How to Start Planning a Wedding on a Budget

A wedding, like any other project, requires careful planning where budgetary constraints have to be followed and deadlines must be met. It can be quite the complex job and it can be totally stressful and time consuming. Opportunities for disasters are endless.

But it doesn’t have to be.

The average time frame between the engagement and the wedding is 12 to 16 months. Because of the duration of the wedding planning process, you may want to seriously consider hiring a professional wedding planner.

A wedding planner is one of best things you can invest in. They are there to help make your life easier and to help relieve stress. Usually, wedding planners should be prepared to help you with design, financial, legal, etiquette, and many more issues. They have experience with wedding vendors of all kind and will be able to recommend reception venues, photographers, or any other wedding service professional you might need.

They can provide you with support and smart solutions to unexpected occurrences. But are there wedding planners that brides on a budget can afford?

Perhaps you may want to consider choosing an independent coordinator. Maybe even a student, or someone just starting out. They can meet with you once, a few times, or help you plan the whole thing. Sometimes the only thing you need is a basic outline to help you organize your wedding day.

Start with a checklist of your wedding day even if things aren’t finalized, include venue, staff, flowers, dress, etc.

Create categorizes and your planner may look something like this:

Ceremony:
• Venue/location
• Decorations
• Seating
• Aisle runner
• Transportation

Reception:
• Venue/location

Decorations
• Seating/tables
• Food
• Guestbook

Create an estimate of what each thing will cost. This will help give you a basic idea. When having a wedding 50% of the cost goes to your venue. Consider asking around, do any of your friends or family have a large backyard, or a small ranch you could hold the ceremony at? You could buy some hay bales, throw some nice quilts on top of them, and boom! Cute, affordable, easy seating. Pick wildflowers and use them to decorate tables at the reception. If you’re crafty, the possibilities for saving money on decorations are endless. One of the bonuses of having a planner is that they typically have a lot of connections with other vendors. They may even be able to offer discounted services. Evaluate vendor contracts and recommend clarification before signing. You may not have the budget or desire to hire a wedding planner to plan your wedding from start to the wedding day. It is still recommended that you at least consult with a wedding planner on some of the most important elements of your wedding.