From engagement rings to wedding planning, most individuals have envisioned their wedding day since childhood. Once the engagement ring hits the finger, we immediately begin wedding planning and glaze over the unattractive notion of setting a realistic wedding budget. We fall into the allure of beautiful wedding venues, lavish cakes, wedding photography, and other wedding commodities before assessing what we can really afford. A wedding budget can be the “elephant” in the room, but having a realistic wedding budget and sticking with it, will save you the financial headache later.
Hypothetically, a wedding should be about the couple getting married but appeasing wedding guests is typically the priority. Many couples assume they know what guests value and make the mistake of spending money in wedding areas that are not of value to them at all. To help you better prioritize your wedding budget, we have created a list of most important to least important wedding elements from the guests’ perspective.
1. Open Bar
An open bar is the ultimate win for wedding guests. Upgrading the bar from a no bar or cash bar to an open bar is worth the money for an ideal guest experience at a wedding.
2. Wedding Flowers and Décor
Wedding flowers and décor are significant to wedding guests. Although this is of great importance, it does not mean that you need to spend a ton of money on wedding flowers and décor to have a great wedding.
3. Catering
Food ranks as another top contender for wedding guests. It is no surprise guests value a good meal at a wedding. However, an expensive meal is not always a good meal. Opting for more inexpensive catering options is always a popular choice.
4. Photography
Photography is a wedding element that guests do enjoy at a wedding. Wedding photographers take photos of not only the bride and groom but also the guest. Some guests enjoy receiving professional photographs of themselves at a wedding.
5. Reception Music
Guests enjoy a good party with excellent music at a wedding. Make sure to find a great DJ or Band to set the party mood for your wedding.
6. Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue
The wedding ceremony and reception venue are less of a priority for guests. Having an excellent wedding venue is less critical to guests than good food and free drinks. Instead of spending tons of money on a wedding venue, consider looking for more affordable wedding venue options.
7. Cake
Guests appreciate other wedding elements over the wedding cake. According to bridalguide.com, guests are equally satisfied with a sweet alternative to cake at a wedding.
8. Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are lovely; however, it is not an enhancer for guests. If you insist on wedding favors at a wedding, make sure to the wedding favor budget at a minimum.
9. Invitations
Although wedding invitations can set the wedding tone for guests, it is also an item that will most likely be thrown away by most guests.
