How to Set a 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:

• • 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

There are countless ways to cut costs without cutting corners. A few simple tweaks to your plans can unlock significant savings, while still giving you the wedding day you’ve envisioned.

Photography

Instead of booking an all-day package, consider limiting coverage to the most essential moments like the ceremony, bridal portraits, and reception entrance. Some Wichita wedding photographers offer customizable wedding photo packages so you only pay for what you need. Booking early may also help secure lower rates.

Videography

Highlight reels or short-form edits are a cost-effective alternative to full-length wedding films. Bundle videography services with other offerings like photography or DJ services for discounts. Ask about weekday pricing or off-season deals, which are common among local wedding vendors in Wichita.

DJ Services

Limit DJ time to the reception only, or consider shorter sets if you’re having a daytime or brunch wedding. Some DJ packages include emceeing, lighting, or basic sound setup, removing the need to hire separate vendors. Booking your Wichita DJ as part of a full-service package can often lead to additional savings.

Photo Booth

Choose a digital-only option instead of printed strips, or book for fewer hours during peak guest activity. Many photo booth rentals offer add-ons like props, backdrops, and social media sharing. Ask about pairing it with DJ or photography services for a bundled rate.

Day-of Coordination

Hiring a full-service planner isn’t always necessary. A day-of coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly without the full cost of ongoing planning. You get the benefit of professional support on the big day while maintaining control of the overall process—and your budget.

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 10: 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.