Setting a wedding budget

It is no secret that the national average wedding costs around $35,000 or so . Many couples are looking to allocate their wedding budget to make the most out of your money.

If you’re looking for different ways to get the most out of what you spend for your big day, you’re in the right place! We are sharing some tips to help with your wedding expenses so that you can enjoy the wedding of your dreams!

Know Your Limits

Before you begin making any major decisions, it’s really important to have a set limit from the start. You may even want to have an “ideal” budget in mind, with a backup maximum amount in case there are things you decide down the road you can’t live without. 

Do Some Research

Once you’ve decided on a city or region for your wedding, begin doing research on venues and local wedding vendors to get an idea of what services typically cost. This will further help you refine your budget to be as realistic as possible from the start. 

Prioritize with what is most important to you

Are you over the moon in love with stunning bouquets and floral installations? Is the venue a major factor for you? Or are you wanting the best wedding photographer to document your wedding in a way you’ll cherish forever? 

These are all wonderful things to care about, so weigh your budget more heavily on these items and services. 

And if the vendors or venue you’re dreaming of are a little out of your budget, consider asking your top choices if they offer payment plans! 

Refine the Guest List

This may be the hardest! Many couples feel required to invite individuals they do not even know. 

But if you’re serious about wanting to get the most out of your wedding budget, narrowing down to the most important people in your life on the guest list is a great way to do just that. 

Most couples do not realize for every guest, you’ll need to pay for their Save-the-Date, invitation, a chair, table settings and linens, a meal and beverages, etc.. When multiplied by 10, 20 or an extra 50+ guests, you’re looking at several thousands of dollars in cost. 

So where do you start? As you begin to compile the list of guests before you send save the dates out, ask yourself: 

• In the last 3-5 years, have you seen them or spoken with them?
• Would you sad if they weren’t at your wedding?
• Are you inviting them out of obligation or because you want them there?

Don’t just take our word for it, check out BRIDES article on Taming Your Guest List.

Cut Back on Areas Which Are Less Important to You

This is, after all, your wedding! You should be able to cut back in ways that aren’t high priorities for you and your fiancé! 

A couple examples:

• Offer a cash bar or only offering beer and wine.
• Go buffet style if a plated dinner isn’t a top priority.

Which Traditions are Important to you?

Not a fan of traditional bridal veils? Aren’t worried about having a guest book? Hate the idea of spending money on party favors that no one will keep? 

There are several smaller items involved in weddings that have started to seem outdated. Many of the latest trends in the industry involve doing away with traditional wedding decor and “extra” expenses and focusing more on the experience of the day. 

Reach Out to a Wedding Photographer in Monterey

We’re Tee & Rebecca, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Monterey, California. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!

We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online ! We look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about Monterey Wedding Photographers  Tee & Rebecca by clicking here!