Five Budgeting Mistakes I Made at My Wedding and How You Can Avoid Them!

Let’s be real: planning a wedding is a whirlwind. You’ve got your dream venue, your mind is exploding with ideas, and everyone’s asking you how the planning’s going — while you secretly consider just eloping to Vegas. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement, but before you know it, your budget has ballooned to the size of a small country’s GDP. Trust me when I say — I made my fair share of wedding budgeting mistakes. If you’re planning your big day and want to save yourself some stress (and money), learn from my epic fails. Here are the five biggest budgeting mistakes I made when planning my wedding, and how you can avoid them.

1. Falling Into the "In for a Penny, In for a Pound" Trap

Ah, the classic wedding splurge. You’re already deep into the planning, and then one day you think, “Well, I’m already spending so much money on this, what’s another £500?” And just like that, your wedding budget spirals out of control. I was guilty of this — constantly justifying extra costs because I was already committed to spending. But that "in for a penny, in for a pound" mentality is how you end up spending way more than you ever planned for.

My advice? Stick to your budget from the start. Every small splurge adds up, and if you don’t keep a close eye on it, you’ll end up wondering how your costs tripled without you noticing. A good wedding planner can help keep your finances in check and ensure that you don’t fall into this trap.

2. Forgetting the Small Stuff (Like Crockery and Travel Fees)

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the big-ticket items — the venue, the dress, the cake — but I completely overlooked the little things. If you’re having a marquee wedding in the UK, like I did, it’s easy to assume that everything’s covered, but I hadn’t budgeted for things like crockery, cutlery, glassware, or even staff costs. These are essential items that, when forgotten, can sneak up and add unexpected charges.

Also, I didn’t think to ask my suppliers about travel fees. Whether you’re booking a photographer, florist, or caterer, many suppliers will charge extra for travel (especially if you’re getting married outside major cities). Make sure to ask about travel arrangements upfront so you’re not caught off guard.

3. Booking Suppliers from the Other Side of the Country

One of my biggest mistakes, that still makes me cringe, was booking a makeup artist who lived hours away. I was getting married in Devon and found an amazing makeup artist in Scotland — so of course, I hired her. Luckily, I saw sense and cancelled, all of our key suppliers were local in the end-thank heavens. Not only would I have had to pay for her travel and accommodation, but I also would have had to factor in the stress of coordinating schedules and worrying about delays.

If you're in the UK and working with a wedding planner, they can recommend local suppliers who are reliable, familiar with the area, and won’t require you to fork out for extra travel costs. The lesson? Always look for local vendors or those within reasonable driving distance to avoid unnecessary expenses.

4. Not Realising there could be hidden fees (VAT, Delivery, and Service Charges)

One thing I learned the hard way was that many wedding vendors don’t include all the costs in their initial quote. I received a quote from a caterer and thought I was all set, but then I got the bill and realised the quote didn’t include VAT or delivery charges.

This is where having a good wedding planner can really help. They’ll know which questions to ask and can help you get a clear breakdown of all costs upfront. Don’t just assume the quote is the final price — always ask about VAT, delivery, service fees, and anything else that could sneak up on you later.

5. Last-Minute Add-Ons and “Just One More Thing” Syndrome

As your wedding day gets closer, the pressure to make everything perfect ramps up. And that’s when you start thinking, “Oh, let’s add more flowers!” or “We should upgrade the car to something even fancier!”. Those little last-minute purchases can feel like “just a few more things” to get everything just right — but they add up quickly.

The key here is to stick to your vision and avoid the temptation to keep adding more. If you’ve already hired a planner, they’ll help you stay focused and avoid the urge to make unnecessary changes. Yes, it’s fun to dream, but be realistic about what you actually need. Your guests will have an amazing time without the extra “add-ons,” and your wallet will thank you.

Bottom Line: Learn from My Mistakes and Be Prepared

Planning a wedding in the UK is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your budget. If I could go back and do it all over again I would have worked with a wedding planner earlier in the process so that I knew what to expect and what was realistic for what I wanted. By learning from my mistakes, you can save yourself from stress and overspending.

Planning your dream wedding shouldn't be stressful – and it definitely doesn’t have to break the bank! A wedding planner is your ultimate ally in keeping things on track and within budget. Whether you’re newly engaged or starting to think about the big day, get in touch early so we can avoid any hiccups and make sure your wedding is everything you've dreamed of, without the nightmare price tag!