Your budget is one of the first things that you will sit down and discuss when planning your wedding. It also often causes the most stress during the planning process. Below are the 3 main things that affect your wedding budget and can potentially add to your wedding planning drama.

1. Where you wed. Your wedding location will play a leading role in the creation of your budget. Venues that are located in urban areas will generally charge more than smaller venues outside of main cities. Venues may also have different packages and policies that you'll need to consider. For example, some venues might require you to use only their preferred vendors, some of which might not fit in with your budget. Many venues also have minimum catering requirements that may go beyond your guest list. Some also charge additional fees for attendants, linens, security, and set-up/tear-down. It's important to look at what is included in the cost of each venue before you make a final decision on where you want to get married.

2. Time of the year. Wedding seasons make a big difference to costs. Planning to get married on a Saturday in the summer? Chances are you're going to end up paying a lot more for your wedding. Some venues and vendors charge more for in-demand dates during peak seasons, but they may have discounted pricing for Fridays and Sundays. Look at your budget and how it fits in with the venue and location you have in mind. Consider whether you or not you will be better off planning your wedding during another season or on a different day of the week to save on costs.

3. The number of guests. This is one area that can very easily get out of hand. The number of guests is going to affect a large portion of your budget, so it pays to be sensible about who you're inviting. Some venues will charge you based on a per-person fee and of course your catering cost is directly related to the guest count, so be sure you are keeping the guest list under control. Agree on how many guests you want to invite and stick to it as best you can. People will understand that you have a limit on how many guests you can invite, especially in the time of COVID.

If you want to stick to your wedding budget and avoid drowning in debt by the time you come back from your honeymoon, make sure you plan your finances before you even begin planning your wedding. Working with a wedding planner would be an added bonus as they can help you find the best prices and keep you on track financially!