Every event begins at the same place: setting a budget. The truth is without a budget you will end up in a world of trouble – either doubling, tripling or even quadrupling what you were expecting to spend, or failing to spend your funds in the “right” places – the things that are most important to you.
Setting and sticking to a wedding or event budget can be challenging which is one of the most valuable things an event planner can assist with – they are there to help keep you on track but before you can stick to it you need to set one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage your finances effectively.
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
- Total Amount: Start by determining the total amount you’re willing to spend.
- Contributions: Consider any contributions from family members or friends.
This is best done through how much you already have in savings + contributions + how much excess you are comfortable putting in from pay each week/month. It’s important not to be unrealistic to leave yourself short in the day to day.
Step 2: Prioritise Expenses
- Must-Haves: Identify your top priorities (e.g., venue, catering, photography).
- Nice-to-Haves: List items that are important but not essential.
Hiring a planner – particularly for weddings or larger events helps with this as they can help you identify what it most important to you.
Step 3: Research Costs
- Local Prices: Research the average costs for each category in your area, compare and average out.
- Vendor Quotes: Get quotes from multiple vendors to compare prices.
*note: this is still no comparison to hiring a planner as they will save you over 100 hours of time as they have already done all this research for you.
Step 4: Allocate Funds
- Budget Allocation: Allocate funds to each category based on your priorities and research.
- Spreadsheet: Use a spreadsheet to track all expenses and allocations.
When allocating funds be sure to be realistic and use the vendor research – for example – you can’t feed 100 guests with only $3000 allocated to the venue – so be sure to create your guestlist and research your average pricing first so you know what to expect. Alternatively hire a planner and we can help you through the entire process.
Step 5: Make Adjustments
- Cut Back: Identify areas where you can cut back (e.g., opt for simpler centrepieces, choose a less expensive venue).
- Splurge: Decide where to splurge based on your priorities (e.g., high-quality photographer, gourmet catering).
This is the hardest part but depending on your budget you may not be able to have everything.
Step 6: Track Spending
- Update Regularly: Update your spreadsheet with actual costs as you book vendors and make purchases.
- Monitor: Monitor your spending to ensure you’re staying within your budget.
This is incredibly important – also be sure to include things like your rings, marriage license, bridal party gifts and accommodation in this spreadsheet. Alternatively if you book with us at Events With Amie we supply all these trackers and worksheets for you.
Step 7: Save for Contingencies
- Contingency Fund: Set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
- Emergency Savings: Have a small emergency fund for last-minute changes or additions.
This is an absolute must. You never know what may happen last minute.
Step 8: Review and Adjust
- Regular Reviews: Regularly review your budget to ensure you’re on track.
- Adjustments: Make adjustments as necessary to stay within your overall budget.
This is also something that will regularly occur – particularly during wedding planning – you may decide you are happy to increase as you fall in love with a particular vendor, but happy to compromise somewhere else.
Step 9: Seek Professional Help
- Wedding/Event Planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner to help manage your budget and find cost-saving opportunities.
Send us your enquiry anytime!
Step 10: Enjoy the Process
- Stress-Free Planning: Focus on enjoying the planning process. A well-managed budget helps reduce stress and ensures you can enjoy your big day.
Having a budget as a starting point is the most important part of any event but if you’re not used to it even with these tips it can still be very overwhelming. As professional planners we supply budget templates, tips on how to narrow it down, worksheets for you to determine what’s important to you to spend and more! If you are freaking out and stressed more than you thought then head to our enquiry page, be sure to mention this blog post for a cheeky 10% discount when booking your package!