How to set a realistic wedding budget
The first thing you should do after getting engaged is set a wedding budget. This will help you decide how much to allocate to each category of your wedding. Once a budget is set and a Venue budget is set this will help you narrow down the properties that you can afford. Below is an average wedding g budget and the percentages allocated to each category. Different couples value certain categories over others which will re-adjust the percentage calculator. In the end if you want to stay within budget, having a general idea of costs and sticking with that amount will prevent you from unforeseen costs and going into debt.
So let’s break it down! This wedding cost breakdown is based on national averages and should only be used as a starting point.
Venue: 30%
The biggest chunk of your budget will go to the largest part of your investment, which is often the venue.
Catering/Food: 23%
Catering is the second largest item, taking up about 23% of the average wedding budget. Usually this cost is per guest and only includes food. At some venues this may include alcohol and a cake or those items might be a separate charge.
Photography: 7%
Photography is IMO one of the best investments you will make on your wedding day. Great photos document all. Of the amazing details that you put into your big day as well as all the amazing memories that happened throughout the day.
Alcohol/Liquor: 7%
Welcome champagne, cocktail hour, champagne toast, reception bar. All need to be acounted for in the Liquor budget.
Videography: 6%
Next to your photographer, videography is equally as important for capturing all of those amazing moments throughout the day. Plus, video captures an element of emotion that a photo cannot capture.
Wedding Planner: 5%
A wedding planner can be a key component in ensuring your day goes of without a hitch. Plus they can help keep your within your budget all while making sure your money is spent in all the right places.
Flowers: 7%
Ceremony and reception flowers, bouquets, bouteneirs and other misc decor all needs to be accounted for in the floral budget.
Wedding Planner: 5%
A wedding planner can be a key component in ensuring your day goes of without a hitch. Plus they can help keep your within your budget all while making sure your money is spent in all the right places.
Wedding Rings: 7%
This percentage does NOT include the engagement ring. These are the bands that you will exchange during your ceremony.
Lighting & Decor: 5%
This includes everything from candles and decor, furniture rentals, lighting installations, signage, table displays, and other decorative elements.
DJ: 4%
A DJ and or Emcee can set the tone for your entire ceremony and reception. Finding someone that has a style and personality you like is key.
Couples Attire (Dress & Suit): 6%
Dress(s), suits, shoes, accessories, jewelry etc.
Live Entertainment: 13%
Live entertainment whether that be a harpist at your ceremony or a 10 piece band at your reception. Live entertainment can be a memorable addition to your big day.
Guest Entertainment: 3%
This includes unique experiences, like photo booth, lawn games, live painters, dancers, caricature artists, late night food truck or unique drink servers.
Transportation: 3%
This can be a bus or a shuttle getting your guests to the venue from their hotel. A limo transporting your wedding party from the hotel to the venue. A get-away car taking you from the venue to your hotel after the wedding.
Stationery: 2%
Your wedding invitation and save-the-dates truly set the tone of your wedding and set the tone for what your guests can expect on your big day. This stationery budget will also cover your ceremony programs, menus, thank-you cards and more.
Officiant: 1%
This will go to hiring an officiant to legally marry you during the wedding ceremony.
Hair & Makeup: 2%
This budget can cover the cost of just your hair and make-up or your mom and bridesmaids as well. Once you decide what you plan on paying for this will help you decide how much to allocate to your MUA.
Wedding Favors & Gifts: 1%
Party favors and gifts are a small token of your appreciation to the people that mean the most to you.
Cake/Desserts: 1%
Whether it’s a large 5 layer elaborate cake or a smaller cake and an assortment of desserts. What you would like to serve your guests will decide how much to allocate to your dessert budget.
Did you notice at category in this list that you do not intend to incorporate into your wedding? GREAT! That means you can allocate that percentage to the categories that are more important to you. Just take that percentage and spread that out amongst your budget to keep that 100%.