We’re back answering more of your wedding-related questions in the For Brides series! I’ve gathered a few wonderful wedding planners in the area who have talked about reception seating, buffet vs. plated meals and much more. Today it’s all about the money honey! We’re answering Se’era’s question:

Where do you begin on setting a price point or budget for your wedding?

YES! Such a fabulous question! My sweet friend Kelsey of Kesley Ann Events is an AMAZING wedding planner and I knew she’d be perfect to answer this question! We worked together on Tanisha & Kermit’s and the girl knows her stuff. So happy to share her with you all!

Kelsey: Besides creating a guest list, coming up with a budget for your wedding day is one of the hardest things to do in the planning process. For many, money can be a sensitive subject so, talking openly about the budget with your family, friends and fiancé is usually neither fun nor exciting. So, where do you even begin? Well, let’s start out by talking about averages. An average wedding in the United States for 150 guests usually runs around $20,000-$25,000…. Stunned? Yeah, so was I when planning my own wedding. My mother, especially, was startled. Whenever I received a vendor estimate, she would respond by saying “I only paid (x) amount for my wedding flowers! How in the world has the cost changed so much from then?!” I didn’t totally understand her point but I am sure I will once I have a daughter of my own getting married. Don’t be surprised to find that people who got married over 10 years ago will be very critical of the cost. It is only natural for them to compare it to the cost of their own wedding. Unfortunately, the harsh and ugly truth is-weddings are different now and they cost more. Here is where to start building a solid budget:

1) Guest count: The more guests that attend your wedding, the more it is going to cost. It’s this simple- you’ll have to feed, entertain and supply alcohol for everyone in attendance so your guest count will be a determining factor in your budget. Want to cut costs? Cut the guest list. It’s easier said than done, I know, but it is the best way to bring down the price.

2) Venue: The reception will cost the most out of your entire wedding. Your venue cost will determine a lot of where you can divide up your money and every venue is different; some are all-inclusive, some have a food and beverage minimum, some come with rentals and some have preferred vendors you have to use. Start looking for a venue before you look for any other vendors. Then, when you find one that offers the accommodations most practical to you, be upfront and say “this is my budget. Do most of your couples that book with you spend about this much? Would a budget of this amount be feasible for this venue?” Oh, and don’t get trapped into the rumor that “tented backyard weddings” are any cheaper than a venue. In fact, not only do they require more planning but they also usually require more money once you rent all the equipment.

Overall, my advice is to keep your guest list count low and to choose a venue that meets your budget needs. Don’t go in debt from your wedding!

Kelsey, thank you so much for dropping some knowledge! These main two factors are so crucial to focus on when determining a budget and it’s a great reminder to take a second look at that guest list! For more wedding planning posts, browse through the For Brides category and come back next week to see more of your questions answered 🙂

xoxo