How to set a wedding budget

It’s time to start planning your wedding and your head is probably swimming with thoughts of dresses, cake and ceremony locations. While it is fun to be thinking about these items, there is one important thing you need to plan first: the wedding budget.

Setting a budget for your wedding is vital in ensuring the cost doesn’t get out of hand. It is far too easy to break the budget during the planning process without even realising it. The temptation of paying just an extra dollar or two per head here and there is high, but it all adds up in the end.

When setting the budget make sure you are realistic. This means being realistic with what you can afford but also being realistic with the fact that you will most likely go over the planned amount slightly. It’s a good idea to set aside an additional 5% in the budget for this overspend, and if you are lucky enough to not need it then you will have extra money to take with you on honeymoon!

Before you decide on the total budget amount, there is a conversation you need to have first. As awkward as it may feel, you need to work out who is paying for what. If your parents or the future in-laws have mentioned they would like to pay for part of the wedding you will need to find out upfront the amount they are planning to pay. A misunderstanding on who is paying for what could leave you seriously out of pocket down the track so discussing this at the beginning of planning will help you avoid any unexpected costs.

Once the total dollar amount has been agreed, divide the budget into categories. This will give you a clear picture of how much money you have available to spend on each item of the wedding. An example of a typical wedding budget breakdown is as follows:

– 50% on the reception. This includes drinks, cake, decorations and of course meals.

– 20% on photography and outfit. This includes outfits for both bride and groom and all accessories.

– 8% on flowers.

– 8% on music.

– 3% on stationery, including invites and places cards.

– 3% on bomboniere.

– 3% on rings for both the bride and groom.

– 3% on celebrant or Church.

– 2% on transportation.

Setting a wedding budget

Dividing your budget into categories as above will help you keep track of, and prioritise, your spending. For example, if you happen to go over budget in one category you will then need to choose another category to take that money from in order to keep the bottom line in check. So is the extra money you want to spend on the wedding meal really worth forgoing the cute bombonieres you had your eye on?

Remembering all the smaller items and details in each category is important in budgeting. For example, if you set aside $2,000 for your wedding dress, bear in mind that this needs to cover shoes and accessories as well as any alterations needed. So you don’t have the entire $2,000 to spend on just the dress itself.

You should also take into account any trials you will need such as hair and makeup or meals at your reception venue when choosing your menu.

Once you start shopping around for quotes you may find that you simply don’t have enough money to pay for your dream wedding. This is a very common problem and the best way to tackle the issue is to try saving money where possible while not compromising the overall effect of the wedding. Here are some tips on how you can do this:

– Hold your wedding on a Sunday or a weekday as the reception venues usually have a deal on these days.

– Serve only beer and wine instead of having an open bar.

– Opt out of dessert and instead serve slices of wedding cake.

– Take the quality versus quantity approach by inviting less people.

If you follow all of these budgeting tips you will be able to start your married life on the right track by being debt free.

Music and songs play a big part of your wedding day. Whether it is background music while your guests mingle or a song for walking down the aisle, you will find you are accompanied by music throughout the day.

It is because of this that it is so important to find the right band or DJ to help you, as what service they provide can help make your amazing day all that more special.

It is a tough decision for some brides and grooms on whether to have live music or use a DJ. A lot of people will get around this by having both, but at different times of the day.

Live music for the ceremony lends a very romantic, fairytale feel to the wedding, while a DJ can get the guests up and dancing at the reception after all the official parts of the day are over. Live music can also be great for when guests are having canapés and waiting for the bride and groom to arrive at the reception.

If you are considering having live music for your ceremony, you should speak to the amazing duo Two Play Strings. Dave and Catherine are both tertiary qualified musicians and their experience is evident through their performance.

Dave and Catherine play a violin and cello duo, which means their combined sound make for a romantic atmosphere for the start of your wedding day.

Through the playing of the strings, they will invoke feelings in the guests at each significant part of the ceremony. There will be expectation and calmness as the guests arrive, excitement as the ceremony is about to commence and suspense as the bride is arriving and everyone is trying to catch their first glimpse of her. Of course at the end of it, there will be joy as the bride and groom complete their vows and become husband and wife.

Two Play Strings have a large repertoire of music so you will be sure to find something you like. They can play popular wedding music such as Pachelbel’s Canon and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons but of course their talent doesn’t stop there. They can also play classical, romantic and modern periods as well as jazzy numbers. Every song they play will enhance the emotions of the day.

Two Play Strings cater specifically to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, so they are very familiar with all of the locations of the area already. They can also travel further if need be so make sure you ask about packages outside of these areas.

Imagine a gorgeous church wedding in Newcastle or a romantic vineyard wedding in the Hunter Valley with the strings playing softly as your guests arrive. Being accompanied down the aisle by this beautiful music will heighten the mood of the moment, helping to ensure it is one you will never forget.