Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also be financially overwhelming. Setting a budget and sticking to it ensures that you start your marriage on solid financial ground while still achieving the wedding of your dreams. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to set a wedding budget and help you navigate this crucial part of wedding planning.
Step 1: Determine Your Overall Budget
Your first step is to decide how much you’re willing to spend on the wedding. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Contributions: Are family members contributing? Discuss upfront how much they’re willing to give.
- Your Savings: Determine how much you can realistically set aside from your savings without compromising other financial goals.
- Monthly Contributions: If your wedding is more than a year away, consider saving a portion of your income each month.
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: Keep 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 book your wedding venue for a weekday. Little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing quality.
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 Northwest Arkansas Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget
With a solid plan and a clear understanding of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Bentonville 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.