Planning your wedding in Baton Rouge, LA? Congratulations! After the excitement of saying “yes,” it’s time to focus on one of the most crucial aspects of wedding planning: your budget. While it may seem daunting initially, taking the right steps can make the process manageable—and even empowering. Here’s a guide on how to set a wedding budget that suits your needs and tips to stay on track.
Step 1: Start the Money Talk
Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about finances. How much can you both comfortably afford without adding unnecessary stress? Are any family members contributing? If so, it’s important to confirm how much they’re offering and whether they have specific expectations. Establishing a clear overall budget from the beginning will help keep you focused and grounded throughout the planning process.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
Consider what elements will make your wedding feel uniquely “you.” Is it a stunning venue, delicious food, or a talented wedding photographer? Together, rank your priorities and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those key areas. For everything else, explore creative ways to cut costs.
Step 3: Break It Down
A detailed breakdown of your budget is essential. Use this common percentage guide as a starting point:
- 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 percentages are just guidelines—adjust them to align with your priorities. For a customized budget, try using The Knot’s wedding budget advisor.
Step 4: Track Everything
Tracking your expenses is essential, whether you prefer an app, a spreadsheet, or a notebook. Monitor every deposit, balance, and due date to stay organized. Having all the numbers in one place will help you prevent overspending and quickly spot any discrepancies.
Step 5: Be Realistic About Your Guest List
Your guest count plays a major role in your budget. More guests mean higher costs for food, drinks, and seating. To save money, consider hosting a more intimate celebration. A smaller guest list makes it easier to create a meaningful and memorable experience for your closest loved ones.
Step 6: Plan for the Unexpected
Unexpected expenses are inevitable. Reserve 5–10% of your budget for last-minute changes, vendor tips, or alterations. Having this buffer will help you avoid unnecessary stress down the road.
Step 7: Find Smart Ways to Save
Not every dream requires a big budget. For example, you can opt for in-season flowers to save costs or reduce your photographer’s hours to stay within budget. Small adjustments like these can go a long way without compromising on quality.
Step 8: Keep Perspective
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but remember the reason behind it: to celebrate your love. Perfection isn’t necessary for a meaningful day. Focus on what truly matters to you, and make sure to enjoy the journey.
Complete Weddings + Events Baton Rouge Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget
With a well-thought-out plan and a clear sense of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Baton Rouge is here to help bring your dream wedding to life—without exceeding your budget.
Get in touch today to discover our “book more, save more” service bundles, so you and your fiancé can focus on creating lasting memories! For more wedding tips and inspiration, check out our blog page.