Wedding Budget: Where to Start?
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it’s no secret that costs can add up quickly. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, setting a clear budget is the first step to making your vision a reality. At The Hardy Building, we believe that stunning weddings don’t have to break the bank — you just need a strategic approach. Here’s how to get started.
Photo by: Faith Irene Photography
Determine Your Overall Budget
Before diving into details, sit down with your partner (and anyone contributing financially) to establish a total budget. Be realistic about what you’re comfortable spending and prioritize your must-haves.
Before diving into details, sit down with your partner (and anyone contributing financially) to establish a total budget. Be realistic about what you’re comfortable spending and prioritize your must-haves.
Break It Down
Once you have a number in mind, divide it into key categories. Check out our cost saving tips!
Once you have a number in mind, divide it into key categories. Check out our cost saving tips!
Photo by: Faith Irene Photography
Venue & Rentals: The Hardy Building offers an industrial-modern space that serves as a stunning backdrop along with tables and chairs, reducing the need for excessive decor and rentals.
↠ Choosing an off-peak season wedding can significantly reduce venue costs. Consider a half-day Sunday brunch wedding to save on additional costs, such as food/beverage.
Catering & Bar: Decide between a plated dinner, buffet, or cocktail-style reception. Consider whether you’d like to serve alcohol, mocktails or DIY beverage bar.
↠ Opt for buffet-style, food truck catering, charcuterie boards or grazing tables to cut costs while still keeping your guests well-fed. Take advantage of our BYO Beer & Wine option to cut alcohol costs — or skip it entirely for even more savings!
Photography & Videography: Capturing memories is an investment that lasts a lifetime.
Attire & Beauty: Consider dress, suit, hair, and makeup costs.
↠ Save by doing your own hair & makeup and purchasing attire second-hand.
Entertainment: Live band or DJ? Think about what fits your vibe best.
↠ Bring speakers and curate a Spotify playlist to keep the dance floor going all night.
Coordination & Officiant: Hiring professionals can help the day run smoothly.
↠ Couples can also enlist a trusted friend or family member not attending as a guest to take on these roles and save on costs.
Florals & Décor: Establish a budget for florals and decor to ensure everything stays within your price range.
↠ Borrow instead of buy. From decor to accessories, see what can be borrowed from friends or family. Explore DIY options. Consider making centerpieces or repurposing ceremony florals for the reception.
Miscellaneous: Think about stationery, favors, and transportation.
↠ Opt for digital invitations and skip the favors. The Hardy Building has free, but limited parking. For larger weddings, encourage carpooling to save on transportation costs.
Photo by: @gracelreneephoto
Prioritize & Adjust
List your non-negotiables and areas where you’re willing to scale back. Maybe a live band is a must, but you’re open to digital invitations. Allocating funds accordingly will help keep spending in check.
List your non-negotiables and areas where you’re willing to scale back. Maybe a live band is a must, but you’re open to digital invitations. Allocating funds accordingly will help keep spending in check.
Consider Elopement & Intimate Packages
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, The Hardy Building offers elopement packages for up to 25 guests. With flexible weekday and weekend availability, this option allows couples to celebrate in style without the high price tag.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, The Hardy Building offers elopement packages for up to 25 guests. With flexible weekday and weekend availability, this option allows couples to celebrate in style without the high price tag.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
The Hardy Building has no hidden costs; however, many couples forget about vendor service fees and gratuities. Be sure to ask vendors for full estimates to avoid surprises.
The Hardy Building has no hidden costs; however, many couples forget about vendor service fees and gratuities. Be sure to ask vendors for full estimates to avoid surprises.
Track Your Expenses
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to monitor costs along the way. This will help you stay within budget and make adjustments as needed.
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to monitor costs along the way. This will help you stay within budget and make adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts
Creating a budget might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s essential to making your day both magical and financially stress-free. Whether you’re planning a full-day wedding or a stylish elopement, The Hardy Building is here to provide a beautiful, versatile space that works within your budget.
Creating a budget might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s essential to making your day both magical and financially stress-free. Whether you’re planning a full-day wedding or a stylish elopement, The Hardy Building is here to provide a beautiful, versatile space that works within your budget.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today to learn more about our venue and pricing options!