Creating your wedding budget
Figuring out your wedding budget is probably one of the first steps in the wedding planning process - and usually the most daunting 😰 but it really doesn’t have to be! A wedding budget is just one tool that can be used to create the vision you have for your day, but is by no means the only tool. Most importantly your wedding is about the love you have for each other and how this is expressed during your wedding can look different for everyone - and that’s okay!
Decide your on your priorities
The first (and probably most important) step is sitting down together and deciding on what your priorities are for your day, specifically - what areas/vendors are absolutely non-negotiable to you both as a couple. A good way to think about this is ‘will (vendor) be something I think or care about when we’re 5 years into our marriage?’. Asking yourselves these questions as you choose your top priorities will help you gain a more rounded perspective on what’s most important to you as a couple.
Set a realistic budget
The average Australian wedding is about $30,000. (Reference) Of course this can depend on many things, such as location and if you live in a regional area (like Mildura!) or close to a city. Other factors that come into play are time of year too. From personal experience, the main wedding season in Australia is Feb-April and September - November. So getting married during peak season can mean costs are higher. Have a quick google search of wedding costs in your state or town to help you decide on an overall budget for your wedding.
Break it down
List all the vendors and details you’d like to have on your wedding day, it may help to split them them up into three categories; your 3-5 priorities, things you’d really love on your day, and then things that would be nice to have but you would be okay to boot them from the list if your budget does not allow for it.
It’s now time to research - ask family and friends that have been recently married how much they spent on certain things, gather quotes from vendors and list all this info down. Note: when asking vendors for pricing, ask them if they are available for your date as well - it would suck to be considering a vendor to only find out that they aren’t available on your date.
Time to refine
Now that you have all your desired vendors and pricing, it’s time to go through the list and shuffle things around if needed. Consider your top 3-5 priorities, is their pricing what you expected? If any of your priority vendors are more than what you thought, is there another aspect of your day that could do differently to reduce that cost and to then have more budget for one of your priorities? This is why it's super handy to have that 3-5 priority list, it will keep you focused on what's most important to you as a couple and hopefully help you figure out what you may not need for your day. Continue to do this until your list is refined enough and in the budget you set at the start.
Vendor payment options
Most weddings are planned 12-18 months in advance, if you begin your budget planning early then you can have the advantage of time as you save and pay off the vendors and purchases for your day. Although I can’t speak for all vendors, most will only require a deposit to secure the booking but the rest is usually due quite close to the wedding date. As a wedding photo + video team, we only require a 15%-25% deposit (whatever amount suits the couple best when booking). The remaining amount can be paid in instalments leading up to the wedding, or the remaining amount can be paid in full 2 weeks before the wedding date.
So while it may seem daunting adding up all the final amounts,, it's worth asking your vendors what their deposit and payment options are, often you don't need the full amount to be paid when booking and this gives you that extra time to save for the remaining balances and pay them before your wedding.
Value over price
Think about value rather than the price. This is especially important for your top 3-5 priorities. When considering vendors and purchases for you day, consider the value it will add to your day and if it truly reflects your vision or if it’s something you just felt you ‘should’ have. As Marie Kondo would say ‘if it doesn't spark joy, get rid of it!’
Your wedding budget doesn’t have to be daunting, it can help refine your vision for your day and solidify your priorities as a couple. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, and your budget is only one tool that can help in creating a day the reflects your relationship well.
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If you’re into being super efficient with your budgeting and planning, you can have a look at our wedding photo and video packages and nail 2 bookings in one!
Stay madly in love,
-Lindy & Quin x
