Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
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For Wedding Pros
As the concept of the traditional wedding continues to evolve, more and more couples are opting for micro weddings - smaller, intimate events with a guest list typically under 50 guests. A micro wedding can offer a multitude of benefits, from the potential for personalized touches to substantial cost savings. This blog post will delve into how to budget for a micro wedding, giving you expert tips and advice to maintain control over your finances without compromising on your dream wedding. Understanding the cost of a small wedding can seem intimidating, but with a few clever strategies, you can keep your costs within your desired range.
If you’re just joining us, feel free to check out some of our earlier posts before reading on:
What is a Micro Wedding, Anyway?
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Stunning Micro Wedding
With that out of the way, I want to say a few things. First, micro does not equal low budget. I have seen some lavish weddings that fall into the micro wedding category. A lot of people may associate this style of wedding with a lower cost, but I am here to dispel that myth. Also, this is such a personal thing - whether your budget is $200 or $200,000 we are here for it. There is no right or wrong way to have a wedding, and that includes how much you spend. Incredible events can be had at all price points - we are here to help you make it happen.
Alright, now that that's out of the way, let's dig in! Here's what we'll cover in our guide on how to budget for a micro wedding:
In my earlier post, I highlighted that the initial move towards budget planning is to have a clear idea of your spending limit. Having a conversation with your partner about this is vital to make sure you're both in agreement. After all, hosting a micro wedding can require a sizable financial investment, particularly if you're shouldering the cost alone - both parties need to be in sync. We know all too well how swiftly wedding expenses can spiral out of hand, given there are numerous details to keep track of. However, setting your budget from the get-go can help keep everything within manageable limits.
In discussing planning for a micro wedding and budgeting, one might ask, why bring up the guest list? I promise you, this could potentially be the most challenging part of your wedding planning process, even compared to the budget itself. Opting for a smaller, intimate wedding may seem like a strategic move at first until you begin deliberating over your guest list, which can indeed lead to a bit of second-guessing. Nevertheless, having a ballpark figure of your guest count is essential. It paves the way for effective budget allocation, thereby putting you on the right track for the next planning phase. Learn more about how to narrow down your wedding guest list here and get the best free guest list tracker here.
It's vital to prioritize your specific needs and desires for your micro wedding. I recommend outlining your non-negotiables at this stage so if there comes a time when trade-offs need to be made, everyone's on the same page about what's off-limits. Outline all possible costs your special day could incur. This includes not just the obvious ones like the dress, suit, and catering, but also oft-forgotten costs such as invitations, favors, and wedding insurance. Dividing your total budget into these categories will give you an "at-a-glance" vision of your expenditure and help you stay in control. Remember, when it comes to a micro wedding, it's all about maximizing value while minimizing costs. So, be creative and open-minded about ways to get the most bang for your buck.
There are a ton of ways to keep track of your spending. From tools on popular wedding platforms to good old-fashioned pen and paper, feel free to use what you feel comfortable with. This one on Zola.com is my faavorite. Whatever tool you use just make sure you have a way to capture your spending along the way. All vendors are going to require a deposit, and many (especially the big expenditures) are going to take multiple payments as you approach the big celebration. Regardless of the tool you use, it's essential to have a method or system in place that helps you understand your total budget, monitor your ongoing expenses, and track the remaining amount.
Planning a wedding, even a small micro wedding, requires budgeting for a variety of costs. Here are some of the most important expenses you’ll need to consider when planning a micro wedding.
A lot of factors play into the price - I really can't stress that enough. While it is easier to spend less on a wedding when it's micro-style or an elopement, you don't have to. Micro weddings traditionally cost less than traditional weddings, as they generally have fewer guests and more opportunities for creative solutions. Depending on the budget and the number of guests, a micro wedding can cost anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of a traditional wedding.
There are a few aspects of a smaller wedding where you will almost always see cost differences (keeping in mind apples-to-apples comparison here) as these vendors are more likely to price per head (or seat)
Where you are less likely to see a difference
I will leave you with this, micro wedding packages are a great way to streamline your planning process and is one of my favorite budget-friendly ideas for your small wedding. These packages typically cover everything from venue, catering, décor, photography, and entertainment. It dramatically simplifies the event by placing most of the responsibilities on the shoulders of reliable wedding professionals. These specialists use their vast expertise to deliver the perfect intimate celebration without overspending. Since you're aiming for a smaller gathering, micro wedding packages are designed to cater to fewer guests, generally making them more affordable. The key is to shop around and compare various all-inclusive packages to find one that best suits your needs and also aligns with your predetermined budget. This approach ensures your micro wedding remains an unforgettable event without breaking the bank.
To wrap up, planning and budgeting for a micro wedding can not only save you money but also create an intimate, personal, and cherished experience that's focused on celebrating your love. Small-scale weddings prioritize quality over quantity and shift the focus from elaborate decorations to the heartfelt moments that matter most. Remember to define your budget, prioritize your must-haves, and don't be afraid to get creative or utilize your network to help make your special day memorable. With the right planning, your micro wedding can create macro memories that will last a lifetime.
