This week Danielle and Sara share their best advice for working within your budget while planning your dream wedding. From getting married on a weekday to choosing seasonal florals that you can find locally, asking about less expensive options to knowing exactly who’s footing the bill, our hosts break down their many tips and tricks to make the most of your wedding budget while still having the amazing experience you deserve. They discuss the importance of listing your top takeaways for the big day and prioritizing what you want to spend your money on, using a spreadsheet, and being upfront with your vendors about what you’re willing to pay. 

Danielle and Sara discuss industry standards and avoiding the word “cheap” as you seek out quotes, clarifying whether you are getting full service so you can plan accordingly, and leaving room in your budget for certain conveniences so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. Remember that there is no price tag on Pinterest, and the photos you see are usually the most luxurious, opulent options, which may not be realistic for what you want to spend. However, if you’re honest with your vendors, they can often find a way to bring your vision to life without breaking the bank. Danielle and Sara end with their wedding budget horror stories, and remind listeners that it's okay to ask for a refund if something goes wrong.

Follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on Instagram, where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. And check out Danielle’s Floral Design company at RuffledWillow.com, as well as Sara’s gorgeous barn wedding locale at BurdocFarms.com. Thanks for listening!

Episode Highlights:

• Asking couples three words that they want people to take away from their wedding (flowers, food, guest experience, entertainment)
• Their answer tells you what’s important to them as you plan your budget
• If food is not important to you, you can schedule a brunch or early afternoon wedding
• Using a budget spreadsheet
• There is a misconception that finger foods are less expensive, which is not the case
• Price per piece versus price per plate
• Sara’s tip to list your wedding priorities, then start at the top as you allocate funds from your budget and work your way down
• Venues, photographers, and DJs might have a discount for an off day (Sunday and weekdays)
• Some vendors offer discount if you pay in cash or pay upfront
• Be upfront about your budget
• Keep in mind that there is no price tag on Pinterest, and weddings featured are usually luxury events at their best
• Choose seasonal florals that you can find locally to save on your budget
• Focus your floral budget on grand scale arrangements and go smaller on bridesmaids bouquets or centerpieces
• Skip personals and focus on your bridal bouquet instead
• Ask about affordable, less expensive options but make sure you are still getting full service
• Having your family help and serve the food is not the way to save money as you want them to actually enjoy the day
• Danielle and Sara’s wedding budget horror stories
• Do not be afraid to ask for a refund if something goes wrong

Quotes:

“Budget’s a hard one, but it’s a necessary conversation that needs to happen.”

“When I do planning with my clients, the first thing I always ask them is, give me three words that you want someone to take away from your wedding.”

“I always ask, Do you know who’s paying for the wedding? ...Because if...