Planning a wedding budget can seem straightforward at first—you have a certain amount in savings, contributions from family, and a timeline to save more. But wedding costs can escalate quickly with unexpected expenses. Keep about 10% of your budget tucked away for those surprise costs. Some vendors charge extra for trials and require deposits, so make sure you’ve factored in as many elements as possible when planning your budget.
Create a Separate Wedding Email Address
Before diving into wedding planning, set up a dedicated email address. This simple step will save you a lot of headaches. It keeps your personal and work emails separate from the flood of wedding correspondence and allows you to organize everything into relevant folders. This way, you can easily keep track of all your vendor communications and RSVPs in one place.
Keep a Vendor Contact Sheet
Staying on top of your wedding planning requires organization. Create a contact sheet with the details of all your vendors and key members of your wedding party. A Google Sheet works well for this, and you can share it with your partner, planner, or coordinator. Include contracts, insurance documents, and other important files in a shared Drive folder so everything is accessible and in one place.
Consider the Date Carefully
Booking your wedding date is exciting, but make sure to consider any potential conflicts before signing on the dotted line. Check if the date coincides with major events, holidays, or birthdays. You don’t want your big day clashing with a significant local or global event that could impact attendance or cause logistical issues.
Plan for the Sun
Work with your photographer to schedule photo opportunities during the golden hour, the magical time around sunset. If you’re having a winter wedding, plan your ceremony earlier in the day to make the most of the daylight for photos. Knowing when and where the sun sets can help you capture those perfect moments.
Allow Time for Alterations
Finding your wedding attire is a major milestone, but don’t forget to allow time and some of your wedding budget for alterations. Seamstresses and tailors are skilled professionals, and their services come at a cost. Ensuring your dress or suit fits perfectly is crucial for looking and feeling your best on your big day.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Be prepared for any hiccups by packing an emergency kit. Include items like plasters, a spare pair of comfortable shoes, safety pins, a needle and thread, wipes, mints, and deodorant. Entrust this kit to a reliable member of your wedding party. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there just in case.
Feed Your Vendors
Long days at weddings can be tiring for your vendors, especially those with you for extended periods like photographers and musicians. Many will have meal requirements in their contracts, but if not, make sure to include them in your catering count. Talk to your caterer about providing meals for your vendors, ensuring they stay energized throughout the day.
Prepare for All Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for all scenarios. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, discuss backup options with your venue. Consider indoor ceremony areas, outdoor heaters, or sun covers. Checking multiple weather apps can become an obsession, but remember they’re not always accurate. Having a plan for different weather conditions will keep you calm and collected.
Organize Transportation
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations or if guests are staying in various accommodations, arrange transportation. Communicate the details through your wedding website, including pick-up times and locations. Ensure your guests know how they’ll get back to their accommodations at the end of the night, so everyone can relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about logistics.
Planning a wedding budget involves a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to overlook these practical details. If you’ve already considered all these points, you’re doing a fantastic job! Each wedding is unique, so you might have other personal considerations, like creating a wedding playlist or accommodating elderly or disabled guests. The key is to foresee potential issues early on to avoid last-minute surprises. Enjoy the planning process, and remember, it’s all about celebrating your love!
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