Q & A: Exactly How Much?

Happy Friday! It is finally here. The day most of us wait for, some patiently and some not so much. Today I am answering a reader question that I got. I realized that between emails, texts, messages and panicked phone calls I should share my responses to wedding related questions. No I am not a professional and do not claim to be one but I have planned a wedding and regularly attend them.

These Q & A sessions are to help you and I will answer them as best as I can. These posts will be short, sweet and to the point. No long posts to read. I hope to have one every Friday but nothing is set in stone, an added perk of being the sole writer of the blog.

Last week I received this text message + photo:

Q.  Wow! Just found this online. How much do you think I need for an amazing wedding on a budget?

A. Budget is based on you. Bottom line. It is one of the most important things to start any attempt at planning your big day. If you are ready to start planning your wedding, deciding on how much you HAVE to spend (not want or wish) is the first step.

Yes, these numbers are scary and for some weddings it can be $20,000. The thing I learned most when planning a wedding is that it does not have to cost an arm and a leg. You can plan an affordable wedding that is amazing, ideal and totally you. When working with a budget I encourage brides to do their homework. Do not pick a bakery just because they are amazing. Pick a bakery because they are amazing + saving you $500 compared to the one down the road. Research ways to cut costs. Make your own floral arrangements. Ask friends to help. Rent items or decor instead of buying them out right. DIY! Your budget doesn't define how grand your wedding is; the hard work you put into planning and saving does.

For more tips on budgeting click here.

Photo Source: Arkansas Bride