Budgeting your wedding

Times Contributor

 

Couples will all agree it is hard to plan a budget for their special day, but even harder to not over-spend, especially when tempted by all the amazing details that can be used in their wedding.

The average cost of a Canadian wedding is estimated to be about $20,000 – $30,000 dollars. Amanda Bazant, who owns Studio B events, says she would estimate a local wedding to be in that price range.

Bazant says “weddings can get totally out of control” and wedding planners can assist with keeping on budget since they notice where the money is being spent and can “pull things back” to cut costs. 

Bazant says you should look at the wedding planner’s website to get a feel for what their style is and meet with them to make sure the communication is good and they can envision what you want. Certification is also very important when looking for a planner, 

Traditionally, weddings were paid for by the bride’s family, and the groom’s family would take care of the honeymoon, but Bazant says this is rarely the case any more.

“I think it’s huge when the couples pay for themselves,” Bazant says, “it shows how important this day is to them.”

Bazant says the amount of decor is often overlooked at a wedding, and she suggests having “a smaller wedding” and use lots of decor to “give your guests a great experience.” She also says having a theme to the wedding will help keep focus on necessary purchases rather than indulgences.

“You can do so much with a little bit of money, especially do-it-yourself projects.”

Bazant also recommends wedding insurance, which is usually a few hundred dollars. 

To take an average wedding and make it unique, Bazant said the venue, lighting, decor and food are all extremely important.

“That’s your biggest chunk of your wedding is your food,” Bazant said. “Make your menu a part of your theme.”

Kim Lund, of Kim’s Katering in Strathmore, agrees that food can really enhance a wedding.

“A good caterer will ask about the colours and decor [of the wedding] and try and fit the meal to go with what the couple wants,” says Lund. Kim’s Katering provides free services with their catering, such as serving the head table and free refills on punch and hot drinks, but Lund says not all catering companies do this so it is important to ask.

“A lot of caterers charge for additional salads, veggies or buns,” Lund says, “we try to include some of these in the price.” Lund says Strathmore will usually run between $14-$30 dollars per plate, while in the city it will range from about $25-$70 dollars a plate. 

“A good caterer will provide free samples and be flexible on the menu,” and Lund suggests talking with your caterer to get unique ideas and make your vision come true.

Lund said it is becoming more common for couples to save up more money for their weddings and try to cut as much cost where they can.

In terms of catering, Lund said to make sure you have your budget planned before you start shopping for food, and to ask questions and communicate with your caterers to make sure there are no unexpected costs popping up and that you are satisfied with their service.

Bazant suggests picking one “splurge item” and focusing extra money on it to be the extra unique thing at the wedding, whether it is the bride’s dress, the venue or the cake. 

“Find the one thing that makes your wedding unique. If you like to travel, make your cake look like a stack of suitcases.”

Bazant also says that there are a few things that are over-rated in a wedding, such as the typical “arrive in a limo” which can cost hundreds of dollars. “It does give your guests that wow factor when you arrive, but half of them won’t even see you arrive.”

Bazant suggests talking as a couple to decide which things are most important to them. “I had a couple who had a normal budget, but they spent $5,000 on a photographer, because that was their special thing,” Bazant explains.

“Organization is key to a great wedding,” says Lund.