Wedding Planning Budgeting Myths and Facts You Need to Know
When it comes time to plan your dream wedding, the first thing you’ll likely do (because it is the most fun) is hop on Pinterest for wedding inspiration, go online dress shopping to get an idea of what you want to wear down the aisle, or choose your wedding party. Definitely do these things! But don’t forget about wedding planning budgeting!
But how much should you budget for a wedding? And what’s the average wedding cost in Colorado? And how much should you spend on each wedding vendor? Do prices vary, and if so, based on what factors and wedding budget percentages? Great questions.
Planning wedding costs before you start making purchases is essential. So, it’s time to talk about all things wedding budget, including common misconceptions and their true counterparts. Plus, find out the average cost of a wedding in Colorado for a beautiful Northern Colorado celebration at the end.
4 Wedding Planning Budgeting Myths and Facts
Wedding Budget Myth #1: All Weddings Cost the Same
Truth: This couldn’t be further from the truth. Because in reality, no wedding costs the exact amount as another. Even if every single element of two weddings is the same, a simple location change can drastically impact the wedding cost.
When it comes to your wedding budget, there is no one-price-fits-all algorithm. The cost of your wedding depends on unique factors such as your guest count, location, venue, food choices, decor elements, and so much more. By taking time for wedding planning budgeting, you can begin to allocate your funds accordingly to each of these elements.
Wedding Budget Myth #2: Every Wedding Vendor Charges a “Standard” Fee
Truth: There are no “standards” when it comes to the cost of wedding vendors. Each vendor’s pricing varies depending on their specific services, experience, availability, and location. Because of this, it is a good idea to consider multiple vendors before solidifying a partnership with one. By doing some market research, you can determine the best vendors for you when it comes to budget and quality.
When you hire a wedding planner, they can help you find the best vendors in your area. At Mountainside Events, we have a long list of Colorado wedding vendors to recommend, making your “market research” way easier (because it is already done for you).
Wedding Budget Myth #3: My Wedding Pinterest Board Highlights an Average Wedding Cost in Colorado
Truth: Most Pinterest weddings are way above “average.” The same is true for social media wedding pages that highlight breathtaking ceremonies and elaborate decor. Many of the table settings, floral arrangements, and tented wedding receptions you have “pinned” are considered “above average” when it comes to a typical wedding budget.
However, just because your dream wedding costs above your budget doesn’t mean you can’t bring your vision to life. It will just take some creativity. With the help of a full-service wedding planner, you can have the wedding of your dreams within your budget.
Wedding Budget Myth #4: A Non-Traditional Wedding Venue Costs Less
Truth: Non-traditional wedding venues typically cost more, and here’s why: When you choose a wedding venue through a hotel, country club, or place of worship, they already have many of the staple elements needed to hold an event, such as tables and chairs, place settings and linens, a stage or dance floor, restrooms, and space for your caterers to prepare and serve food. Venues that are set up to host weddings not only have these items but usually include them in their wedding packages which can save you thousands of dollars.
When you choose a non-traditional or unconventional wedding venue such as a private estate, museum, or Airbnb home, you have to pay for and provide everything. However, if you have your heart set on a unique venue, consider planning a micro wedding with a small guest count and allocate more funds to your outside vendors and rentals.
Average Cost of a Wedding in Colorado
Northern Colorado is a beautiful wedding destination for locals and out-of-town couples. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, want a dreamy bohemian wedding, or are local to the area and want your family and friends to attend your wedding with minimal travel, a Colorado wedding sounds right for you.
The average cost of a wedding in Colorado is nearly $28,000. This is right around the U.S. average, which is just under $25,000. However, there really is no such thing as a typical wedding budget. You may have more or less than the “average,” and either way is ok!
While it is important to start wedding planning budgeting before you start making any purchases, it is more important to spend your money wisely. You don’t want to pay too much for a venue and realize you don’t have enough left over to hire a high-quality wedding photographer. When it comes to spending your wedding budget––regardless of what it is––consider these wedding budget percentages.
Wedding Planning Costs = 100%
Allocate 42-50% of your wedding budget to your venue (ceremony and reception), food (food, catering services, rentals, cake), and drinks, both alcohol and non-alcoholic (drinks, bartending services, rentals).
Allocate 2-3% of your wedding budget to ceremony specifics, such as your marriage license and officiant.
Allocate 18-20% of your wedding budget to your wedding photographer and/or videographer.
Allocate 8-18% of your wedding budget to decor, including your flowers, lighting, and rentals. (As we mentioned, if you plan a wedding at a non-traditional venue, plan to spend on the higher side for additional rentals needed.)
Allocate 3-7% of your wedding budget to stationery for your Save the Dates and wedding invitations.
Allocate 5-10% of your wedding budget to hire a wedding planner to help you stick to the percentages above and get the most out of your budget.
Start Wedding Planning Budgeting with Mountainside Events
One of the first steps of wedding planning is determining your budget. The next step is to hire a Colorado wedding planner to take care of everything else. At Mountainside Events, we have a variety of planning packages available to meet your needs and budget. Whether you’re interested in day-of coordination, full-service wedding planning, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out more about our services!