According to IBIS World, a significant percentage of American couples contribute up to one-third of their savings to their weddings. The cost of hosting a wedding today means creating and sticking to a budget, which is a task that’s easier said than done for many people. Small mountain wedding venues are growing in popularity within the destination wedding niche as more couples seek to have weddings that are more intimate and personally curated.
When planning a destination wedding, it’s easy to go over budget. Bringing guests to a destination location may cause you to overspend on what you initially planned, which is why we crafted these 3 easy reminders that will help you stick to your wedding budget. No matter the size or location of your wedding, these mindful tips can help you stick within your financial limits.
1. Find a Realistic Budgeting System & Keep it Updated
Whether it’s a good old excel spreadsheet or an app with all the bells and whistles, it’s important to find a system that works for you. Trying to keep track of everything in your head is all but assuring you that something will fall through the cracks. Once you determine which system is right for you and your partner’s planning styles, be sure to keep it updated on a real-time basis. This will keep your charges and fees in one, easily accessible form, which will be important since with destination weddings there are extra charges like hotel fees and plane flights both for you and your guests.
2. Account for Unexpected Charges and Fees When Planning Your Overall Cost
Like the planning and budgeting for every type of large event, some unexpected charges and fees are likely to pop up during the run-up to your wedding. It may turn out that the dessert tasting and sampling weren’t included in the overall catering charge, or you forgot to allocate funds to tip the hotel staff. There are going to be unexpected expenses that pop up no matter how well you plan. Especially for a destination wedding, when the planned location isn’t familiar to your or your guests. Incorporate unexpected costs when creating your budget system.
3. Build in a Contingency Cushion
Opting for small wedding venues or other low-key options can help you to keep costs in line, but it’s always smart to be prepared for the unexpected. Adding at least an additional 5% to 10% of your total budget as a contingency can help you from having to scramble or panic if you go over your budget. This will come in handy if you realize at the last minute you forgot to order corsages for some important family members, or if there’s a last-minute emergency with the flower girl’s dress. And, if you don’t end up needing the extra money, you can allocate it to your honeymoon fund.
Contact The Boathouse for Your Destination Wedding!
If you want a truly special place for your big day, consider our small mountain wedding venue in Colorado for a reliably beautiful option. Let us help you plan a wedding that will fulfill all your dreams. Contact our event planning team today to schedule a consultation.
