I Went Over My Wedding Budget. Now What?

Regardless of how fastidiously you propose your wedding budget or what number of spreadsheets you make, unexpected costs and tempting last-minute purchases can pop up. That’s why organising just a little extra fund from the get-go is a great idea. But should you’re already facing money challenges or attempting to in the reduction of on expenses, there are many ways to get your budget back on the right track.

We reached out to Michigan-based photographer and Junebug vendor Catie Eovaldi Photography, who helped us round up some expert advice. While staying focused in your budget is important, finding ways to make your dream day occur without breaking the bank is just as necessary. With a couple of tweaks and a few trade-offs, you’ll be able to still make your wedding day special while keeping your budget in check.

How To Navigate Going Over Your Wedding Budget 

Reassess Your Financial Situation

Start by determining how much you’ve exceeded your budget and what stays to be paid. Costs could have increased since your initial estimates, or you would possibly have underestimated certain expenses. Understanding your budget gap will assist you resolve whether to trim costs in other areas, save more before the marriage, or consider borrowing the difference.

As Catie advises, “Review where the overage is and what else must be done and paid for before the marriage. Make a plan moving forward on your wedding day essentials. Don’t downgrade your already booked packages (like videography, photography, etc.), but look ahead at other expenses it’s possible you’ll need to cut.” 

Utilize Your Contingency Fund

Setting aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses is all the time a great idea, but we understand that it’s easier said than done. If you happen to are likely to overspend, attempt to stash just a little extra money away as you proceed through the marriage planning process. .

Search for Additional Savings

If you happen to’re still within the early stages of planning, you could have opportunities to chop costs on significant items, corresponding to the rehearsal dinner or reception entertainment. Surprisingly, for each must-have element of your wedding, there are several non-essential items that you may forgo without anyone noticing. Catie suggests reassessing future purchases, saying, “Possibly as an alternative of booking that fancy photo booth, you select to provide everyone a QR code for a shared photo album. As an alternative of moving forward with that audio guestbook, you may cut the guestbook altogether or find a less expensive, book-style guest book .”

Talk with Your Vendors

While you could have already paid deposits and agreed-upon rates, it’s price discussing your budget constraints with suppliers early on. They possess precious expertise and should suggest cost-effective alternatives. For instance, suppose you’ve chosen a particular flower that’s costly or hard to search out. In that case, your florist might recommend an analogous, inexpensive option, allowing you to allocate those savings elsewhere. Catie recommends, “Avoid downgrading already booked packages, but look ahead at other expenses it’s possible you’ll need to cut.”

Image by Martin Wilk Photography

Consider Borrowing or Renting

It’s also price considering what you’ll be able to borrow or rent. This sustainable approach saves you money and helps you avoid purchasing items it’s possible you’ll never use again. Decor, for instance, can often be borrowed from recently married friends, and accessories like veils and clutches can follow the “something borrowed” tradition.

Watch Out for Last-Minute Expenses

As your wedding day approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in excitement and add extra details that may add up quickly. Compare these to your regular expenses to forestall those small additions from snowballing and impacting your overall budget.

Evaluate the Necessity of Additional Details

While we love the little touches that make a marriage special, it’s clever to limit yourself to a couple of key details. Many couples feel pressured to incorporate every charming idea they find on social media, which might result in extra expenses. Think twice before purchasing items that appear inexpensive individually; they’ll accumulate and significantly impact your budget.

Explore the Option of a Small Loan

If you happen to end up short on savings as your wedding date approaches, consider the opportunity of a wedding loan, provided you’ll be able to manage the repayments. Many financial institutions offer personal loans that might be adapted for wedding expenses. This may relieve among the financial strain while allowing you to have fun your special occasion.

Reimagine Your Honeymoon Plans

Your honeymoon is special, and even should you’re facing financial challenges, there are creative ways to make it just as memorable. Consider exploring beautiful destinations closer to home to avoid wasting on travel costs or selecting charming, more budget-friendly accommodations. It’s also possible to delay your honeymoon until you’ve had more time to avoid wasting or plan your trip during off-peak seasons for higher deals. With some flexibility, you’ll be able to still have the dream honeymoon you deserve.

As you propose your wedding, take into consideration what’s going to make the day special and what moments you’ll remember for years. If you happen to need more recommendations on managing costs, take a look at our guide on where to spend and save, or take a have a look at our list of easy ways to maintain your wedding budget-friendly. With these ideas, you’ll be able to create a fantastic day that won’t break the bank!

Image by EFEGE