How to Create Your Wedding Budget
Figuring out a wedding budget involves considering a few key factors. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Determine Overall Budget:
- Start by figuring out how much you’re willing or able to spend. This can depend on personal savings, contributions from family, or other funding sources.
- Having a realistic idea of the total amount helps guide decisions about what’s most important to you for your wedding.
- Prioritize Key Elements:
- Make a list of the things that matter most to you (venue, food, dress, photography, entertainment, etc.) and decide how much of your budget should be allocated to each.
- A traditional breakdown might look like this:
- Venue: 30-40%
- Catering: 20-30%
- Photography/Videography: 10-15%
- Attire (dress/suit): 5-10%
- Entertainment (DJ/band): 5-10%
- Decorations, flowers, invitations, etc.: 5-10%
- Track the Costs:
- Research and get quotes for various services and vendors to see how they align with your overall budget.
- Don’t forget to include hidden costs like taxes, tips, and any additional fees that might pop up as you finalize things.
- Be Flexible:
- Weddings often involve unexpected expenses, so it’s helpful to leave a little room in your budget for these surprises.
- Consider adjusting your priorities or finding alternatives for items that may be more expensive than anticipated.
- Break it Down by Category:
- Break your budget into categories (venue, food, flowers, entertainment, etc.), and allocate your budget to each category based on your priorities.
- It might help to use a wedding planning tool or budget spreadsheet to keep track of everything.
- Monitor and Adjust:
- Keep an eye on your spending as you book vendors and make purchases, adjusting your plans as necessary to stay within your overall budget.
What are your top priorities for your wedding? Maybe that can help narrow down where to allocate your budget!
Ok – Now I Know My Budget – What Do I Spend My Money On?
It’s important to allocate carefully to get the best value while prioritizing the elements that matter most to you. Here’s a suggested breakdown based on a typical wedding, you can adjust based on what’s most important to you:
- Venue (30-40%)
- The venue is often the biggest expense. This includes the ceremony and reception space, your restrooms, dressing room, parking, security, and sometimes your tables & chairs – depending on the venue.
- Catering/Food & Drink (20-25%)
- Depending on your guest count and type of meal (sit-down, buffet, or cocktail-style), food will typically take up a large portion of the budget.
- Don’t forget drinks, which can add up quickly if you have an open bar.
- Photography & Videography (10-15%)
- This is an area you might want to splurge on if capturing memories is important to you. A quality photographer and videographer can make a big difference.
- Packages often include engagement sessions, albums, and video edits.
- Attire (5-10%)
- This covers the bride and groom’s outfits (dress, suit/tux, accessories), alterations, and shoes.
- You might also want to set aside some for bridal party attire (if not covered by the bridesmaids and groomsmen).
- Entertainment (DJ/Band) (5-10%)
- Whether you choose a DJ or live band, entertainment is a key element to set the mood.
- You can balance the budget here based on your preferences and guest count.
- Flowers & Decorations (5-7%)
- This includes bouquets, centerpieces, floral arrangements, and any venue decor (candles, linens, etc.).
- If you’re trying to save, consider using more affordable flowers or repurposing arrangements from the ceremony at the reception.
- Wedding Planner/Coordinator (5%)
- If you want to hire a wedding planner to help with the day-of coordination, their fee is worth considering here.
- Some couples go for “month-of” planning, which is more budget-friendly.
- Stationery (Invitations, Save the Dates, Programs, Favors) (2-3%)
- Invitations, save-the-dates, programs, place cards, and thank-you notes can add up, especially if you go for high-end paper or custom designs.
This breakdown is flexible based on what’s most important to you. For example, if photography is a top priority, you could shift funds from the décor or entertainment.
This article is provided by Hartley Botanica. @HartleyBotanica
Included in your Hartley Botanica Investment (60% of your budget):
| Venue | √ |
| Restrooms | √ |
| Chairs for Ceremony | √ |
| Dressing Room | √ |
| Catering | √ |
| Catering Staff | √ |
| Bartending | √ |
| Rentals: Tables, Chairs, Linens, Napkins, China, Glassware, Flatware (all can be changed/removed) | √ |
| Catering Kitchen Equipment | √ |
| Coffee Bar | √ |
| Set-up, break-down, clean-up, trash disposal | √ |
| Professional Event Coordinator | √ |
| Rehearsal Location | √ |
| Valet Parking | √ |
| Security | √ |
What else you need to Bring:
| Photographer | |
| Videographer | |
| Florist | |
| DJ/Band | |
| Cake/Dessert |