Setting a wedding budget that works for you is one of the first steps you’ll take after getting engaged – and ideally before making any big wedding decisions.

So if you’re newly engaged (or maybe just need a wedding budget reset!), you’re in the right place.

To streamline the process, today’s show is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to create a realistic wedding budget that gives you plenty of space for all the things that you value the most.

Let’s face it, a wedding planning experience without ANY financial stress is unlikely.   Investing thousands of dollars in anything naturally comes along with doubts and anxiety.

But I’m here to break things down into manageable pieces, so that you can have a stress-free financial plan in the months ahead!

Missed it?  LISTEN NOW!

1. Set a Total Wedding Budget Limit

• Determine how much you’re willing & able to spend on your wedding. 
• Consider your savings, contributions from family members, and any other sources of funding. 
• Be realistic about what you can afford.  Remember, weddings can quickly become more expensive than anticipated.
• Also important, be realistic about how much things actually cost in your marketplace.  Hosting a $10,000 wedding for 100 guests in a major city marketplace at a traditional all-inclusive venue on a Saturday evening in May?  Not realistic.  
• Be prepared to be sticker shocked
• Make a list of must-have’s and nonnegotiables (more to come in Step #2)
• Always remain flexible
• Discuss your budget boundaries and ideas with your partner: Have an open conversation about expectations, priorities, and financial limitations.
• Lastly, consult with family: If family members are contributing, have a clear discussion on how much they are willing to give.  This is much easier said than done, but the risk of making assumptions and winding up in a financial bind because of it can be catastrophic.

2. Prioritize Your Must-Haves

I hope you had a chance to review the “Engagement Starter Kit” bonus series that was released the first week of January.  In Part 2 / dated 1.2.25, you’ll find my detailed steps for uncovering your top wedding priorities.  Here’s a link in case you missed it:

Skipping this step or glossing over it may not seem like a big deal now.  However, fastforward to 12 months from now when you realize you’re paying for a bunch of crap that’s not even that important to you?  That’s a big deal.

Once you’ve determined your top priorities, you’ll have a guide for where to allocate the majority of your budget.

There’s no point in setting your priorities unless you’re willing to commit to them.  This means consistently saying NO to things that don’t make the cut.  

3. Main Wedding Budget Categories

Weddings come with a wide variety of expenses, and it can be helpful in the beginning to assign your total budget into categories.  Here is a list of some of the major categories to consider:

• Venue (20-30% of the budget): This often includes the ceremony and reception venues, and sometimes the catering.
• Food and Drinks (15-20%): Catering costs will vary depending on the number of guests, type of meal, and location.
• Attire (5-10%): This includes wedding dresses, suits, shoes, accessories, and alterations.
• Photography and Videography (10-15%): Capturing your special day is one of the most significant investments.
• Entertainment (5-10%): DJs, live bands, or other entertainment for the reception.
• Flowers and Décor (5-10%): Bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorations.
• Wedding Planner (5-10%): If you’re hiring a professional to help with coordination.
• Stationery (2-5%): Invitations, thank-you notes, programs, etc.
• Hair and Makeup (2-5%): Costs for hair styling, makeup, and grooming.
• Transportation (2-5%): Rental cars, limousines, or transportation for guests.
• Favors and Gifts (1-2%): Gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests.
• Honeymoon

I’m not personally a huge fan of assigning percentages to each category, but lots of couples find it helpful as a starting point.  Lastly, please add to / subtract from this list, based on your personal priorities.

4. Start Researching and Estimate Costs for Each Category

Once you have a handle on the major categories that are appropriate for your wedding vision, you’ll research the actual costs for each category in your area. 

Prices will vary widely depending on location, season, and style.  It’s impossible for me to give any generalized, blanket statement about how much things will actually cost for you.  

Next, hit the internet and start filling out requests for more information.  Book information meetings and venue tours, and ask your friends and family for their referrals.  For example:

• Venue: Research venue rental prices and availability in your desired location. Some venues may include catering, while others may require separate catering costs.
• Vendors: Get quotes from photographers, DJs, florists, etc., so you know what to expect.
• Food and Drink: Consider a buffet, plated dinner, or cocktail-style reception. Don’t forget to factor in gratuity and service fees.
• Décor: Decide if you want to rent, DIY, or hire professionals for flowers and décor.

5. GET ORGANIZED with Spreadsheets or a Wedding Budget App

Nothing we’ve talked about up to this point will do you any good whatsoever if it’s not organized.  Ideally somewhere that’s shareable / accessible to your partner and anyone else who is helping you plan.  It can be a wedding notebook, Google Docs, or a wedding planning app – try WeddingWire or TheKnot.  Really, do whatever works for you.  

In the beginning, this is where you’ll input your estimated costs for each category.  

As you research and gather more information / narrow your options, this is also where you can keep track of vendor quotes.

And eventually you’ll keep track of deposits and payments: Add columns for deposit amounts and due dates, so you’re always on top of what needs to be paid and when.

6. Plan for the Unexpected

More often than not, weddings come with unexpected expenses. This is why I suggest that you set aside about 5-10% of your total budget for unplanned costs. This will give you peace of mind if something goes over budget.  And if you’re superhuman and disciplined and perfectly on budget, then congratulations – you’ll have a surprise wedding gift to yourselves when it’s all over.

7. Actively Track Your Spending

As you start booking vendors, paying deposits, and buying things, update your budget regularly.  Stay consistent with these check in’s to make sure you’re not overspending in one area.  

• Review weekly, monthly, however it makes sense for you: Schedule a time with your partner to check on your progress and make adjustments as necessary.
• Also, be flexible and realistic: If you need to cut back in a specific area, now is the time to flag that and make adjustments. 
• Your priorities can change!  This goes back to earlier in the show when we talked about setting your non-negotiables.  For example, maybe at the beginning you thought videography was a must-have.  But you’ve thought of some alternatives that will work, and you want to shift those funds to another category.  Don’t be afraid to pivot.  Just make sure you’re balancing your splurges and saves so that your bottom line remains the same.

8. Wedding Budget Cost Saving Opportunities

If your budget is tight and you want to save money in certain areas, here are some easy starting points:

• Venue: Consider a non-traditional venue like a park or a family member’s home, which could save you on rental fees.
• DIY Décor: DIY centerpieces or flowers can save you money. Pinterest has plenty of ideas!
• Guest List: Limit your guest list to close friends and family to keep catering and venue costs down.
• Off-Season: Weddings in the off-season (fall or winter) are usually cheaper than peak summer dates.
• KEEP IT SIMPLE.  Yes, it’s that easy, and these are words to live by in my book.  I could talk for an hour about examples and scenarios where keeping it simple can save thousands upon thousands of dollars … But that’s another conversation for another day! 
• Likewise, there are opportunities everywhere to make a creative swap, substitution, or even omission.  If it’s not on your priority list and it’s not important to you, then skip it.  

9. A Note on Using Credit Cards / Debt 

“Credit card” and “debt” are bad words in the world of budget wedding planning.  In a perfect world, I would suggest that you host a wedding that you can afford today.  

However, I’m not here to judge anyone or their decisions or situations.  I’ve had many conversations with engaged couples where it actually does make sense given their unique situation to take on some debt to pay for their weddings. 

That may or may not be right for you.  I personally feel it’s worth mentioning that there is a gray area of flexibility and creativity that exists beyond what we’ve been conditioned to think is right or wrong.  

10. Keep things in perspective.  

This is really a teaser into a much larger topic, which is knowing when to flex your money-saving muscles, and when it might be better to trade your time for dollars and pay a professional rather than trying to “do it yourself”. 

If you WANT to make your own centerpieces because you find joy in the process, then that’s great.  But if you’re dedicating hours of time and hundreds of dollars in supplies because you think it’s gonna save you money in the long run?  There are endless easier ways to save a couple hundred bucks, and we’ll explore those here in upcoming weekly episodes.

11. Review and Adjust

As you get closer to the wedding, reassess your budget. Unexpected costs will pop up, and some areas may cost less than you initially expected. Keep your priorities in mind and adjust as needed.

Example Wedding Budget Breakdown (For a $30,000 Budget)

Category	Budget Amount	%
Venue	$8,000	27%
Catering (Food & Drink)	$5,000	17%
Photography & Videography	$3,000	10%
Entertainment	$2,500	8%
Wedding Attire	$2,000	7%
Flowers & Décor	$1,500	5%
Wedding Planner	$1,500	5%
Stationery	$500	2%
Hair & Makeup	$600	2%
Transportation	$800	3%
Favors & Gifts	$500	2%
Miscellaneous/Contingency	$3,100	10%
Total	$30,000	100%

work with me.

Unlock your perfect wedding vision with a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call

Whether it’s specific help with crafting your wedding day timeline, or a series of calls to organize your dream wedding weekend celebration – I’m here for you.