Every wedding or event needs a clearly defined budget. Whether it’s $1,000 for a small private function or $50,000 for a wedding, having a budget will help guide your decisions while not breaking the bank.
Did you know that in 2018, the average Australian wedding spend is $55,000? Wow! For a lot of couples, that’s simply not affordable, feasible or smart, especially if you have a family, a mortgage or other more pressing expenses. Maybe you have financial help from parents or family, but even still, there’s no need for you or your family to be left with significant debt well after your event is completed. Your budget should work for you and your partner while allowing you to meet your other financial deadlines or goals as well. Besides, there are no awards for the best or most expensive wedding!
Before you begin planning your event, make sure you sit down with your partner to ensure you’re on the same page. Consider different factors like the size of your guest list and bridal party, your intended style of food and beverage service, and any other major expenses like accommodation or a marquee. You should also clearly define what your budget will cover. Will it cover the on-day expenses only? Or will it include attire, accommodation, pre & post event celebrations or your honeymoon too?
It may be wise to include other key financial contributors in this conversation too. Knowing exactly what everyone is prepared to contribute (either financially or in-kind) might save you from awkward conversations or unexpected expenses down the track. For example:
Having these honest conversations up front will help manage everyone’s expectations.
There are many ways to bring your event together within your budget, a big part of which is choosing the right vendors and suppliers. We’re hugely passionate about helping you stick to your budget; we’ll recommend the most suitable suppliers for you and negotiate depending on your needs and vison. We can make tailored budget saving recommendations, whether it’s finding the more affordable day or season for your event, or helping you take advantage of supplier specials and promotions.
If you have are planning an upcoming event and want expert advice and guidance on how to stick to budget, we’d love to hear from you!
As wedding and event planners, we are always happy to offer advice to our clients. Often we remind you that there are no rules in weddings!
Recently, a groom-to-be and his mother asked my opinion on whether having his father as a groomsmen was okay. While it is not a common first choice (with most opting to select mates or brothers), I reassured him that there is no rule book for weddings and if he wants his dad by his side, then why not! It’s a beautiful way to really honour that evidently important relationship.
We’re seeing this ‘no rules’ principle appear in the bridal party in other ways too: uneven numbers on each ‘side’, bridesmen, groomsmaids, mismatched attire and sometimes even no bridal party at all! Do you hate cake but love cheesecake? Why not cut into your favourite cheesecake instead. Or maybe you have two left feet and the idea of an all-eyes-on-you first dance terrifies you. Try a first song, where all the guests are invited to the dance floor for a slow dance so your first dance as a couple becomes more of a group activity.
At the end of the day, it’s your day and these choices that some may call ‘untraditional’ generally bring out the best of you as a couple while making your day unique and special. If you make decisions intentionally, ones that feel completely true to you, your personality and your love story, you will look back on your wedding day fondly and with no regrets.
We love hearing the new and creative ideas that couples come up with. Do you have an unconventional idea that you want advice on or need help to pull together? We look forward having you tell us all about it!