As an Auckland wedding photographer, I've seen firsthand how a well-planned budget can make or break a couple's big day. While it might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, establishing and sticking to a budget is crucial. With the average wedding in New Zealand costing around $30,000 to $45,000, and Auckland weddings often running higher, it's essential to plan your finances carefully.

Here are eight tips to help you master your wedding budget, ensuring you can celebrate your love without breaking the bank.

1. Determine Your Contributors AKA who’s paying?

First things first: decide who will be contributing to your wedding expenses. The tradition of the bride's family covering all costs is no longer the norm or at least can’t be assumed. Often, both families chip in, and many couples contribute significantly themselves. Have open, honest conversations with all potential contributors to establish your overall budget.

2. Guest List Considerations

Your guest list significantly impacts your budget. In Auckland, with its array of stunning venues from city rooftops to Waiheke Island wineries, the per-head cost for catering can vary widely. Determine your guest count early, as this will influence nearly every aspect of your planning and can limit your available venues. Our experience is that sometimes your guest list and that or parents or contributors can be different. Align expectations as soon as possible and send out “Save the Date” as soon as possible especially if there are likely to be a lot of guests from overseas.

3. Set Your Budget Before Shopping

Avoid the common pitfall of falling in love with expensive venues or vendors before setting your budget. Start with your numbers, then explore options within your price range. Remember, it's better to start your married life with savings than debt!

4. Break Down Your Budget by Percentage

While every wedding is unique, here's a general guideline for allocating your budget:

• Venue and Catering: 40%

• Photography and Videography: 12%

• Music and Entertainment: 10%

• Flowers and Decor: 10%

• Attire and Beauty: 9%

• Ceremony: 3%

• Stationery: 3%

• Favors and Gifts: 2%

• Transportation: 2%

• Wedding Bands: 2%

• Cake: 2%

• Emergency/Miscellaneous Fund: 5%

Adjust these percentages based on your priorities. For instance, if you're dreaming of a specific photographer (hello there!), you might allocate more to that category and less to others.

5. Beware of Hidden Costs

As a local photographer, I've seen many couples caught off guard by unexpected expenses. Some often-forgotten costs include:

• Beauty treatments

• Hen's and stag nights

• Accommodation for the night before

• Vendor meals

• Overtime costs for vendors

• For destination weddings (even to nearby spots like Waiheke), factor in planning trips

• Bridesmaids/ Groomsmen gifts and or Contribution to outfits.

6. Request Detailed Cost Proposals

When you've narrowed down your vendors, ask for detailed cost proposals. This itemized breakdown will give you a clear picture of what you're paying for and can help you identify areas where you might be able to save. Some venues offer full packages for catering and decorating others and have relationships with hire companies. Make sure you understand exactly what is and isnt included with your venue. A blank slate venue might seem like a nice idea but when you have to source everything from shelter to generators for power, things get logistically complicated and expensive very quickly.

7. Stay Organized with a Budget Tracker

Create a spreadsheet to track your wedding expenses. Break down estimated costs for each category, then update with actual costs as you book vendors and make payments. Share this document with your partner and any family members contributing to keep everyone on the same page. Keep some budget aside for unexpected costs as these always end up happening.

Some hidden costs that you might not have factored into your budget:

1. Alterations and dress cleaning: Wedding dress alterations can be pricey, and post-wedding cleaning and preservation is an additional expense.

2. Postage for invitations and thank-you cards: The cost of stamps, especially for fancy or oversized invitations, can be substantial.

3. Marriage license fees

4. Transportation costs: Getting from the ceremony to the reception, or providing guest shuttles or Ubers, can be unexpectedly expensive.

5. Gifts for the wedding party: Don't forget to budget for thank-you gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

6. Day-of emergencies: Set aside a small fund for last-minute issues like a torn hem or forgotten item.

7. Cake-cutting and corkage fees: Some venues charge extra for these services it pays to double check.

Post-wedding expenses to consider:

1. Thank-you card printing: This isn’t a must but it can be a nice touch, if budget is an issue consider sending these via email.

2. Photo album and print costs: We have alot of couples suggest these as wedding gifts so if you’re able to do so add this to your registry.

3. Name change expenses: If changing names, budget for new IDs, passports, and other documents. (Make sure you don’t book your honeymoon tickets in your married name if you haven’t changed your passport!)

4. Honeymoon expenses: Don't forget about tipping, excursions, and other costs beyond the basic packages.

5. Dry cleaning for tuxedos or suits: Especially if they were rented and need to be returned in pristine condition.

8. Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate

If you've fallen in love with a vendor but their package is just out of reach, be honest about your budget. Often, we can work with you to customise a package that fits your needs and budget.

For example, as a photographer, I might be able to offer a shorter coverage time or a different package structure to meet your budget while still making sure we capture all the parts of the day that are especially important to you.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding in Auckland offers lots of stunning options, from in inner city to beachside. As a culture we don’t like to talk about money enough but getting this wrong is a huge stress and can take all the fun out of planning a dream wedding. Remember, at the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating you and the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, as much as all the details matter we have seen beautiful weddings of all different budgets but stressed over extended couples never make for a fun time!

As you move forward with your planning, don't hesitate to reach out to your vendors, including your photographer, for advice. We're here to help make your day as special and stress-free as possible!