Planning your wedding in Nashville, Tennessee? Congratulations! As you’re basking in the glow of that sweet proposal, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for one of the most important parts of planning: your budget. It might feel overwhelming at first, but it can be a smooth, exciting and even empowering process. Let’s walk through how to set a wedding budget that works for you—and how you can stick to it without any stress!
Step 1: Start (or Continue) the Money Talk
Take a little time to sit down with your fiance to have a heart-to-heart about finances. How much can you both comfortably spend without creating extra stress? Are family members chipping in to help? If they are, it’s important to know how much they’re offering and whether there are any expectations tied to their gift. Get a clear picture of your total budget right from the start, and it’ll keep you on track as you plan.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
Think about what will make your wedding feel truly “you.” Is it that dream venue with iconic Nashville views, a professional DJ who knows how to work the crowd and keep the dancefloor hoppin’, mouthwatering food, or a skilled photographer to capture those sweet moments? Rank your priorities together and put a little extra 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 a must. Here’s a typical percentage guide to help you kick things off:
- 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 aren’t set in stone—tweak them to fit what matters most to you! For help with putting together a budget that’s just right, check out The Knot’s wedding budget advisor.
Step 4: Track Everything
Whether you’re using an app, a spreadsheet, or even a notebook, keeping track of your expenses is key. Keep tabs on every deposit, balance, and due date. Seeing the numbers in one spot will help you avoid overspending and catch any discrepancies so they don’t get out of hand.
Step 5: Be Realistic About Your Guest List
Your guest count can really make or break your budget—more folks means 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 crowd of your closest people.
Step 6: Plan for the Unexpected
Surprises are bound to 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 running around in a panic later.
Step 7: Find Smart Ways to Save
Not every dream has to come with a big price tag. Consider in-season flowers, DIY centerpieces, opting for a Friday or Sunday wedding to keep costs down. You can also scale down the hours for your photographer to fit your budget. Little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing the overall quality of your big day.
Step 8: Keep Perspective
Planning a wedding can feel like 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 ride.
Complete Weddings + Events Nashville Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget
With a solid plan and a clear picture of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Nashville is here to help make your wedding everything you want it to be—without breaking the bank. We offer coordination, photography, videography, DJ and photo booth services, and an easy planning process.
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, be sure to check out our blog.