YOU’RE ENGAGED, NOW WHAT? #2 | SET BUDGET and GUEST LIST
The Budget & Guest List Connection ~
They are listed together as one to-do 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. If you’re 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 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.
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 ~
It’s important to remember that more guests cost more money, directly affecting how you set your budget and guest list. Not just in food and beverage, but in stationery, floral arrangements, tabletop rentals, centerpieces, transportation, and more. Every additional guest adds to your total costs, so it’s essential to be mindful of how your guest list impacts your budget. Must vendors will tell you that they count children as a guest when figuring out their invoice. For example, inviting just 10 more people could significantly increase your catering costs. It can also increase, as well, the need for additional seating, tableware, and decorations.
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 sending Save the Dates to your immediate family, such as your grandparents, parents, and best friends. By prioritizing your inner circle, you ensure that the people who matter most are kept in the loop. All while giving yourself the flexibility to finalize your plans before extending the invitation to others. Then, wait until you have secured your major vendors before you send any more Save The Dates. This strategic approach allows you to manage your budget more effectively and prevents the stress of overcommitting too early in the planning process.
Final Thoughts of Setting Budget & Guest List ~
This concludes with “Set a Budget & Guest List”. We sincerely hope this helps you with your setting a Budget & your Guest List! 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.