How to stay within your wedding budget if you’re getting married in South Wales.

Are you eagerly counting down to your special wedding day in South Wales?

No matter if you're six months, a year, or even five years out from your nuptials, you're probably knee-deep in planning already. With the average UK wedding cost in 2023, inclusive of the honeymoon and stag and hen parties, coming in at around £30,000, it's understandable that budgeting for your celebration can seem daunting.

Managing expenses for elements such as decorations, catering, your South Wales wedding venue, attire, accessories, favours, entertainment, and of course, your wedding photographer in South Wales is a substantial task.

However, regardless of the size of your wedding budget, you don't need to compromise on every aspect. Your wedding in South Wales doesn't need to break the bank. You can still bring your dream day to life with affordable alternatives that perfectly meet your needs.

As a South Wales wedding photographer with extensive experience assisting couples with budgeting and event planning, I'm here to simplify your journey with budget-friendly suggestions.

What Should I Consider for My Wedding Budget?

Before we dive into my top tips for budgeting your wedding, it's crucial to create a budget checklist completed one, fantastic, you can move on to the next section. If not, crafting a comprehensive checklist will provide you with a clearer picture of your spending and make the planning process more straightforward.

So, what should you include in your budget breakdown?

Initially, you'll want to consider your existing savings set aside for the wedding. This step will allow you to allocate funds appropriately and make adjustments as needed. After this, your checklist should incorporate the following:

Ceremony
Wedding venue
Stationery
Flowers and decorations
Transportation
Food and catering
Wedding rings
Entertainment
Photography/Videography
Wedding favours
Guest list
Invitations

These suggestions are not exhaustive, and your checklist can definitely be customized according to your preferences. Seeing the costs laid out in front of you will assist you in visualizing your budget better.

Top Tip: Spreadsheets are your friend. Even if numbers aren't your thing, they're an efficient, accessible tool that will do the maths for you. For example, choosing to use a relative's stylish sports car for free could free up funds for additional photography coverage or a magician you've been eyeing.

6 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Wedding

Now that you have your wedding checklist, you might find yourself pondering whether to splurge on a professional wedding photographer in South Wales or even a premium venue. But trust me, you don't want to skimp on capturing those priceless moments and intricate details.

To help you balance your expenditures, consider these budget-friendly options:

Day of Your Wedding: If possible, forego the traditional Saturday or Sunday wedding. Getting married on a weekday can save you a substantial sum. For instance, a survey conducted by notable UK wedding planner Bridebook demonstrated that the costs of a wedding venue vary significantly according to the day of the week. By selecting a less popular day, you could free up funds to invest in a skilled South Wales wedding photographer.
Cut Back on Late-Night Snacks: If you plan to host a wedding reception in the evening, be mindful of the after-dinner food you offer. Many guests might be too engaged in celebrating to indulge in late-night snacks. Therefore, you could inadvertently be incurring unnecessary expenses for food that may go to waste. Catering for around 70% of your guests or serving budget-friendly snacks is a practical alternative.
Rethink Table Decorations: Centrepieces can be a significant expenditure, especially when multiplied by the number of tables at your reception. Opting for DIY decorations or even forgoing them can save a considerable amount. If you're still keen on centrepieces, consider lower, less obstructive ones to not interfere with your guests' view and conversation.
Limit Alcohol Options: You can reduce your budget by sticking to soft drinks, wine, and beer instead of a full open bar. Purchasing these from a wholesaler and placing them in the centre of tables can also save costs and make service easier.
Review Your Music Options: Although music is an essential element of the celebration, you might want to consider less expensive options like a DJ instead of a live band. If you're set on live music, book in advance and clarify timings and expectations to avoid any surprise costs.
Consider High Street Outfits: Outfitting your bridal party can significantly add to your expenses. Exploring affordable options from high street stores can help reduce this cost while still ensuring your bridal party looks stunning.

Wrapping Up Your Wedding Budget

When it comes to your wedding, there are certain aspects, like your South Wales wedding photography, that shouldn't be compromised. After all, your wedding day is an event you'll want to look back on and cherish for a lifetime.

Planning a wedding can undoubtedly be stressful, confusing, and expensive. But by making thoughtful decisions on things like decorations, late-night snacks, and more, you can allocate more funds towards capturing your precious memories on camera.

With my experience in wedding photography, I promise to make your wedding day stress-free by discreetly capturing all the magical moments. I ensure your photos will be unique, reflecting you and your partner's personalities.

Simply reach out to me with your details, and I'll be delighted to discuss packages that fit within your budget.