Budgeting for a Civil Partnership

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to become civil partners, there is one crucial element that you have to address before any other. Before you decide whether or not to hold your reception at Claridges, book a fleet of classic Bentley’s or that exotic honeymoon in the Maldives, you have to agree on a budget. What you can realistically afford will determine the number of guests you can invite, the ceremony/reception venue, catering, flowers and entertainment. It is incredibly easy to get carried away with ideas that will soon see your credit cards go into melt-down and have you ending up in serious debt!

One simple way to work out a budget plan is to make a list of what you need to organise and then, allocate a percentage of your budget to each aspect. Wedding magazines and websites are full of budgeting tips but, many of them give conflicting advice and some are completely misleading. As an experienced planner, I think the following guide is a good rule of thumb to follow. Of course, every couple will have different expectations for their big day and their priorities will be different. To some, the flowers will be of major importance, to others it will be the food and drink or photography. Use my tried and tested method to help you make the most of your money.

• Venue & Reception – 50%. Half your budget! The majority of your money will be spent on your venue, catering and drinks.
• Music – 10%
• Flowers – 10%
• Clothing – 10%
• Photography – 10%
• Stationery – 4%
• Extras – 6%

The average cost of a wedding today is roughly £22,000 with around 100 guests, which equates to £11,000 for the venue and reception and £2,000 for flowers etc, according to my list. The wonderful thing about civil partnerships however, is that your celebration doesn’t have to take the form of a traditional wedding and you don’t have to have all the trappings like bridal bouquets, a sit down dinner or wedding cake if you don’t want or need them. Be creative, but keep these percentages as a handy reference so that you’re on track when working out your budget!

Article by London Based Wedding Planner Lester Gethings

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