Planning a wedding is an exciting, yet stressful process all at the same time. The biggest source of stress is almost always the same – money. It’s no secret that weddings can be outrageously expensive. Between the venue, catering, decor, your wedding dress, etc., the costs can add up quickly. Creating a budget before you start planning your wedding will give you realistic goals for the big day and keep your bank account in good shape. It’s certainly doable to still have your dream wedding on a budget, you just have to allocate your money wisely and utilize your budget where it matters most. Use these tips before you start planning to minimize the stress as your big day gets closer!

Set a Budget and Stick to it

Before you look at any dresses or make plans, set a budget with your partner. This budget should include a breakdown of who is able to pay for what. Are you paying it all yourself? Are your families contributing? If so, how much? Write all of those numbers down to determine how much you’ll be spending out of pocket and what the total cost for the wedding should be.

Keep Your Guest List Small

One of the easiest ways to keep your budget small is to limit the number of guests you invite. If possible, keep it to close family and friends only. It can be tempting to invite all of your acquaintances, coworkers, and distant family, but every additional person will raise the total cost for the wedding. A smaller guest list will make for a less chaotic wedding planning process too!  Plus, a small intimate wedding allows you to really enjoy your big day without the stress!

Find an Intimate Venue

Large venues are breathtaking, but there’s a high price to pay for that beauty. Find a smaller, intimate venue to go with your smaller guest list. Small venues can be just as gorgeous as larger venues, if not even better! A smaller venue also means fewer decorations to drive up your budget cost.

Track Your Expenses

Wedding planning is a process and it won’t all happen in one day. Write down every expense as you incur it, as well as your expected expenses. This will keep you on budget as the big day gets closer. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the planning process and overspend, but by tracking everything and adding up the totals, there won’t be any surprise digits added to your total cost after the big day.

Contact Justice Lydon & Co

If you’re trying to plan a wedding on a budget in the Boston, MA area, you’re in luck! Justice Lydon & Co provides a beautiful, intimate wedding chapel located in Quincy MA. We’re equipped to handle small weddings and elopements to make your day truly magical. Our venue is designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind to minimize the stress and planning that falls on you. Contact us today to schedule a tour of the chapel or discuss our small wedding packages!