Getting married? Congrats! After the excitement of saying “yes,” it’s time to figure out one of the biggest parts of wedding planning—your budget. It might seem a little overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can actually be pretty straightforward (and even empowering!). Let’s go over how to set a wedding budget that fits your needs—and how to stick to it.
Smart Tips for Creating (& Sticking to) Your Albany Wedding Budget
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 wedding budget up front will keep you grounded as you plan.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
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 It Down
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—adjust them to match your priorities. For help with creating a personalized budget, check out The Knot’s wedding budget advisor.
Step 4: Track Everything
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. Here a few ideas on where to save:
- Michael’s and Hobby Lobby often offer coupons with a big discount on one item. Most offer free shipping too. Buying larger items this way a little at a time can save you big!
- Don’t forget to check Facebook Marketplace for used wedding items. Most have been used once and are now being sold at a discount. After your big day, chances are you can sell it for the same price you paid if it is going in good condition.
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.
Complete Weddings + Events in Albany Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget
With a solid plan and a clear understanding of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Albany 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.
If you’re planning a wedding or a big celebration, you’re in the right place! Complete Weddings + Events is here to help you find the perfect photographers, videographers, and DJs in Albany, NY, to make your event amazing. We also offer fun extras like lighting and photo booth rentals to take your party to the next level and create an unforgettable experience. When you celebrate with us, it’s all about you! We’re proud to offer the best wedding services and packages in the area.