I give in! Brides and grooms around the planet have asked me for a wedding budget planning tool thinger for years. Since I just got married, I’m now in a place where I can share a simple spreadsheet that works for planning a wedding on budget. So yes, I’m saying I DO to a wedding budget download and sharing it with you, for free. Group hug.
There are two parts to the Wedding Budget Planner. The first is a guest list, the second tallies your planned and actual wedding costs.
Don’t become a BROKE bride and groom. Use this essential planning tool to track your spending and keep an eye on your total wedding costs. Don’t say I DO to debt on your big day.
Instructions:
Step 1: Make a list and cut it twice. Nothing increases the cost of a wedding more than a large audience. Use the Guest List Worksheet to create an affordable guest list. You can’t invite everyone.
Step 2: List your planned expenses under the Budget column in the Detailed Wedding Budget Worksheet. Tally your expected costs. Yes, you may have to cut both the horse-drawn carriage and bubble machine. Sorry.
Step 3: As you pay your vendors, enter all final expenses under the Actual column. This spreadsheet updates automatically and warns you if you’re over budget.
For a few frugal wedding ideas, read:
Your Turn: What was your biggest wedding expense?
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Your two cents:
I just got married last month. The biggest expense for us was the catering (we had a sit down meal) at $2300. Of course on top of that we had to rent the place, which was another $1250. The other big expense was the photography, at $1200. I made my own wedding dress and my own bouquet which saved us a LOT of money. I highly recommend doing that if it’s an option for you!
Thank you so much for this, it’s going to be a huge help for keeping a realistic budget!
Thanks for the tools and helpful advice. I am planning a June wedding in our backyard and your wedding frugality tips are an inspiration! We are cutting fat left, right and centre, while keeping the truly meaningful bits!
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