What are the biggest budgeting mistakes?

Start by listing every possible cost, not just the obvious ones like the venue, catering and dress. Hidden extras often catch couples out: postage for invitations, delivery fees, corkage, cake cutting charges, overtime for staff, and tips. Transport, hair and make-up trials, marriage notice fees and the registrar's fee are easy to overlook too.

Another common mistake is guessing at prices instead of asking for actual quotes. Costs vary hugely by region, season and supplier, so a figure from a friend's wedding two years ago may be way off. Get written quotes from at least three suppliers for each big item, and check what is included and what is extra.

Couples also forget to build in a contingency fund. Unexpected costs almost always appear, from a last-minute dress alteration to extra table settings. Aim to set aside around ten percent of your total budget for this, and do not touch it unless you really need to.

Finally, many couples fail to track spending as they go. It is easy to lose sight of the total when different people are paying for different things. Use a simple spreadsheet or a notebook, and update it every time you spend. Review it weekly so you can adjust early if something is over budget. And remember, the legal bits matter: check with your register office or place of worship about notice periods and fees, because these can vary and change.