Budgeting for Your Micro Wedding

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:

1. Determine your total wedding budget - what is "the number"
2. Map your money - assign estimated dollar amounts to each spending category
3. Research wedding venues and vendors to get price points
4. Track your wedding expenses to stay on budget.
5. Did you know we have a community full of brides just like you

How to Budget for a Micro Wedding

Know Your Number

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.

Start Talking About Your Guest List

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.

Prioritize Your Spend

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.

Keep track of your spending

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.

Common expenses when planning a micro wedding

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.

• Catering Costs: Food and drinks are a must for any wedding, even a small one. Before booking any vendors, decide on the type of catering you’d like and make sure you understand their pricing structure.
• Venue Fees: If you’re hosting your micro wedding in a public space, you may need to pay a fee to use the venue. If you’re renting a venue, make sure to factor rental costs and any additional fees into your budget.
• Decorations: Decorations are a key part of any wedding, and micro weddings are no exception. Make sure you factor in the cost of centerpieces, tablecloths, lights, and any other decorations you’d like to use to set the mood.
• Photography: Capturing your special day is essential, so make sure to hire a photographer to capture all the special moments. Look at different packages to find the right fit for your budget.
• Music: Music can add a festive atmosphere to your micro wedding, so don’t forget to budget for a DJ or live musician.
• Transportation: If your guests are traveling to the wedding, you may need to provide transportation. Research the cost of buses, shuttles, or other transportation options to find the right fit for your budget.
• Wedding Favors: Give your guests a special memento of your special day with favors. Look for budget-friendly favors that still capture the spirit of your wedding.
• Marriage license: The cost of this will vary by location, and it’s usually not very much but still important to factor in
• Permits and insurance: Many locations require insurance, and some will require a permit. Like everything else, this depends on a lot of factors. Be sure to consult a local expert, or ask the venue owner about these expenses.
• Gratuity: Be sure to tip your vendors. Being primarily a service industry, it is customary to tip your partners.