Pretty ProgressiveWeddings tend to get rather expensive, even when they’re well planned. Large weddings, in particular, can reach stellar sums, so it is necessary to plan well ahead.
For most couples, planning a wedding begins with calculating the sum that needs to be set aside each month leading up to the wedding day. Simply take the sum of your wedding budget and divide it by the number of months you have to save up. Couples who don’t have considerable savings often have to cut back on unessential monthly expenses, but there are also other ways to maximize the savings.
How to Pay for Your Wedding
First off, setting up a savings account is recommended. Another idea is to save up any excess money that comes your way. Using your tax refund is one sustainable idea. Finally, you can even go one step ahead and borrow against any life insurance policies that may be in place.
Lastly, you can make some extra money on the side. Ideas are numerous and depend on your skills and hobbies. I.e., you can sell your products on eBay or Etsy or engage in gigs that can bring in a steady workflow.
The Average Cost of a Wedding
Weddings are costly no matter how you look at them, and they have become even more expensive since the onset of COVID-19, just like everything else.
Naturally, the cost depends on your choices, the guest count, the target venue and the chosen events. The approximate average wedding cost for 2021 is $22,500.
Vendors That Need to Be Professionals
That being said, there are always some areas where you can skimp on your wedding, such as creating your own bouquets, etc., but some definitely require a professional. We will hereby list a few, and explain what they bring that is difficult for a novice to replicate.
Photographer
A professional photographer simply cannot be replaced by an amateur. It’s your big day we’re talking about, after all.
Videographer
Similarly, a videographer is certain to catch all of the important moments of your wedding. Cost for wedding videographers vary greatly, as there are different services you can book. Look up different offers and compare prices.
DJ or Band
Have you ever attended or even heard of a wedding ceremony without music? For many couples, picking the best mixture is rather difficult, as different guests have different tastes. Some people prefer a DJ, while others a band, and some — a combination of both.
Wedding Planner
Wedding planners know more about pagoda chandeliers and other on-trend designs. They can even help you secure discounts with other vendors, and suggest health and wellness options, like saltwraps, which are growing in popularity.
Invitations
Wedding invitations are the first glimpse of your style as a couple. So, don’t even consider sending out an email. Make certain to choose a designer who can create just the invitations you’re looking for and make no compromises.
What to Expect From Wedding Costs
First of all, choose a proper date. Some wedding dates are more expensive than others because more couples are interested in them. Obviously, it is important that both the couple and the guests can enjoy the event, meaning that they shouldn’t hold back just because they have to wake up early for work the next day.
Weekends are, hence, the first obvious choice, but be careful with holidays. Dates around New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Thanksgiving and similar popular holidays are more expensive than regular weekends. The best idea is to choose a day that is personally significant for the couple, like the anniversary (of your first meeting or another significant event).
A loose wedding budget breakdown follows below:
1. Venue, rental costs and catering
These expenses make up the biggest percentage of wedding costs and can amount to 50%.
2. Photographers and Videographers
Approximate costs for photographers and videographers usually amount to 12% of the wedding budget.
3. Décor and entertainment
Don’t pay more for décor than 8% and 7% for entertainment (DJ or a band or a combination of both).
4. Attire
Costs of the attire, makeup and hair are variable and can amount to as much as 9% and include the cost of the dress and tuxedo (rentals) and all accessories.
5. A wedding planner
Services of a professional wedding planner cost ca. 3%.
6. Miscellaneous costs
Other costs may include paying for stationery, an officiant, transportation, and goodies (ca. 2% each).
Conclusion
Planning a wedding budget is a serious affair. It is important to make assessments early on so that you can start saving up in a timely manner, and set something aside for the honeymoon and other adventurous travels. The most expensive factors — venue, rental costs and catering — should serve as a basis. Choose a venue that supports your choices and keep in mind the number of invitees. You can save a lot by comparing offers, as weddings are a competitive business.
Overall, make a draft and think about the ways to maximize your budget.
