The Wedding Budget

Money is never a good subject to talk about in a relationship but unfortunately it's a must when planing your big day and should be the first thing on your list.

Well there's the dress, rings, venue, catering, photography, cake, flowers, entertainment, stationery, bridesmaid dresses, groom outfit, hair/make-up, honeymoon etc.... the list does go on! I will be doing separate posts on all of these.

There are loads of websites out there that have free printable wedding budgeting print offs, so if you haven't already done so, get printing!

They say the average UK wedding cost is £27,161

I believe what ever your budget you can do it.

Prioritise on what you think is most important.

If your on a low budget then you need to do a lot of work yourself, searching the web for ideas to cut costs. Things like invitations can be done yourself online through sites like vista print for a fraction of the cost you would pay for some professional business to do them or maybe you have a good friend that's great at art and crafts. Buying your rings online can be alot cheaper, it's just a case of searching for the best deals.

Your cake is another big expense, again if your on a low budget then maybe buying a plain iced cake from marks & Spencer's and buying flowers, cake toppers, ribbon etc...online  or maybe you have a family member that's a fantastic cake maker! 

There are so many ways of cutting your cost - Do you really need that many guests?

Remembering that this is your special day and yes you want everyone there but the last thing you want is to get yourself in debt for a life time!. Not a good way of starting off your marriage and I'm sure your guests will understand, maybe inviting them to the evening reception would be an option and just having close family and friends in the day. There are always options.

A good wedding planner would take away a lot of the stress, she would work to your budget and arrange everything for you, so if your budget is not too much of an issue then I would highly recommend one.

Before you do anything, go stationery shopping, not for invitations but for lined A4 paper,  a ring-bound folder and divider. They will help to keep your thoughts organised and in one place – and remove the stress of keeping all of your plans in your head.