The dreaded wedding budget | Bride 2 Be Blog

I know I said the next one would be about the dress but before any of the fun stuff we have to look at the budget.

OK, the dreaded budget part. I’m not sure what kind of girl you are but I’m a super organised bordering on OCD type. So as soon as the ring was on my finger I had figures running through my head. Even though I’d been planning this day for a longgggggggg time I was still completely shocked when it came to the budget. Before you run off to do the fun stuff like pick your dress you have to get your budget sorted. Think about it, there isn’t going to be a wedding if you don’t know where the money is coming from. Try talking to your families as they may be able to help. Its common nowadays for the couple to pay for the wedding themselves. Back in the day Daddy paid for the whole thing but if like me that’s not an option it makes getting the budget right even more crucial.

As soon as the ring was on my finger I had figures running through my head.

First things first get yourself an excel spread sheet set up. List all the things you want/need for the day. Think of a total amount for your budget and then split up the amount across the different elements. Then add a contingency fund, THIS IS IMPORTANT. Take it from me you will spend over what you originally planned, it’s a matter of fact so I’m afraid it is better to walk into this journey with your eyes wide open.

Now depending on whether you’re getting married in a church or having a civil ceremony the list below is a rough guide of the things your budget will need to cover.

• Venue
• Catering
• Photography
• Flowers
• DJ
• Marriage License
• Registrar Fees
• Wedding Insurance
• Wedding Cake
• Wedding Rings
• Bride Shoes
• Groom Shoes
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Table Decorations – Favour Boxes, Names Tags etc
• Wedding Invites
• Wedding Day Hair
• Wedding Hair Trial
• Wedding day make up
• Wedding make up trial
• Gifts – Mums, bridesmaids, best man, ushers, dads.
• Table Plan
• Sweet Table – Optional
• Venue/Marquee Decorations
• Wedding Transport

Don’t panic I know the list looks daunting but I promise it’s not as bad as it seems. When I first started I failed to include all the little things. So as my journey went on the budget went up and up. I originally didn’t have a contingency plan but in hind sight it would have saved me and my fiancée a lot of stress.

Good luck

B2Be