It is tempting to start with the fun stuff, scrolling through venues, trying on outfits, saving floristry ideas. But the single most important thing you can do first is agree on a budget. Everything else flows from that number.
Why budget comes first
Without a budget, you have no way to compare options fairly. A venue that looks perfect might eat 60 percent of your total spend. A guest list of 150 might push you into a price bracket you cannot afford. Setting a number first means every decision that follows has a framework.
How to work out your number
Start with what you have available right now, then add any confirmed contributions from family. Be honest about what you can save between now and the wedding. Avoid counting on money that has not been explicitly offered.
- Your savings earmarked for the wedding
- Monthly amounts you can set aside between now and the date
- Confirmed contributions from parents or family
- Any existing commitments that will reduce your available funds
What people forget to include
The headline cost of a wedding is only part of the picture. Couples regularly underestimate these extras:
- Service charges and VAT on venue and catering
- Tips for suppliers on the day
- Wedding party gifts
- Alterations and accessories for outfits
- Transport for the couple and guests
- Accommodation the night before and the night of
- Marriage licence and ceremony fees
Set a contingency from the start
Things change. Guest numbers shift, suppliers add extras, and small costs add up. Setting aside five to ten percent of your total as a contingency means you will not be caught out. If you do not use it, it is a bonus.
Have the money conversation together
This is one of the first big financial decisions you will make as a couple. Be open about what you can each contribute, what you are comfortable borrowing, and where your priorities lie. If one of you cares more about photography and the other about food, that is useful to know before you start allocating.
What to do once you have a number
With your total budget set, you can start splitting it into categories. Our detailed guide on building a wedding budget walks through typical UK categories and how to track spending as you go.
Wedli tracks your wedding budget by category, showing what is booked, what is paid, and what is still due, all in one place.
Get started at app.wedli.co.uk