Keep reading for tips on how you can still have a special day while keeping your wedding budget on track. Image by Ricky Baillie Photography

No matter how carefully you plan your wedding budget or how many spreadsheets you make, unexpected costs and tempting last-minute purchases can pop up. That’s why setting up a little extra fund from the get-go is a good idea. But if you’re already facing money challenges or trying to cut back on expenses, there are plenty of ways to get your budget back on track.

We reached out to Michigan-based photographer and Junebug vendor Catie Eovaldi Photography, who helped us round up some expert advice. While staying focused on your budget is essential, finding ways to make your dream day happen without breaking the bank is just as important. With a few tweaks and some trade-offs, you can still make your wedding day special while keeping your budget in check.

How To Navigate Going Over Your Wedding Budget 

Reassess Your Financial Situation

Start by determining how much you’ve exceeded your budget and what remains to be paid. Costs may have increased since your initial estimates, or you might have underestimated certain expenses. Understanding your budget gap will help you decide whether to trim costs in other areas, save more before the wedding, or consider borrowing the difference.

As Catie advises, “Review where the overage is and what else needs to be done and paid for before the wedding. Make a plan moving forward for your wedding day essentials. Don’t downgrade your already booked packages (like videography, photography, etc.), but look ahead at other expenses you may want to cut.” 

Utilize Your Contingency Fund

Setting aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses is always a good idea, but we understand that it’s easier said than done. If you tend to overspend, try to stash a little extra cash away as you continue through the wedding planning process. .

Look for Additional Savings

If you’re still in the early stages of planning, you may have opportunities to cut costs on significant items, such as the rehearsal dinner or reception entertainment. Surprisingly, for every must-have element of your wedding, there are several non-essential items that you can forgo without anyone noticing. Catie suggests reassessing future purchases, saying, “Maybe instead of booking that fancy photo booth, you decide to give everyone a QR code for a shared photo album. Instead of moving forward with that audio guestbook, you could cut the guestbook altogether or find a cheaper, book-style guest book .”

Talk with Your Vendors

While you may have already paid deposits and agreed-upon rates, it’s worth discussing your budget constraints with suppliers early on. They possess valuable expertise and may suggest cost-effective alternatives. For example, suppose you’ve chosen a specific flower that’s costly or hard to find. In that case, your florist might recommend a similar, less expensive option, allowing you to allocate those savings elsewhere. Catie recommends, “Avoid downgrading already booked packages, but look ahead at other expenses you may want to cut.”

Image by Martin Wilk Photography

Consider Borrowing or Renting

It’s also worth considering what you can borrow or rent. This sustainable approach saves you money and helps you avoid purchasing items you may never use again. Decor, for example, can often be borrowed from recently married friends, and accessories like veils and clutches can follow the “something borrowed” tradition.

Watch Out for Last-Minute Expenses

As your wedding day approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in excitement and add extra details that can add up quickly. Compare these to your regular expenses to prevent those small additions from snowballing and impacting your overall budget.

Evaluate the Necessity of Additional Details

While we love the little touches that make a wedding special, it’s wise to limit yourself to a few key details. Many couples feel pressured to include every charming idea they find on social media, which can lead to extra expenses. Think carefully before purchasing items that seem inexpensive individually; they can accumulate and significantly impact your budget.

Explore the Option of a Small Loan

If you find yourself short on savings as your wedding date approaches, consider the possibility of a wedding loan, provided you can manage the repayments. Many financial institutions offer personal loans that can be adapted for wedding expenses. This can relieve some of the financial strain while allowing you to celebrate your special day.

Reimagine Your Honeymoon Plans

Your honeymoon is special, and even if you’re facing financial challenges, there are creative ways to make it just as memorable. Consider exploring beautiful destinations closer to home to save on travel costs or choosing charming, more budget-friendly accommodations. You can also delay your honeymoon until you’ve had more time to save or plan your trip during off-peak seasons for better deals. With some flexibility, you can still have the dream honeymoon you deserve.

As you plan your wedding, think about what will make the day special and what moments you’ll remember for years. If you need more tips on managing costs, check out our guide on where to spend and save, or take a look at our list of easy ways to keep your wedding budget-friendly. With these ideas, you can create a beautiful day that won’t break the bank!

Image by EFEGE