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. Creating a wedding budget breakdown helps ensure that every expense is accounted for, allowing you to focus on making your big day special.
Choosing the right wedding package makes this easier by offering bundled solutions that align perfectly with your vision and financial plan.
Step 1: Start (or Continue) the Money Talk
Take a little time to sit down with your fiancé 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. Understanding your total budget from the start will help you stay focused and organized as you explore budget-friendly wedding options, including affordable wedding packages tailored for couples.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
Focusing on key wedding elements ensures that your budget reflects your priorities. A Nashville wedding package can simplify the planning process by bundling essential services like venue, catering, and entertainment. Consider whether the priority is a breathtaking 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 into 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
Staying organized is key. Use apps, spreadsheets, or notebooks to monitor expenses, deposits, and deadlines. This helps avoid overspending and ensures you stay aligned with your financial plan. Many wedding planning services also offer tools to help couples manage expenses efficiently when booking a wedding package.
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.
Nashville Wedding Packages
A wedding package offers the perfect balance between convenience and affordability. By bundling key services, couples can access discounted rates while streamlining the planning process. Instead of booking each vendor separately, selecting an all-inclusive wedding package ensures seamless coordination and predictable costs. From wedding reception packages to complete solutions that include photography, videography, entertainment, and more, these packages offer peace of mind.
What’s Typically Included in a Nashville Wedding Package
Opting for a package means essential wedding services are organized under one trusted provider. This eliminates the hassle of managing multiple vendors and ensures everything runs smoothly on your big day. A typical wedding package may include:
- Venue rental for the ceremony and reception
- Catering and bar services
- Photography and videography to capture every special moment
- DJ and entertainment to keep guests engaged
- Decor and floral arrangements for stunning visuals
- Wedding day coordination for a stress-free experience
Each package can be customized to reflect your unique preferences while still offering significant value.
Bundle Essential Services for More Savings
Many couples opt for wedding photography and videography packages to capture their big day without exceeding their budget. Booking DJ services and photo booth rentals together can also lead to discounts while adding entertainment value to the celebration. A wedding coordinator helps streamline the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly without unnecessary last-minute expenses.
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.