How to allocate your wedding budget
so you don’t over-spend
Setting a wedding budget is one of the first and most important steps in your wedding planning journey. You can't move forward with your vision, book your dream venue, or secure your favourite suppliers until you know how much money you have to work with.
So our expert advice is to sit down with your partner after your engagement and have an open, honest conversation about your wedding budget and how much you are both willing and able to spend. This discussion will help ensure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to wedding costs so there are no surprises down the line.
Since your budget influences virtually every decision including your guest list, venue and location, it’s essential to create an accurate, realistic budget from the start.
This guide will walk you through the key steps for how to allocate your wedding budget wisely, helping you prioritise expenses, save where you can, and ensure that your big day is both beautiful and financially stress-free.
1. Prioritise your must-haves
Identify the elements of your wedding that are most important to you as a couple. Whether it's a picturesque venue, gourmet cuisine, or a live band, knowing your priorities will guide your spending and help you allocate funds where they matter most.
2. Develop a budget breakdown
Allocating specific percentages of your budget to different categories can provide a clear spending framework so when you receive quotes from suppliers you can easily see if they fall within your budget. An example cost breakdown could look something like this:
Venue and Catering: Approximately 40 - 50% of your budget. This includes the cost of the venue, food, staff and beverages.
Photography and Videography: Allocate about 10 - 12% depending on whether this is a priority for you or not.
Attire: Set aside around 7% for wedding outfits, including the wedding dress, bridesmaids looks, suit, and accessories.
Flowers and Décor: Approximately 10% should cover floral arrangements and venue decorations but if florals are top of your priority list then this can be up to 18%.
Entertainment: Reserve about 10% for music and entertainment, whether it's a DJ, performers or live band. The more entertainment you have, the higher the budget will need to be.
Stationery: Allocate around 3% for invitations, save-the-dates, and other stationery needs. If you want to save on costs then you can DIY this element or use online invitations.
Wedding Rings: Approximately 3% should cover your wedding bands, but again it depends on how much you want to spend on this.
Transportation: Set aside about 2% for transportation services for you and your guests.
Gifts and Favours: Allocate around 2% for guest favours and gifts for the wedding party. A cost-saving alternative could be to gift your florals from your wedding arrangements or DIY these gifts.
Miscellaneous: Reserve the remaining 10% for unforeseen expenses or last-minute changes.
Keep in mind that these percentages are guidelines and every wedding is different. You can adjust these percentages based on what is most important to you.
3. Create a spreadsheet or planner
To keep everything organised it’s a good idea to create an online spreadsheet or have a physical wedding planner so as you make purchases or bookings you can record the actual expenses to keep track of your spending. When you work with us we take care of this and ensure you remain within your budget.
5. Be prepared for hidden costs
Weddings often come with unexpected expenses, such as service fees, VAT, overtime charges or damage waivers that will increase your spending so we always tell our couples to allocate a portion of your budget for these unforeseen costs. This way you aren’t stressed with last-minute invoices as your wedding day approaches.
6. Explore cost-saving strategies
Consider various ways to save money without compromising on your big day. This could be saving on your venue cost by choosing an off-peak wedding date, selecting a less traditional venue, or simplifying your décor with faux flowers or decorating yourself. There are plenty of areas where you can get more economical and save on your budget.
7. Regularly review your budget
As you progress with your planning it’s a good plan to revisit your budget regularly every few months. If you overspend in one category you can then look for opportunities to cut back in another. Maintaining flexibility and staying proactive will help you manage your finances effectively throughout the planning process.
By following these steps, you can create a well-structured wedding budget that reflects your priorities and ensures a memorable celebration without feeling worried or stressed about your finances.
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey and we love making it as creative and fun as possible, but the budgeting side of things can feel overwhelming. As your wedding planner, we help you find wedding suppliers that fit within your budget and offer you alternative ideas when needed to ensure you get the wedding you always wanted! If you have any questions or need expert guidance with your wedding planning, get in touch with us today, we’d love to chat all about your special day.
