Planning a wedding is one of life’s most enjoyable milestones, but it can also be one of the most expensive ones. Multiple vendors and line items can add up quickly and feel overwhelming. That’s why creating and sticking to a budget is not just practical but it is empowering. A clear budget will help you prioritize what matters most, avoid unnecessary stress, and ensure that your big day is a reflection of you and your future husband without leaving you financially strained. Keep reading for tips on how to budget for your wedding.
Research average yearly wedding costs
Before you can set a budget you need to know where to start and you need an average to structure everything around. A great place to start is to look up the national average wedding cost and then narrow it down by your city. For example, the average wedding cost in Atlanta in 2021 (where and when I got married) was $27,000-$33,000. My wedding was right under $27,000. You also need to consider inflation and seasonal trends in your research, as they can influence the numbers. For example, if spring weddings were more popular than winter weddings last year the average cost of weddings will be higher because spring weddings typically cost more than winter weddings.
Pick a number, stick to it based on wedding type, and categorize your budget
Once you have researched average yearly wedding costs you can pick your overall wedding budget number based on that average. If the national average is $27,000-$33,000 you might want to shoot for $30,000 if you want to stay within the average, $25,000 if you want to be below the average, etc. What is most important is to base your wedding budget on the type of wedding that you want. Whether it is an intimate backyard wedding, a destination wedding, or a grand ballroom ritz-inspired wedding, the numbers have to fit the aesthetic. You cannot have a grand ballroom wedding with 350 guests on a $27,000 budget. That aesthetic requires a $40,000 plus budget. Once you have your budget number, stick to it! Rearrange your percentages, compromise, cut things out, do what you need to do to stay on budget. Because as soon as you allow yourself to go over budget you will continue to do so for your entire wedding planning process, and that will only result in stress and you overextending yourself in more ways than one. Categorizing the different elements and costs of your wedding will help you stay accountable and see what is a priority, what can be cut down, and what can be cut out. Here’s an example of a categorized wedding budget…
– Venue & Catering (45%)
– Photography & Videography (10%)
– Attire & Beauty (10%)
РD̩cor & Flowers (15%)
– Entertainment (10%)
– Miscellaneous (10%)
Pinterest has many helpful wedding budget pie charts!
Shop around for vendors, the best deals, and best options
Part of staying on budget is making sure that you’re shopping around for the best prices from potential vendors. Request quotes from at least 3 vendors for each category to ensure that market prices are consistent and fair. In addition to price you also need to consider quality of work, reviews, and flexibility and availability for the season and day that you plan to get married. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate and inquire about any promotions! Many vendors offer discounts for weekday weddings, off-season dates, and bundled services.
Compare DIY versus services of vendors and use resources you already have
Some elements of a wedding are worth getting professionally done and some can save you money if you do them yourself and have the skill set. Some areas you can cut corners and use resources that you already have. For example, for my wedding I did have a professional decorator and florist, but it was more cost-effective for me to buy the vases for my wedding florals and give them to my guests as party favors versus paying my decorator and florist for materials and labor. I did have a professional caterer but I bought all of the cutlery and dinnerware because that was more cost-effective. Because of my background in pageantry I did not do my dress shopping at overpriced bridal stores but went to pageant dress shops in the off competition season, bought my wedding dress on sale for $230, and wore a white Jovani gown that I already owned and had previously competed in for my reception dress. The key here is to be realistic about your skills and time, and know what holds more value to you comparatively. DIYing and using resources already available to you can save you money but may cost time and energy. Sometimes paying a vendor reduces stress and ensures quality, but costs a pretty penny.
A wedding is about celebrating your commitment, not about how much money you spend. When you set a realistic budget, stick to your priorities, and make intentional choices, you can create a day that feels beautiful and financially responsible. Remember, perfection has an unattainable price tag, but creating memories with people you love and starting your marriage on a secure foundation is priceless. If you would like to watch the corresponding YouTube video to this blog post click the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUJhTHYRXd4&list=PLdKf_Cakc2U_L-FAtsaOlG-r0GhToJMtu&index=11
