Planning a wedding in Kansas? Let us be one of the first to say congratulations! While the excitement builds, so does the need for a solid financial plan. Budgeting might seem daunting, but with a few key steps, you can manage costs effectively while still celebrating your dreams. Let’s break down how to create a realistic wedding budget—and stick to it.
How to Set a Wedding Budget and Stick to It for Kansas Bride and Grooms
Step 1: Start the Money Talk
Before diving into planning, sit down and have an honest conversation with your partner to discuss your financial limits. What can you afford without added stress? Are family members helping out? If so, clarify their contributions and any expectations they might have. Establishing a clear budget from the get-go will help prevent financial surprises later on.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
Think about what elements of your big day matter most. Whether it’s securing a beautiful venue, a seasoned DJ, a top-tier photographer, or a gourmet caterer, decide where you want to invest more of your budget. Once you’ve identified your must-haves, you can explore ways to trim costs in other areas.
Step 3: Allocate Your Budget
To help keep spending on track, divide your budget into key categories:
- Venue & Catering: 40–50%
- Photography & Videography: 10–15%
- Attire: 8–10%
- Flowers & Decor: 8–10%
- Entertainment: 8–10%
- Miscellaneous (favors, stationery, etc.): 10%
These numbers are flexible—adjust them to match your priorities. For help with creating a personalized budget, consult with a local Kansas wedding planner or check out The Knot’s wedding budget advisor. Both can be very beneficial!
Step 4: Track Everything!
Whether you’re using an app, a spreadsheet, or a standard notebook, tracking your expenses is critical. 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: Keep Your Guest List in Check
The number of guests significantly impacts your overall wedding costs—more guests mean higher expenses for food, drinks, and seating. To cut costs, consider an intimate gathering. Check out our blog post discussing the pros and cons of big weddings vs. small weddings by clicking here.
Step 6: Prepare for Unexpected Costs
Surprise happen. Set aside 5–10% of your budget as a safety net for last-minute changes, vendor tips, or attire adjustments. This will give you peace of mind as you finalize plans and keep you from scrambling later.
Step 7: Search for Smart Ways to Save
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. Opt for in-season flowers, book your venue on a Friday or Sunday, or reduce the number of photography hours to fit your budget. Small adjustments can lead to big savings without compromising your vision.
Step 8: Consider DIY Elements
Adding personal touches to your wedding can be both budget-friendly and meaningful. Consider DIY centerpieces, handmade wedding favors, or even a custom wedding playlist instead of hiring a DJ. Visit your local craft stores and farmers’ markets where you can find affordable materials to bring your vision to life.
Step 9: Focus on What Truly Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the details but remember—your wedding is about celebrating your love. Prioritize experiences over perfection and enjoy the journey of planning your special day.
Step 10: Keep it Simple and Stress-free with Complete
With careful planning and a budget-conscious approach, Complete Weddings + Events Kansas is here to help you create a memorable wedding without overspending.
Complete Weddings + Events Manhattan, KS | Photographers | Videographers | DJs | Photo Booth Rental | Coordination
Whether you want a trendy celebration or a traditional wedding, let Complete Weddings + Events Kansas help you bring your wedding dreams to life! With our photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services, we’re here to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience.
The best part is you get a team of wedding professionals to help with all the details from our knowledgeable office staff, in-house full-time wedding planners, and experienced event staff. We have you covered and want your planning process to be a stress-free experience!
Contact us for more information on our services and pricing for your big day!