Now that you have a budget you might find that this budget is too small but if you can’t increase your budget how do you still have the day you want/dreamed of….. below are some budget saving tips.
These are general tips only and may not be suitable for your wedding.
Booking before setting your budget
et It should be common knowledge to set your budget before you book but this is such an exciting time and when you find a great vendor you often just jump in head first…. do you research, take your time and set your realistic as possible budget before locking in any vendors.
For a realistic 2019 cost on NSW vendors please see our post about “how much you should set as a budget“
Don’t always think of the budget
Although this sounds like a contradiction its really not. Remember the saying, you get what you pay for?
This is often true, not always but often, this doesn’t mean you need to book the most expensive either. Lets use the example of photographer – you’ve done your research, have spoken to your other vendors to know who they recommend and seen reviews on all, the 4 quotes for the same length and inclusions of photography are $500, $1250, $1400 and $3900. You now need to think how important photos are, are you the kind of person who’s going to have the photos, shove them in a box in a few years and never look at them again? Or are you the kind of person who’s going to blow them up, cover walls and cupboards in them and look at them daily remembering the day?
If your the second, think of something your not keen on or willing to cut/DIY – its all about balance and you can splurge if need be.
If your the first type of person maybe photography is the thing you can save a little money on.
Keep in mind some vendors – like celebrants have costs they must pay (it costs to lodge your wedding papers).
Timing
This is the time of year your planning on getting married.
Most areas of NSW have peak and off peak wedding seasons – spring and summer being the busiest. So what does that mean for winter? A chance for you to score a “winter wedding deal”, lots of vendors will do winter specials to keep them busy in the quiet month/s around winter so its worth thinking how much a spring or summer wedding really means to you – be sure to check out our “Benefits of a winter wedding” post for more advantages
Another option could be a weekday wedding. Again some vendors have deals for weekday weddings so its worth considering to help cut the budget
Fine Print
You should be signing a contract with each vendor, it should give you a clear indication of whats included and whats not.
Be sure to read it carefully, highlight any areas your unsure of and seek clarification from them before signing.
Whats this got to do with budget? That contract may state that pack up and set up time is not included in the price, you will be billed after your wedding for this (Don’t worry TJ Productions don’t charge extra for this time). Or it may state your wedding photos are only supplied on a USB stick while others may print them – extra costs that you may want to include in your budget if you book that vendor.
Cut the guest list
If you’ve done all you can and still finding your above your budget consider cutting your guest list.
Look at your list, is there people on there who 6yrs from now you don’t imagine being in your life? are their Aunty and Uncles who you’ve never met but feel you must invite?
An easy way to start is often children, keep the children in the bridal party or those you are super close to but consider the rest – often parents are happy to enjoy a night away from their kids.
Consider none traditional venues
If your looking at a small number of guests you can always approach a local restaurant/cafe and see if they are willing to hold your reception.
This can be an option for cheaper “venue hire” and often will have more flexibility when it comes to catering prices and options.
What about BYO Alcohol
We all know how much a bottle of spirits costs verses how much you pay while out for one. Speak to your venue and see if this is an option (or consider a venue that does allow it).
This will mean purchasing it yourself leading up to your wedding day as well as organising someone to get it to your venue prior to your reception so its there and cooled before your guests arrive on the day.
Please keep in mind if your family/friends “let themselves go” a little more with pouring their own drinks this may cause issues or stress you out on the night.
