Wedding Budget Planner

Here’s a basic outline for a wedding budget planner.

Of course you will want to customise the planner according to your specific needs and budget preferences for example where you may have a small budget but want to get the best value and band for your buck.

1. Budget Overview:
   • Create a table or spreadsheet to track the overall wedding budget.
   • Include columns for estimated costs, actual costs, and the difference.
   • List the major expense categories that are associated with weddings.
2. Expense Categories:
   • Break down the wedding expenses into different categories.
   • Common categories may include venue, catering, attire, decorations, invitations, photography, entertainment, transportation, etc.
   • Allocate a specific budget for each category.
3. Vendor Research and Selection:
   • Create a section to research and select vendors for each category. These will typically include caterers, florists and perhaps live music and entertainment. We previously featured some tips from a budget savvy bride about how to save when hiring entertainment
   • Include space to record vendor contact information, quotes, and notes.
   • Keep track of deposits paid, payment due dates, and outstanding balances.
4. Payment Schedule:
   • Develop a payment schedule to track when payments are due to each vendor.
   • Include columns for vendor names, payment due dates, and amounts.
   • Update the payment status once payments are made.
5. Guest List and RSVPs:
   • Include a section to manage your guest list.
   • Track the number of guests invited, RSVP status, and meal preferences.
   • Calculate the estimated cost per guest based on the catering budget.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses:
   • Account for any additional expenses not covered in the other categories.
   • This may include wedding favors, marriage license fees, gift registry, etc.
7. Contingency Fund:
   • Set aside a portion of the budget as a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
   • It’s recommended to allocate around 10-15% of the total budget for this purpose.
8. Progress Tracker:
   • Create a visual representation, such as a graph or chart, to track your spending progress.
   • Compare the estimated budget with the actual expenses to identify any deviations.
9. Tips and Reminders:
   • Provide helpful tips and reminders throughout the planner.
   • Include advice on cost-saving measures, negotiating with vendors, and sticking to your budget.
10. Additional Notes and Resources:
    • Include space for additional notes or special considerations.
    • Provide a list of additional resources such as wedding websites, budgeting apps, and recommended vendors.

Remember, this is just a general framework, and you can customize the planner according to your specific needs and preferences.