1. Determine your overall budget:
This is perhaps the most important step in creating a wedding budget checklist. Couples need to sit down and figure out how much they can afford to spend on their wedding. This number will likely be influenced by the bride and groom's financial situation, as well as the overall cost of weddings in their area.
2. Set a date and book the venue:
Once the overall budget for the wedding is determined, couples can start booking key vendors, such as the venue. It's important to book early, as popular venues and dates tend to fill up quickly.
3. Choose your wedding party:
The wedding party is typically made up of close friends or family members of the bride and groom. deciding who will be in the wedding party can help couples determine how much they want to spend on gifts for those individuals.
4. Pick your menu and catering style:
The food and drinks served at a wedding can add up quickly, so it's important to choose a menu and catering style that fits within the couple's budget. There are a variety of catering options available, from a simple buffet to more formal plated service.
5. Order invitations and other stationery:
Wedding invitations and other stationery can be expensive, but there are a variety of affordable options available online. couples should order these items far in advance to ensure they receive them in time for the wedding.
6. Plan your music and entertainment:
Music and entertainment can make or break a wedding reception, so it's important to plan ahead. There are a variety of affordable options for both live music and DJ services.
7. Select your florist and décor:
Flowers and decorations can add a lot of visual interest to a wedding reception, but they can also be expensive. couples should work with their florist to create a look that fits within their budget without sacrificing too much visual impact.
8. Hire a photographer and videographer:
Photography and videography are two of the most important aspects of any wedding day. It's important to find photographers and videographers who fit within the couple's budget without sacrificing quality.
9. Plan your wedding cake:
Wedding cakes can range from very affordable to extremely expensive, depending on the size, design, and ingredients used. couples should decide what type of cake they want and how many tiers it should have before pricing out different bakeries.
10. Buy bride and groom attire:
The bride and groom's attire is often one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding. it's important to find clothing that fits well and looks good in photos, but couples should also be mindful of their overall budget when shopping for their wedding day attire.