Planning your wedding in Saratoga Springs? Congratulations! Once you’ve celebrated saying “yes,” it’s time to tackle one of the most important parts of planning: your budget. It might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth and even empowering process. Let’s walk through how to set a wedding budget in Saratoga Springs that works for you—and how to 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, 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: 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. Little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing quality.
Step 8: Consider Saratoga’s Seasonal Advantages
Saratoga Springs’ peak season runs from July through early September, coinciding with the racing season at Saratoga Race Course. While these months offer the iconic Saratoga experience, they also come with premium pricing for venues and accommodations. Consider an off-season wedding in spring or fall to take advantage of lower rates while still enjoying Saratoga’s natural beauty. The Congress Park gardens are stunning in May and October, and many historic venues offer significant off-season discounts. Plus, your guests will find more affordable accommodation options during these months.
Step 9: Leverage Local Vendors and Venues
The Adirondack region offers stunning venues that can accommodate various budgets. The Lodge on Schroon Lake provides lakefront ceremony options with inclusive packages that can help manage costs. The Excelsior Springs Event Center features both indoor and outdoor spaces with flexible pricing options, particularly during off-peak seasons. For a unique touch, partner with Adirondack Winery for custom-labeled wine favors or a memorable wine-tasting experience during your cocktail hour – they often offer bulk pricing for wedding events.
Step 10: 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 Saratoga Springs Helps You Save on Your Wedding Budget
With a solid plan and a clear understanding of your priorities, Complete Weddings + Events Saratoga Springs 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! We also have many wonderful recommendations AND exclusive discounts or experiences that can help in the planning process. For more wedding tips and tricks, visit our blog page.
