How to Set a Wedding Budget and Stick to It

Step 1: Start the Money Talk

Sit down with your partner to have an honest conversation about finances. How much can you both comfortably spend without creating stress? Are family members contributing? If so, it’s essential to clarify how much they’re offering and whether there are any specific expectations attached. Having a clear idea of your total budget upfront will keep you grounded as you plan.

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, explore budget-friendly wedding solutions or look into wedding vendor packages that align with your vision.

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: 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 scale down the hours for your photographer to fit your budget. Many wedding planning services offer creative solutions that preserve quality without overspending.

Step 8: Consider a Wedding Coordinator or Planner

Hiring a wedding planner might seem like an extra expense, but they can actually save you money in the long run. Planners have industry connections and can help you score discounts, stay on budget, and manage all the details. If a full-service planner isn’t in the cards, even hiring someone for the day-of coordination can be a lifesaver.

Step 9: 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.

Bundle Wedding Services to Maximize Your Budget

One of the most effective ways to stay on budget is to bundle essential wedding services under one provider. Packages that combine photography, videography, DJ services, and photo booth rentals offer both convenience and value. These wedding vendor packages often come at a discounted rate compared to booking each vendor separately, saving couples hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars.

Instead of juggling multiple contracts, timelines, and contacts, working with one team streamlines the entire process. It also ensures that your vendors are already used to working together, which helps everything run smoothly on your big day.

Complete Weddings + Events Orange County Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget

With a solid plan and a clear understanding of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Orange County 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.