Planning a wedding involves many tasks, the most important of which is to stick to the allotted budget. This is something some couples struggle with even though they shouldn’t have to. Here are some ways to stay on track with any wedding budget.

What the magic number?

Have a serious conversation with your fiance about how much your wedding should cost.  This conversation is not an easy one, but it’s one that needs to happen right away.  Once you decide on your budget for your wedding, you can start the planning process.

Make a Budget

Have a way to keep track of spending.  You may first want to start a list of all the things you could think of when spending money on a wedding.  Many couples choose to start a spreadsheet where they can record what they spent and how it’s related to their wedding. This should a well- organized spreadsheet that is easy to read and understand. Any time wedding planning is taking place it helps to be able to access the spreadsheet whenever necessary.

Set Aside a Little Extra

Roughly 5% of any wedding budget should be set aside specifically for extra expenses that you didn’t think you’d have. At the last minute, days or even hours before a wedding, brides could discover a stain on their dress or need to replace the votive candles meant for the centerpieces. Having money set aside for this reason can prevent any last minute stress for the bride, groom or both.

Avoid Hidden Costs

Avoiding hidden costs as much as possible is also something that must be done in order to stick to a wedding budget. Since reception venues are rented by the hour if a couple has any inkling theirs might continue after its official stop time they need to make arrangements accordingly beforehand or run the risk of having to pay vendors such as a DJ, band, or wait staff overtime. Having to do so can cause any wedding to go over its budget in a big way.

These can also be overtime charges if you or your guests are running late.

The Small Things

Small items also have to be factored into the wedding budget and many couples don’t think about this until it is too late. Items such as the stamps needed for the wedding RSVP cards and wedding favor ribbons must be factored in because these items can sometimes cost a couple more than they initially realized they would.

Set Money Aside

The way in which the money is handled will also affect the wedding budget. It is recommended that all money set aside for wedding planning goes into one specific bank account or envelope. Keeping wedding money separated from a bank account used for day to day needs will be less confusing for everyone.

Keeping these things in mind can make it easy to stay on track when planning a wedding on a budget.

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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