Vows, Venues & Venmo: Creating a Wedding Budget That Won’t Break the Bank

So, you’re getting married, Congrats! Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day since you were ten or just realized “oh no, this is real” after the proposal, one thing’s for sure: weddings cost money. A lot of money. Like “small car” or “down payment on a house” money.

But don’t panic. You can plan your dream wedding without living off instant noodles for the next year. The secret? A realistic wedding budget. Not glamorous, but oh-so-powerful.

Here’s how to create one (with your sanity intact):

 1. Have “The Talk” (Yes, THAT One)

No, not the birds and bees talk. The money talk.

Sit down with your fiancé(e), your parents (if they’re contributing), and any other stakeholders. Be honest about:

Who’s paying for what?

How much everyone is willing (and able) to contribute?

What’s non-negotiable vs. what’s flexible?

This part may feel awkward—but trust us, awkward now is way better than broke later.

 2. Know Your Total Budget

Once everyone’s chipped in their numbers, tally it up. That’s your wedding war chest. This is not Monopoly money. This is your real, actual budget.

Pro tip: Build in a 5–10% buffer for those sneaky last-minute costs. Like parking attendants. Or umbrella rentals. Or “emergency” day-of latte runs.

 3. Break It Down, Budget-Style

Now it’s time to divide and conquer. A typical wedding budget breakdown looks something like this:

Venue & Catering – 40–50%

Photography/Videography – 10–15%

Attire (Dress, Suit, etc.) – 5–7%

Music/Entertainment – 5–10%

Flowers/Decor – 5–10%

Planner/Coordinator – 5–10%

Stationery (Invites, etc.) – 2–3%

Transportation – 2%

Favors/Gifts – 1–2%

Other/Miscellaneous – 5%

Remember, these are guidelines, not commandments. You do you. Want to skip flowers and go all out on tacos? Respect.

 4. Prioritize What Matters Most

Pick your top three “splurge” categories and be honest about what you can live without.

Love photos? Book the dream photographer.

Obsessed with food? Go gourmet.

Don’t care about chair sashes? Skip 'em.

Spend on what matters, save on what doesn’t. That’s the wedding budget mantra.

 5. Track Everything (Yes, Everything)

Use a spreadsheet, an app, or even an old-school binder (you do you). Just keep a running tally of:

Quotes

Deposits paid

Final amounts due

Deadlines (like when Aunt Linda needs to RSVP by)

Budgeting might not feel sexy, but going into your honeymoon debt-free? VERY sexy.

 Bonus Tips From Budget-Savvy Couples

DIY where it counts – Handwritten place cards? Cute. DIYing your entire bouquet with zero floristry experience? Maybe not.

Go off-season – A winter wedding or Friday celebration can save serious cash.

Cut the guest list (gently) – Fewer guests = smaller venue, fewer meals, fewer headaches.

Use rewards points – Flights, hotels, even decor can be offset with travel or credit card points.

Photography- The Ten Oh Eight Co

 The Bottom Line

Creating a wedding budget isn’t about limiting your fun; it’s about making sure your big day reflects you without wrecking your future financial goals. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand ballroom or a backyard BBQ, a realistic budget = a stress-reduced, joy-filled wedding.

And that’s the ultimate goal, right?

Now go forth and budget like the brilliant couple you are. You've got this.