How to allocate your wedding budget
Once the heady romance of your proposal has calmed down, it's time to start wedding planning and budget is the first big issue on the agenda. Decidedly unromantic, it's true, but an important figure to confirm so you can plan a wonderful (and financially realistic) wedding that you'll remember for years to come.
Once you have a figure in mind, understanding how to organize your wedding investment can be overwhelming to say the least! So we asked luxury destination wedding planner and Fine Art Curation member, Krissy Campbell to share the top areas to allocate your wedding budget to make an unforgettable wedding experience at home or overseas.
Venue and location
Choosing the backdrop for your celebration is by far is a top priority. It affects all other elements of the celebration and how the space is used. Think about the experience you want you and your guests to have and find a destination that fits you and your needs best. Is it all inclusive? Are there activities there or nearby? Is there easy access to amenities/transport or airport where guests will be coming from? The more all inclusive, often the higher the price, but weighing this heavily is worth the stress free experience!
Food and beverage
You can’t throw a party without feeding your guests! Be sure to allocate at least 30% of your total investment toward food, beverages and service, including gratuities.
Photography
Capturing your emotions, the space and integral moments of a life-changing event is a top priority when thinking about your budget. When the celebration is over, you will be able to return to timeless images for years to come. You're only doing this once so allocate around 10-20% of your budget to documenting your day with a fabulous fine art photographer. It's an investment you will not regret.
Floral design
I’m all about incorporating as many natural elements to your celebration as possible. Florals, candlelight greenery and landscape all make a space feel timeless, warm, and romantic. These elements combine to make your wedding feel like an immersive memorable experience rather than just an event. You will never regret investing in this area!
Design rentals
Linens, chairs, tables, place settings, and everything you need for a dinner party or afternoon soiree may depend on your venue choice, but in the end, you will need to make sure these items are secured both for logistic and design purposes. Take time to make thoughtful choices with a planner/designer. No detail is too small in reflecting you and your marriage together.
Paper goods
Stationery including Save the Dates, formal invites and day-of paper goods (menus, name cards, escort cards, table numbers and signage) are often the first pieces seen to set the tone of your celebration and some of the finishing touches to your festivities.
Entertainment
Whether you want to dance the night away with a 14-piece live band, throw an after party with a DJ, walk down the aisle to a harpist, have a moment captured by a live painter, or entertain guests with festivities and acts... you want to have a great time doing something out of the ordinary! It’s worth the amount spent here to ensure a fun and unique experience for all.
Wedding day look
Last but certainly not least, how you look and feel on your wedding day is key to celebrating your best self and creating memories you'll want to return to forever. Make sure to designate funds for the attire for each event you are throwing (ie. rehearsal dinner and day after brunch as well as the wedding itself) along with beauty services, and unique and meaningful accessories. These are pretty details that will set the tone and scene for your wedding week.
