and any contributions from family members. Once you have an idea of your budget, you can begin to break down the costs associated with hiring a team of professional vendors in your area.

Location, location, location.

The most significant expense for most weddings is typically the venue. As your wedding planner, I would hesitate to book a wedding venue right off the bat. When considering venues, be sure to factor in not only the cost of the rental, but also additional fees, like catering minimums, service charges, gratuities, and taxes. Depending on where you plan to get married, the cost of a wedding venue can vary greatly, so it’s important to do your research and determine what works best for your budget. 

Catering, or as we like to call it… your wedding day backbone.

Another significant expense is catering. This can include everything from appetizers to a full sit-down meal. As you’re researching caterers, be sure to ask about all of the costs involved, like linens, China, and service staff. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of food you want to serve – a plated dinner will be more expensive than a buffet, for example.

Other costs to consider include:

• Wedding planning, styling, and coordination services
• Photography and videography
• Music and entertainment
• Floral arrangements and decor
• Stationery (invitations, save-the-dates, thank-you cards)
• Wedding attire (dresses, suits, tuxedos)
• Hair and makeup services
• Transportation
• Favors and gifts

Check out this blog for an average wedding spending breakdown based on The triad north carolina area.

Remember that it’s okay to prioritize certain aspects of your wedding over others. Maybe you’re willing to spend a little more on photography to ensure you get the best possible images, or perhaps you’re willing to opt for a less expensive dress so that you can splurge on your catering. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what’s most important to you as you plan your special day.

Budget tools to help you track.

As you’re building your wedding budget, be sure to review it regularly to ensure that you’re staying on track. It can be helpful to use a spreadsheet (we use both Google Sheets and Aisle Planner at Humble Jade) so that you can quickly see if you’re overspending in one area or if you have room to shift funds towards something else. It’s important to remember that you can always re-work the initial vision to form a happy balance between design and spending allowance. 

By planning out your wedding budget and guest list at the beginning of the process, you’ll be much better equipped to make informed decisions and ultimately create a celebration that reflects your style and priorities without breaking the bank. 

At Humble Jade, we hoped to have encouraged you to create a very specific wedding budget based on your guest list, average vendor fees based on your area, and YOUR vision. At Humble Jade, we can’t wait to work with you and help you manage your investment wisely.

XOXO

Tiffany

Cover Photo Credit // Erin Johnson