Ask the Expert; Budgeting Tips for Brides

It’s been a couple of days since he's proposed and you’re still trying to figure out what to do before you say “I do!” Looking back at our previous post, "He Just Proposed, Now What?!" we discussed the first couple of steps to take when planning for your big day. Budget was, of course, at the top of this list. That is why we decided to sit down with Michelle Kinne of Blue Dahlia Events to learn the nickels and dimes of planning your wedding budget.

Blue Dahlia Events is a day-of coordination company, working with couples anywhere from two weeks to three months before their wedding. After the bride and groom have booked vendors and planned their event, Blue Dahlia comes in to help wrap up all the final details and take the stress off the couple on their wedding day.
 

Michelle explained that the very first step to take in the budget flow process is sitting down with whoever is going to help financially with the wedding to talk money, money, money. This is to figure out who is paying for what and what each person is going to contribute. “It’s a hard conversation to have but it’s an important one so that going forward everyone knows who’s contributing what,” Michelle explained. This initial talk on where the money is coming from sets the tone for the rest of your planning months.

After everyone is on the same monetary page, Michelle advised the couple to look at online budgeting resources. She pointed us in the direction of the Real Simple “Your Wedding-Budget Worksheet.” This worksheet provides a budgeting guideline for brides to follow. For example, it states about 50 percent of your budget is going to go towards your reception, with 10 percent going to attire, 3 percent going to your favors and so on. Blue Dahlia Events also provides a budgeting worksheet to help brides see where their money is going to be spent. Along with this,costofwedding.com  breaks down what the average bride in your county is spending and what vendors typically cost. You no longer have to go into the budgeting process blind!

The next step, according to Michelle, is prioritizing. What is most important to you? Is it going to be your DJ? Your venue? Your photographer? With prioritizing who is going to be your A-team comes research; use your budget worksheets to determine how much your most important vendors typically cost. Then, get out your calculator and start adding away. Does the cost of your top choice vendors leave some wiggle room for your "tier two" items? Ask yourself; "Am I up? Am I below? Do I need to rethink some things?"

Michelle gave some advice on what to do if after all the adding, you’re over budget. “The solution would be to make your wedding nontraditional." Have a smaller wedding, “less people is less money,” or do a daytime wedding where you do not have to serve a full meal. Not only will going the nontraditional route save you money, but it will help make your wedding stand out. Who has a wedding on a weekday?! You do! Make your ceremony one to remember!

The last tip Michelle gave to budgeting brides is to not budget your whole amount. She explained that each couple should leave a 10-20 percent cushion because the fact of the matter is, you will overspend. "This is due to either falling in love with a vendor on the pricier side, or making those last minute, rushed purchases when you don’t necessarily have time to be budget savvy.”

As if your head isn’t spinning from all the money you will be spending, Michelle offered some small costs that brides often forget which will add up quickly! As surprising as it is, many couples will forget to budget for their wedding rings. While looking at florists, caterers and photographers to create an awesome reception for their guests, brides tend to forget about themselves!

Gratuities and postage are also things couples don’t usually think about but should. According to Michelle, gratuities can add up to be anywhere between hundreds to thousands of dollars. Similar to this is postage, keep in mind that you will be sending out 100 invites, 100 thank you’s and 100 RSVPs and this is if you’re having a smaller wedding! If you don’t plan for these costs ahead of time, it can lead to a rude awakening!

With so many extra costs to keep in mind, the budgeting process can without a doubt be overwhelming. However, a bride must always remember that while, “couples are thinking about the budget and feeling this pressure to spend more and more money,“ Michelle advised to “stay connected to the purpose. The goal is to get married! You’re going to have a fun party, but at the end of the day, the party is extra.”

Being realistic is also a good way to stay grounded and not get caught up in the Pinterest, million dollar wedding craze. “You don’t want to go into debt over your wedding,” Michelle stated. And we happen to agree with her. “Having whatever your budget is, that’s OK. You’ll have the best wedding for you and that’s the most important thing.”

Still feeling overwhelmed? We, at The Center, and Michelle recommend hiring a planner for a consultation. While you may not want a full-service planner, one consultation will take some worries away and allow you to get back on track.

So what are you waiting for? Get budgetin', brides!

Want to set up a consultation with Michelle and the rest of the Blue Dahlia Events staff? Contact them at info@bluedahliaevents.com or call them at (513)720-0824.

Pictures provided by Blue Dahlia Events and Nathan Peel Photography.