It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning a wedding. But budgeting in advance is key for truly enjoying your big day, and it helps you avoid the stress of a large bill after the festivities are over. Use these tips for the wedding of your dreams \u2014 you might even save some money along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Much to Budget<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Throwing a wedding might be one of the biggest financial milestones of your life. The average wedding cost<\/a> $33,931 in 2018, according to a survey of more than 14,000 brides and grooms conducted by The Knot, a wedding planning website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can have a wedding for significantly less if you’re on a budget, says Nina Noelle Holmes, a Colorado-based former wedding planner and current wedding photographer. \u201cI recommend a minimum budget of around $7,000 for a wedding with 50 or so guests and a DIY wedding reception,\u201d says Holmes. \u201cAnd $12,000 for a larger wedding with around 100 guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start Budgeting Early<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saving up thousands, or tens of thousands, of dollars takes time, so start saving early if you\u2019re footing most of the bill yourself. \u201cI recommend couples start saving as soon as they can, even before they get engaged,\u201d advises Holmes. \u201cMost engagements last around one year, so there is not much time to save after you are engaged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that your expenses will come in waves. Initial deposits for your wedding planner, caterer, photographer and venue need to be paid in advance; final balances aren\u2019t due until the wedding day. You\u2019ll need to save up enough to cover most of your wedding expenses before you start planning, but you can continue to save while you plan the wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use Budgeting Software to Help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning what is likely the biggest party of your life can cause some serious \u201cwedding brain,\u201d so use budgeting software, like Quicken Deluxe<\/a>, to keep track of your money. Start using the software before you begin to build up that wedding nest egg. Quicken Deluxe<\/a> helps you analyze your other expenses to let you know how much you can realistically save each month and also creates a customized savings plan you can stick to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n