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To avoid any last-minute scrambling, we recommend setting aside 10-15% of your total vendor costs as a contingency for tips. This is often an unexpected wedding cost that can easily sneak up on couples who are on a tight budget. While it's not technically required, it is customary to tip your wedding vendors (think: officiant, photographer, band/DJ, etc.). Be realistic about what you can afford and don't try to copy someone else's dream wedding-make yours unique! It's okay if your wedding is simpler or low-key than what you see on social media-in fact, it'll likely be more memorable (and affordable!) that way. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration for your wedding, but it's important to remember that not every wedding needs to be straight out of a magazine spread. There are tons of beautiful (and affordable!) dresses out there, so take your time and find one that fits both your style and your budget. Your wedding dress is probably the most important part of your outfit for the big day, but that doesn't mean it has to be the most expensive! It's easy to get caught up in the moment and overspend on a dress you'll only wear once, but try to resist the temptation. Be sure to factor these things into your budget so you're not caught off guard later on. Things like postage, gratuity, taxes, and travel costs can really add up if you're not careful. When you'rebudgeting for your wedding, don't forget about hidden fees that can add up quickly. There are a lot of great wedding planning apps that can help with this, or you can create your own spreadsheet. This will help you stay organized and on budget. Once you start booking vendors and making payments, it's important to keep track of all your expenses in one place. Once you've decided how much you're willing to spend on each vendor, add a 20-30% cushion to your budget in case any unexpected costs come up. Keep in mind that popular vendors will likely charge more than less popular ones. Good vendors book up fast, so it's important to have an idea of how much you're willing to spend on each one before you start contacting them. Sit down with your fiancé and figure out what you can afford to spend before you start looking at venues or booking vendors. Creating a budget is the best way to avoid overspending on your big day. This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many couples don't sit down and figure out how much they're willing to spend on their wedding before they start planning. And for food, consider serving simple but elegant dishes that won't break the bank – like hors d'oeuvres or a buffet instead of a sit-down meal. Save money (and trees!) by sending electronic invitations instead of traditional paper ones.
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Go paperless and explore casual dining options.Just do some research to see what's available in your area! If you're open to thinking outside the box, there are lots of unique and affordable places that would make for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony and/or reception. Getting married during the fall or winter can often save you money, as venues and vendors are typically less busy (and therefore, less expensive) during these times of year. And your guests will still be able to enjoy themselves!
Free budget spreadsheet full#
This can be a lot cheaper than offering a full liquor bar. So only invite people that you really want there – immediate family and close friends only! This will help you save on food and drink costs, as well as venue rental fees (if applicable). Keep your guest list as low as possible.Getting married on a Friday or Sunday can often be cheaper than getting married on a Saturday – talk to your venue about pricing options for different days of the week. And for food, consider serving simple but elegant dishes that won't break the bank. Use creative ideas to save money on decor, food, and rentals – there are plenty of ways to save without compromising the big day! Get creative with your decorating – DIY projects can save a lot of money.And don't be afraid to negotiate – most vendors are open to it! If you have a few vendors you really love, try to work with them as much as possible. Plan your wedding around your preferred vendors, and don't be afraid to negotiate prices.The sooner you start planning, the more time you have to research vendors and compare prices. Start planning early to save money on your wedding budget.
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