Engaged? – Avoid Stress – Set Budget and Guest List Early

The Budget and Guest List Connection ~

They are listed together as one to-do (set budget and guest list) because they work hand-in-hand to create a cohesive wedding plan. Moreover, the biggest contributor to your budget—and whether or not it’s realistic for your vision—depends largely on these two factors. When you set your budget & guest list, it’s crucial to consider all aspects. Suppose you’re discussing with family members about who may contribute financially to the wedding. In that case, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there might be an unspoken expectation that if they provide money. They may tell you that they should also have the ability to influence or even dictate part of the guest list. How much does a Wedding cost?

The Biggest Contributor to Your Budget ~

The biggest contributor to your budget—and whether or not it’s realistic for your vision—depends largely on these two factors. The number of guests you invite will directly influence many of your costs. This means catering and venue size to the amount of stationery and decor you’ll need. It’s not just about how many people you want to invite; it’s about how much you’re willing to spend per guest to create the wedding of your dreams.

Crucial to Consider all Aspects of Your Budget ~

When setting your budget and guest list, it’s crucial to consider all aspects. You may be having discussions with family members about who may be contributing financially to the wedding. It’s crucial to keep in mind that there might be an unspoken expectation. That is if they provide money, they should also have the ability to influence or even dictate part of the guest list. This can be a delicate balancing act. You’ll want to ensure that everyone feels included and valued while also staying true to your vision for the day.

You don’t know what you don’t know ~ Hidden Costs of a Larger Guest List ~

When setting your budget and guest list, it’s crucial to consider all aspects. You may be having discussions with family members about who may be contributing financially to the wedding. It’s crucial to keep in mind that there might be an unspoken expectation. That is, if they provide money, they should also have the ability to influence or even dictate part of the guest list. This can be a delicate balancing act. You’ll want to ensure that everyone feels included and valued, while also staying true to your vision for the day.

Navigating Family Expectations ~

My best advice for couples regarding setting a budget, guest list, and dealing with a guest list hijacker is the following. Do share with them the per-person cost of adding the additional people to the day. When family members understand the financial implications of adding more guests, they may be more considerate about their requests.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Setting Budget & Guest List ~

At this early stage of planning, it’s important to acknowledge that you do not yet know the exact costs for many aspects of your wedding. Catering, music, decorations, attire, photography, accommodations, florists, and more. All of these elements will come with their own price tags. Those prices can vary widely depending on your choices.

IMPORTANT ~ This is why it’s best to hold off on sending save-the-dates to everyone on your list. At least until you have a clearer picture of your overall budget and have secured your major vendors.

IMPORTANT ~ Instead, consider sending Save the Dates only to your closest family and friends, which might be just 20-30 people, rather than the 150 guests on your full list.

Strategic Save the Dates ~

This means that you should only send the Save the Dates to your immediate family, say your grandparents, your parents, your brothers, your sisters, and your best friends. This way, you make sure that the people close to you are informed about the event. It also enables you to keep yourself free of the obligation to set the final numbers of guests before being able to send the invitation to others. Then, do not send any more save-the-dates before you have set your major vendors. This strategic approach will help you control your expenses and will help to avoid the stress of potential overcommitment at the beginning of the planning process and spending more money than you intended.

Please Remember ~

Remember, this is your day, and it should reflect what is most important to you as a couple. Take your time, communicate openly with each other and your families, and enjoy the process of planning your wedding.

Table Centerpiece, Couple’s Cake, and Cake Topper. Photo by Aislinn Kate Photography

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Ready to book your venue and start planning your wedding?

Palafox Wharf is a timeless waterfront historic wedding & events venue centrally located in downtown Pensacola in the heart of one of “America’s Great Places” on Palafox Street. It is convenient and within walking distance to local eateries, entertainment, and accommodations. Palafox Wharf’s team is dedicated to giving couples and their loved ones a memorable and seamless overall wedding day experience.  Learn more about the Palafox Wharf Waterfront experience here.

Contact Palafox Wharf Waterfront at 850-748-5102 or email: sandypalafoxwharf@gmail.com

Thank you!

Thank you for stopping by our blog! For all your friends and family in other areas of the nation, we hope that you will consider referring to the below venues that are locally owned wedding venues for their big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, tend to have little to no turnover, support the local economy, and are part of the community. Choosing a locally-owned wedding venue means the world to our small family-owned wedding venues. To support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues throughout the United States in each of our blogs.  Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com.

• Waterfront Event Venue
• Degas House in New Orleans, LA
• Lady Jean Ranch
• Main Street Wedding and Event Venue
• Century Farms
• Rough & Ready Vineyards
• The Gathering Place
• The Ballroom at Parklane
• Montague Meadow
• Rustic Grace Barn
• Izenstone
• The Bougainvilleas
• Evergreen Ranch Wedding Venue
• Hidden Springs Venue
• Swan Lake Overlook Events
• Circle of Seven Ranch
• Riverbend Estate Venue
• The Mill District
• The Stables at Cypress Creek
• Pine Lake Ranch
• The Barn at Cedar Grove
• Venue de La Chute
• Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion
• River House Montana
• The Felt Estate