Congratulations on your engagement! Planning your Tamborine wedding is an exciting journey, but managing your budget can be overwhelming. At Bearded Dragon Hotel, we’re here to help. Here’s a guide to planning your wedding budget, including an estimated timeline and our unique 4-step payment plan.
1. Start with a Clear Vision
Begin by discussing your wedding vision with your partner. Consider the style, theme, guest count, and must-have elements. This will help you prioritize spending and allocate your budget accordingly.
Tip: Create a mood board to visualise your ideas and share it with your vendors. Pssst. Pinterest is great for this!
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
Determine how much you can save monthly, any family contributions, and existing savings. See our helpful blog here for more tips and tricks on saving money and planning within budget.
Tip: Use a wedding budget calculator to allocate funds to different categories and track expenses.
3. Consider All Costs
Here’s a breakdown of common wedding expenses:
- Venue: The most important expense!
- Catering: Check in with your venues’ packages.
- Attire: Wedding dress, groom’s attire, and accessories.
- Photography and Videography: Capture your special day professionally.
- Styling and Decorations: Table Runners, Serviettes, Glassware, Bouquets, centrepieces, and venue decorations.
- Entertainment: Music, DJ, or live band.
- Stationery: Invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards.
- Accommodation: Hot Tip: Find a hotel that offers varying room types for families, couples and the Bridal Party!
- Transportation: For you, your wedding party, and guests.
- Favours and Gifts: For guests, bridal party, and each other.
- Miscellaneous: Wedding insurance, tips, and unexpected expenses.
Tip: Allocate 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
4. Estimated Timeline and Payment Plan
12-18 Months Before the Wedding
- Determine your overall budget.
- Book your venue (consider our beautiful Bearded Dragon Hotel!).
- Start saving regularly.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
- Book major vendors (caterer, photographer, entertainment).
- Purchase wedding insurance.
- Open a separate savings account for wedding expenses.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
- Send save-the-dates.
- Book transportation and guest accommodation.
- Continue saving and making regular payments.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
- Send invitations.
- Finalise décor and flower arrangements.
- Review and adjust your budget as needed.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding
- Confirm all bookings and make final payments.
- Purchase wedding favors and gifts.
- Have a final meeting with your coordinator.
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Confirm details with vendors.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Relax and enjoy the final preparations!
Bearded Dragon Hotel’s 4-Step Payment Plan
To ease the financial burden, we offer a convenient 4-step payment plan:
- Initial Deposit: Secure your date with a deposit.
- Midway Payment: Make a second payment halfway through planning.
- Final Payment Before the Event: Complete payments a month before the wedding.
- Post-Wedding Balance: Settle any remaining balance after the wedding for financial flexibility.
Tip: Discuss payment options with our wedding coordinators to find the best fit for your financial situation.
5. Tips for Saving and Budgeting
- DIY Where You Can: Save money on décor and stationery.
- Limit the Guest List: Fewer guests mean lower expenses.
- Prioritize What Matters: Focus your budget on what’s most important to you.
- Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets.
- Ask for Help: Get assistance from friends and family for DIY projects and recommendations.
Planning a wedding in Tamborine?
Ready to plan your dream wedding in Tamborine, Queensland? Schedule a complimentary site visit at Bearded Dragon Hotel today! Our stunning grounds, personalised wedding packages, and flexible payment plans make your planning experience stress-free and enjoyable. Create unforgettable memories with us in the heart of Tamborine.