Set a budget early...

Why is this so important?

This is the MOST important topic and should be a priority before starting to plan your wedding. I know that the excitement can take over as you start thinking about all things weddings and budget isn’t top of mind, BUT this is key to ensure you have a realistic number in mind and ultimately you set yourself up for success when planning your big day.

Review your Priorities

It’s important to list out your priorities as a couple. Whether that be entertainment, food, florals, or the overall aesthetic of your wedding. What do you want your guests to leave saying at the end of the night? This is a question you can ask yourself early on to put into perspective what is most important to you. Another huge discussion will need to be with those who are helping out with the finances, if any. If your parents or any family members are investing in your wedding, be sure to ask what their expectations are and if they have any role in your planning.

Venue Budgeting Myth

When looking at venues, be sure to take into account what is built into the price versus what is not. The DIY venue that is simply a venue rental is usually believed to be less costly. Although, this can be the complete opposite if you haven’t outlined a budget prior and where things can add up quickly. Here in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania there are a lot of barn venue options that our couples are attracted to. As much as we love these, you should consider all the additional costs that come with a rental venue similar to these. For instance, when renting simply the shell of a venue, you’ll need to vet out catering, all rentals including chairs, tables, linens, staffing and bartender services, restrooms, and the list goes on. If you are comparing a venue rental option similar to these versus an all inclusive venue, keep in mind that the comparison is not apples to apples. As these numbers can be very different up front, they may end up being the same in the end. This is why it is crucial to set a budget prior to booking a venue!

Hire a Wedding Planner

Time is money. We’ve all heard this saying before and when it comes to planning your wedding, it’s best to know how much time you are investing when planning your wedding. Did you know that on average is takes a couple between 200-500 hours to plan a wedding? With that being said, investing in a great wedding planner can actually save you time, money, and stress. As your wedding planner, we have the resources and knowledge to plan your wedding with you and will become very familiar in what your goals are. We bring value to you as a couple and can get answers quickly in terms of venue and vendor availability, as well as pricing. We also ca provide you with a realistic approach and educate you on what things may or may not align with your budget. Starting with the venue!

Guest Count Matters

The biggest way to save is going to be your guest count! As much as you don’t want to hear this, it is completely true. By eliminating 10 guests to your total guest list, you could save thousands of dollars in more place than one. For example, think about each guest and what you need to provide for them to be there. Each guest will need to be fed, provided alcohol, provided a seat at a table, an invitation, an escort card, etc. If you take away 10 guests off that initial list, you could in turn remove a rental table, a centerpiece, a table setting for each, and more. If you are looking to save some dollars, this is a good place to start.

In the end, my best advice to you is to be realistic in your approach when you start your planning. Talk through what is most important to you as a couple and go from there. Remember that this is a celebration of your love and should be just that! It’s a good idea to reach out to a professional who can guide you through the process with a less than stressful experience so you can enjoy this time together.