Planning a wedding in Wichita? Congratulations! While the excitement builds, so does the need for a solid financial plan. Budgeting might seem daunting, but with a few key steps, you can manage costs effectively while still celebrating your dreams. Let’s break down how to create a realistic wedding budget—and stick to it.
How to Set a Wedding Budget and Stick to It for Wichita Bride and Grooms
Step 1: Start the Money Talk
Before you dive into planning, sit down with your partner to discuss your financial limits. What can you afford without added stress? Are family members helping out? If so, clarify their contributions and any expectations they might have. Establishing a clear budget from the start will help prevent financial surprises later on.
Step 2: Decide What’s Most Important
Think about what elements of your big day matter most. Whether it’s securing a stunning venue, a top-tier photographer, or a gourmet meal, decide where you want to invest more of your budget. Once you’ve identified your must-haves, you can explore ways to trim costs in other areas.
Step 3: Allocate Your Budget
To help keep spending on track, divide your budget into key categories:
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- Venue & Catering: 40–50%
- Photography & Videography: 10–15%
- Attire: 8–10%
- Flowers & Decor: 8–10%
- Entertainment: 8–10%
- Miscellaneous (favors, stationery, etc.): 10%
These numbers are flexible—adjust them to match your priorities. For help with creating a personalized budget, consult with a local Wichita wedding planner or check out The Knot’s wedding budget advisor. Both can be very beneficial!
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: Keep Your Guest List in Check
The number of guests significantly impacts your overall costs—more people mean higher expenses for food, drinks, and seating. To cut costs, consider an intimate gathering. Check out our blog discussing the pros and cons of big weddings vs. small weddings by clicking here.
Step 6: Prepare for Unexpected Costs
Surprise happen. Set aside 5–10% of your budget as a safety net for last-minute changes, vendor tips, or attire adjustments. This will give you peace of mind as you finalize plans and keep you from scrambling later.
Step 7: Find Smart Ways to Save
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. Opt for in-season flowers, book your venue on a Friday or Sunday, or reduce the number of photography hours to fit your budget. Small adjustments can lead to big savings without compromising your vision.
Step 8: Consider DIY Elements
Adding personal touches to your wedding can be both budget-friendly and meaningful. Consider DIY centerpieces, handmade wedding favors, or even a custom wedding playlist instead of hiring a DJ. Wichita has many craft stores and farmers’ markets where you can find affordable materials to bring your vision to life.
Step 9: Focus on What Truly Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the details but remember—your wedding is about celebrating your love. Prioritize experiences over perfection and enjoy the journey of planning your special day.
Step 9: Keep it Simple and Stress-free with Complete
With careful planning and a budget-conscious approach, Complete Weddings + Events Wichita is here to help you create a memorable wedding without overspending.
Complete Weddings + Events Wichita, KS | Photographers | Videographers | Photo Booth Rental | DJs | Coordination
Whether you want one service or all six, we specialize in creating custom packages for our couples to meet their needs and budget. Tailoring each of our services to reflect your style and vision and allowing you to be a part of the planning process every step of the way. The best part is you get a team of professionals to help with all the details from our knowledgeable office staff, in-house full-time wedding planner, and experienced event staff, we have you covered and want your planning process to be a stress-free experience.
Check out our service pages to learn more about how we can COMPLETE your event!
At Complete Weddings + Events Wichita, we are the leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, day-of coordination, lighting, DJ services, and photo booth rental.