Wedding Budgeting 101: Your Quirky Guide to Mastering the Dollars and Sense of Your Big Day

Introduction: Welcome to Wedding Budgeting

Hey there, future wedded bliss seekers! So you’re diving into that exhilarating world of wedding planning, and you’ve stumbled upon one of the most important topics: budgeting. It’s like a first dance—awkward but necessary. You’re not alone; couples everywhere sweat bullets over numbers, percentages, and how to make their dream wedding a reality without giving up that latte habit. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Budget Basics: Starting Off on the Right Foot

How do I start creating a wedding budget? First things first, grab a notebook (or your phone if you’re one of those tech-savvy folks) and outline your total wedding budget. Generally, couples spend between $20,000 to $50,000, sometimes far more if you live in New Jersey. But averages mean nothing; the only number that matters is what you want to spend; not what you COULD spend, but what you WANT to spend. Start with a number and then list your priorities.

What percentage of my budget should I allocate to each category? Word of advice: percentages mean nothing in general but 50-60% of your budget is going to your venue and catering. For most wedding planning couples, that’s the biggest expense. Then, with what is left, wedding budget wise, you’ll find your photographers, florists, and officiants and entertainment. They’ll make your big day sparkle like a new diamond.

Essential Elements: What to Invest In and Why

What are the most important elements to invest in? Invest in your guests’ experience. Think about a gracious, interesting NJ wedding venue (and we have tons of them!) that offers creative, delicious, beautifully presented food that makes their taste buds dance and music that gets them on your packed dancefloor even when their shoes are under the table. (And of course, you want a fabulous, memorable, lighthearted ceremony, right?!)

Here is a tip. Ask your vendors how you can most effectively use your budget. A great wedding pro is going to respect your budget and help you stay in it (or close)…

Cost-Cutting Capers: How to Save Without Compromise

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Where can I save money without compromising my wedding vision?
The number one way to cut your cost is to cut your guest list. Keep in mind that being a wedding guest is expensive too. Invite your RIDE OR DIE guests! Those who open your wedding invitation and scream, “YIPPEEE”” instead of “OH NO, WE HAVE TO GO TO A WEDDING”…
Cut your wedding party. The media is full of stories about how potential wedding party people are just saying no to that dubious honor, preferring to just be guests. For you? Less flowers, less gifts, no rehearsal, no rehearsal dinner….more simplicity, less $$$
Think about off season (in NJ, wedding season is generally April through October) and ask your NJ wedding venue when their prices change.
Think about an off day; Tuesday is the new Saturday; weddings happen every day of the week and you’d be amazed at how much wedding coin you can save by getting married on Thursday.
Lean on your wedding pros! Maybe you don’t need a 10 piece band; maybe six will do! Maybe you don’t need 12 hours of photo coverage with two photographers. Be honest and share your budget and go from there!

Financial Pitfalls: What to Avoid

What hidden costs should I be aware of when planning a wedding? They’re not really hidden, they’re just sometimes unexpected. Every contract you sign (and you need a contract for every service) should have their fees clearly stated. If you don’t understand something? Ask. You’re the boss.
– The marriage license and the fees for your certified copies.
– Service fees and tips and tax for your catering (This is a big one, and you should be very clear on all the fees when you sign a contract with your wedding venue and/or wedding caterer.)
– Tips for other wedding vendors.
– Anything that has to be done last minute, because it will probably cost more. (Be a good planner and avoid late fees!)
– Don’t be afraid to just say “NO” to things that seem crazy to you. No one is going to leave your wedding thinking, “wow, that was a great wedding except did you SEE those PLACECARDS? Ruined it for me”.
And they never will!!