How to Set a Wedding Budget and Stick to It

Step 1: Start the Money Talk

Sit down with your partner to have an honest conversation about finances. How much can you both comfortably spend without creating stress? Are family members contributing? If so, it’s essential to clarify how much they’re offering and whether there are any specific expectations attached. Having a clear idea of your total budget upfront will keep you grounded as you plan. Looking into custom wedding bundles early on can also help you visualize costs and see where savings might come in.

Step 2: Define What Matters Most

Think about what will make your wedding feel truly “you.” Is it the dream venue, amazing food, or an incredible photographer? Rank your priorities together and allocate more of your budget to those areas. For everything else, you can look for creative ways to save.

Step 3: Break Down Your Budget

Creating a detailed breakdown of your budget is key. Here’s a typical percentage guide to help you get started:

Venue and catering: 40–50%

Photography and videography: 10–15%

Attire: 8–10%

Flowers and décor: 8–10%

Entertainment: 8–10%

Miscellaneous (favors, invites, etc.): 10%

These numbers are flexible and should be adjusted to match your priorities. Booking an all-inclusive wedding deal that combines these services into one contract can help you stay organized and potentially lower costs.

Step 4: Track Every Expense

Whether you’re using an app, a spreadsheet, or even a notebook, tracking your expenses is crucial. Keep tabs on every deposit, balance, and due date. Seeing the numbers in one place will help you avoid overspending and catch any discrepancies early.

Step 5: Be Realistic About Your Guest List

Your guest count has a huge impact on your budget—more guests mean more food, drinks, and seating. If you’re looking to save, consider keeping the celebration more intimate. It’s easier to create a meaningful, memorable experience for a smaller group of your closest people.

Step 6: Plan for the Unexpected

Surprises happen. Set aside 5–10% of your budget for unexpected costs like last-minute changes, vendor tips, or alterations. This buffer will save you from scrambling later.

Step 7: Find Smart Ways to Save

Not every dream requires a splurge. Consider in-season flowers for a lower cost or scale down the hours for your photographer to fit your budget. Little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing quality.

Step 8: Keep Perspective

Planning a wedding is a lot, but remember why you’re doing this: to celebrate your love. Things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Focus on what matters most to you, and don’t forget to enjoy the process.

Sustainable Wedding Tips

Looking to make your wedding more eco-friendly? Consider these ideas:

• Choose local vendors and seasonal flowers to reduce transportation impact.
  By working with Akron-based florists, caterers, and rental companies, you support the local economy and minimize the environmental footprint caused by long-distance shipping or deliveries.
• Rent décor, tableware, and linens instead of buying single-use items.
  Renting allows you to access beautiful, high-quality items without the waste, plus, you avoid ending up with stacks of items you’ll never use again after the big day.
• Offer digital invitations or RSVPs to cut down on paper waste.
  Digital invites are convenient, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious. Many couples also create wedding websites for schedules, maps, and registries, reducing the need for printed materials.
• Donate leftover food or flowers to local shelters or hospitals.
  Arrange in advance for a local organization to pick up extra meals or floral arrangements. It’s a beautiful way to share the joy of your celebration and reduce waste at the same time.

Small, thoughtful choices like these can make a meaningful difference for both your wedding and the planet, without sacrificing style or guest experience.

Get a Wedding Package to Save Money

Booking an Akron wedding package is one of the smartest ways to reduce costs while simplifying your planning process. Packages bundle essential services into one convenient plan, offering both value and peace of mind.

Photography and Videography

Capturing your big day through professional photos and videos is priceless. With an Akron wedding package, you can book both a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer together, often at a lower combined rate. This not only helps you save money but also allows for seamless coordination between your visual teams, ensuring that every important moment is beautifully documented from multiple angles.

DJ Services

Music is key to setting the tone for your celebration. Bundling DJ services within your wedding package often comes with savings and ensures you work with someone who understands the flow of your event. Many DJs included in packages are experienced in weddings and can coordinate with your planner or MC.

Photo Booth Rentals

Adding fun to your reception doesn’t have to break the bank. Including photo booth rentals in your wedding package brings interactive entertainment while keeping costs manageable. Guests love taking home printed memories, and you’ll love the added value.

Day-Of Coordination

Every couple needs a calm, organized presence on the big day. When you choose a wedding package that includes day-of coordination, you gain access to a team that ensures your timeline runs smoothly and stress stays low. It’s one of the best investments for peace of mind.

Complete Weddings + Events Akron Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget

With a solid plan and a clear understanding of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Akron is here to help make your wedding everything you want it to be—without breaking the bank.

Contact us today to learn more about our “book more, save more” service bundles so you and your fiancé can focus on making memories that last! For more wedding tips and tricks, visit our blog page.