Budgeting for a wedding abroad is much like budgeting for one at home, with a few twists: different currencies, deposits paid far in advance and costs you might not expect. Here's how to set a budget and keep it on track.
Start with a total, then split it
Agree on a total you're comfortable with first, then divide it between categories. Starting from the total keeps the plan honest: if one category grows, you can see what has to give elsewhere.
- Venue and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Photography and film
- Flowers and styling
- Clothes and beauty
- Music
- A planner
- Stationery and your website
- Rings
- Everything else
Costs that are different abroad
A few things catch couples out when the wedding is in another country.
- Exchange rates: prices quoted in euros or dollars can move between booking and paying
- Travel for you and any suppliers you bring with you
- Paperwork for a legal ceremony, translations and fees
- Transport for guests between hotels and the venue
- Service charges and local taxes that aren't in the quoted price
Track deposits and due dates
Suppliers abroad often want deposits far ahead, with balances due in instalments. Keep a list of every payment with its due date, so nothing sneaks up on you, and mark each one off as it's paid.
Keep a buffer
Leave part of the budget unallocated for the things you can't predict. You'll be glad of it.
Plan it all in one place
Marrythere connects your wedding website, guest list, RSVPs, events, rooms and guest payments. Setting it up is free.