You do, you need a budget. Your first priority, after you have announced your engagement is setting the budget. There is no getting around it. Are you paying for everything or are your parents? Or is it a combination of the two? Traditionally (i know some brides are cringing, like they hear fingernails on a blackboard when the word or a variation of the word tradition comes up, just bear with me) the brides parents paid for everything. But honestly i don't see that happening very much any more. More and more couples are paying for their own wedding or it is a combination of the couple and the parents. If you do decide to have the parents help you financially, just remember they might want to be included in the decision making process, (especially the mom(s)). So be prepared for the helpful insights from the mom(s).
The average amount spent on a wedding is between $18,000 - $28,000. So do your research, for example: your average DJ is between $500 - $700 and your average Photographer is between $1,000 - $3,000. Also go through your guest list several times and trim it. Invite people that you actually speak to on a regular basis (close friends and family). It is better to have a small guest list and pull out all of the stops than to have a huge guest list with people you hardly know and have a cheap looking reception. Use this as your mantra "small, intimate and meaningful". Know what is absolutely important to you and focus your splurges in those areas, (i.e. Photographer, Reception, etc.)
As soon as possible setup a checking account for your wedding, that way you can keep track of how much is being spent. Try to save 5% - 15% of every paycheck over the course of a year. You'll be surprised at how much you can save. And if you want to save more money sacrifice your late' or mochachino, you'll save money and lose weight! It's a win-win!. Here are 5 tips to save money:
1. Limit the beverages to wine, beer, soda and maybe if you prefer a signature cocktail.
2. Move the wedding from Saturday to Friday. Vendors tend to lower their fees for days that are in less demand.
3. Eliminate the champagne toast. Have guests toast with what they are drinking at the time.
4. Instead of a band, hire a great DJ.
5. Skip the off-site location and go with a reception site that already has all of the things you would've needed to rent anyway (i.e. tables, chairs, etc.).
If you have anything you would like to add to the list, go for it!
