How To Budget For A Wedding

Let’s be real—talking about money while planning one of the biggest days of your life? Not exactly romantic. But learning how to budget for a wedding can actually feel empowering when you break it down. And trust us, having a plan in place makes the rest of your wedding planning way easier (and way less stressful).

So grab your favorite drink, cozy up, and let’s figure this budget thing out.

Start by figuring out:

• Are your families contributing? If so, how much and what are they covering?
• What’s your current savings?
• Are you planning to save month by month before the big day?

Once you know your total, set aside a small chunk (around 5-10%) as a just-in-case buffer. Because if weddings are anything, it’s full of surprises.

^{Loon Weddings}

BREAK YOUR BUDGET DOWN

• Venue & Catering – 40-50% (this is your biggest expense)
• Photography & Videography – 10-15% (memories that last forever)
• Attire & Beauty – 5-10% (the dress, tux, hair, makeup)
• Entertainment (Band/DJ) – 5-10% (guests need to dance)
• Florals & Décor – 10-15% (centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony backdrop)
• Stationery & Invitations – 2-5% (digital invites save money)
• Miscellaneous (Favors, Marriage License, Tips, etc.) – 5%
• Emergency Fund – 5% (because life happens)

This breakdown isn’t set in stone. If photos are your priority, allocate more. If you don’t care about a live band, scale that back.

HOW TO BUDGET FOR A WEDDING AND SAVE ALONG THE WAY

Consider:

• Getting married on a Friday or Sunday
• Choosing an off-season month like January or February
• Booking a morning ceremony with a brunch reception (adorable and affordable!)

^{Photo from: Loon Weddings}

Trim the Guest List

We know it’s hard but think about who you really want by your side. It’s your day. You’re allowed to make it intimate.

• Would we take this person out to dinner and pay for their meal?
• Are we inviting them because we want to or because we feel like we should?

Look for Alternatives

• Venue: Skip the traditional ballroom and look at local parks, family homes, galleries, or even a cool Airbnb.
• Food: Opt for buffet-style meals, food trucks, or stations over plated dinners.
• Cake: Get a small decorative cake for cutting, then serve sheet cake to guests. No one will know.
• Decor: Use candles, greenery, and DIY signage. In-season blooms or faux flowers can work wonders.
• Dress/Suit: Sample sales, pre-loved outfits, and even renting can save hundreds.

^{Loon Weddings}

BOOK YOUR MOST ESSENTIAL VENDORS FIRST

Once you’ve sketched out your ideal budget and vision, it’s time to book the non-negotiables. These are the things that go first fast.

• Dress and Suit – Alterations can take months. Give yourself time.
• Venue – Most popular venues are booked 1 to 2 years in advance.
• Photographer/Videographer – If capturing memories is high on your list, don’t wait.
• Catering – Many venues have in-house catering or a required vendor list.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SPENDING IN CHECK

Once you’ve got that rough total in mind, it’s time to split that number into manageable chunks. Think of your wedding like building a house—you need to know where every brick goes. Instead of guessing, use WedEverything’s handy budget calculator to take the pressure off. Just plug in your total and watch it auto-magically sort each category into a realistic spending guide.

And here’s the best part: our calculator even color-codes your progress. Green means you’re chillin’. Yellow means caution. Red? Time for a chat with your fiancé. This visual tracker makes staying on budget feel more like a fun game—and way less like math class. Trust us, future-you will thank you for using this tool. No spreadsheets. No guesswork. Just wedding clarity.

Watch For Sneaky Hidden Costs

Some things couples often forget to budget for:

• Service fees or gratuities added by venues or vendors
• Corkage fees if you bring your own alcohol
• Overtime charges for photographers or DJs who stay past the agreed time
• Delivery and setup fees for rentals and florals

Ask vendors directly about “any extra fees we should know about.”

^{Loon Weddings}

DON’T FORGET WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

• ShareCopied to clipboard
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Mail