Money, money money. When planning your special event, as with most things in life, a budget is a necessary evil. Tracking where you’re putting your money is a must for special event planning unless you’ve got an in with someone who has deep deep pockets. Despite our focus here on wedding budgets, all special events will likely bring about similar concerns!
If you aren’t paying attention, you are likely to blow your whole budget unexpectedly. So, make a plan and emphasize (AKA throw more money at) what matters most to you. From retirement parties, birthday parties, celebrations of life, and beyond, navigating your special event budget truly just means paying attention to how the world has monetized your taste and responding responsibly. Part of budgeting may require adapting one component in order to splurge on another.
“Go backwards from what’s most important to you, so you can see what budget remains for the not-so-important items on your list.”
Alyssa Brown, “How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your Wedding,” MarthaStewartWeddings
Wedding Ceremony
While there are some details such as the guest count that you cannot completely control, other components are able to be more tightly planned. The wedding planning experts (in articles linked below) suggest assuming all invited guests will attend when working on your budget; therefore, you’ve likely overestimated the cost. Indoor weddings with outdoor receptions, all indoor, all outdoor–regardless of your combination, certain pieces such as florals and decor will easily overlap with a little communication and coordination. Other choices, like candles over extra flowers, will also help keep you under budget.
“Keep in mind that candles are far less expensive than flowers, so you can create amazing impact by placing tons of candles, even floating ones, around a simple floral centerpiece.”
Sara Dickinson, “How Much Should We Really Plan to Spend on Each Wedding Centerpiece?” MarthaStewartWeddings
If an outdoor wedding ceremony fits your special event’s vision, consider whether a simpler look (see below) works for you. When going with “simple,” subtle florals for your arbor and pretty but minimal aisle markers can be all you need. On the contrary, you may find a busier, BoHo or maximalist theme more on brand for your event. And that’s wonderful, too! Obviously, the more decor the more moolah required. You get it.
Wedding Reception
If your ceremony is on the pricier side, you may plan for a more basic reception–or vice versa. The reception is the time to celebrate your love with all of your favorite people, but overall it’s still for you. The party should be what you and your fiancé envision because if you are having fun, your guests will be too!
A few end-of-night considerations you should really budget for according to Alyssa Brown: gratuities, makeup/hair touch-ups, pre-wedding food/beverages, vendor meals, and potential extra time with vendors. A little organization–especially with the help of Microsoft Excel or a similar program–will eliminate the stress of tracking costs and eliminate unwanted, expensive surprises.
Check out “Sustainability & Your Special Event” to learn about how to make more eco-friendly choices that will also lessen your overall spending. Usually, the words “rent” and “reuse” can really help.
Referenced Sites
- https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/651124/how-much-to-spend-wedding-centerpieces?did=444493-20191013&utm_campaign=martha-stewart-weddings_newsletter&utm_source=marthastewartweddings.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=101319&cid=444493&mid=25416605480
- https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/2140864/details-couples-forget-factor-into-cost-wedding?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=marthastewartweddings_marthaweddings&utm_content=like2buy&utm_term=20200115
- https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/7681869/expert-tips-under-budget-wedding
- https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/2107761/how-set-realistic-wedding-budget