Wedding budget: where to splurge or save

Prioritising your wedding budget and deciding where to splurge or save can be challenging for even the strongest couples.

Some couples are foodies; others have a key eye for fashion. Perhaps you and your loved one are into live music; others might be into DJs. These differences dictate what can take a bit more of your budget. This could be the difference between wanting to hire a global DJ or perhaps having your cousin play some of your favourite songs.

If you’re struggling to work out where to spend the big bucks and what you should count your pennies for, we’re here to help. No two couples are the same, so it will come down to your priorities and where you think it is worth spending your hard-earned money. But here are some tips to take some of the stress out.

How to splurge or save: have a budget in mind

There’s no point in even figuring out where to spend your money if you don’t have a budget to begin with! If spreadsheets make you break out in hives, you might find out budget calculator handy. Once you’ve worked out what you have to spend (with just a little wriggle room), you’re ready to divide it out.

It will be of no surprise to most that the venue choice will take up most of the budget. Never fear, there’s other areas that you can pull back a bit.

Flowers

Flowers can be as over the top or subtle as you imagine. Some wedding themes will be based around ornate floral centrepieces. Although this direction can look absolutely beautiful, it can also take up quite a bit of budget. If you’re willing to forgo the arrangements on each table, a florist could focus on making sure your bouquet is exquisite.

Another way to cut costs on the florals is to go in season. Much like your fresh local produce, seasonality dictates costs. Winter weddings can be full of primroses, daffodils and poppies whereas a summer wedding would be best to feature hydrangeas, sunflowers and dahlias. 

Going to your local flower market and making these selections yourself, focusing on seasonality and going a bit DIY could mean that your floral budget can go towards other aspects to make your day one for the memory books.

Food 

Food is one of the focal points of a wedding. Traditionally named ‘the wedding breakfast’ (due to it being the first meal you eat as newlyweds, the food is imperative. But this doesn’t mean that every bit of budget needs to be chewed through, so to speak! So, is it worth the splurge or save?

A lot of venues will provide the catering. Packages will come in a tiered system, from the most premium, which can include anything from cheese tables to free-flowing champagne and three-course dinners. But there are other options that will keep guests satiated yet the pockets fuller. Opt for roaming canapes and/or vegetarian options and keep the courses down to two. Your guests should feel full but not bursting at the seams!

If your venue allows outside catering this can be where the wallet really sees some substantial savings. It will require more research to be done but it means that you can go out and find a caterer with cost-saving options that keeps your guests full and happy! 

Start your research today by perusing our caterers.

Bar

The bar is a tough one whether or not to splurge or save. There’s nothing more that people love than an open bar at a wedding! But this doesn’t mean you and your fiance must finance everyone having an all-night bender. 

If you can BYO, there’s nothing like doing a bulk order from Dan Murphys to cut costs. Picking a selection of wine and beers means you can choose ones that you and your partner really enjoy and ones that you know your guests will drink. It can be the cheaper option over the venue providing – but there also might be a corkage per head fee you’ll need to accommodate for when budgeting. Ask your friendly venue to let you know all costs up front.

Venue catering will always have different price options when it comes to a drinks package. Worried about going basic? Don’t be! All that wedding guests want is a full glass and something to hold up to do a cheers! 

It’s five o’clock somewhere! Explore your bar options.

Entertainment

What sort of entertainment you’re after can be a big decider in where to splurge or save. For some couples the big band with an even bigger sound is crucial. They want all the singalongs and the vibe that only a live band can bring. For others, a DJ armed with a playlist of belters is all they need to get the party started.

Dress

It might be what many little girls dream of when growing up, but this doesn’t mean your wedding dress needs to break the bank – this is where you can really decide to splurge or save. Although it might be your most photographed outfit, it’s also the one you’ll wear the least! 

Consider going far and wide to find your perfect dress. Pre-loved dresses are often cost-saving and a more sustainable option. You’ll have a great time searching on Depop and other online marketplaces for second hand dresses.

Off the rack is also the other option for those looking to budget the dress. Ask your local dress shops if the sample sizes and those from the rack come with any discounts. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!

Your wedding is the happiest day of your life – but this doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive! Keep things reasonable and affordable by doing just a bit more research. Your wedding doesn’t need to drain the bank.