How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Budget

4 days ago

When you start planning your wedding, one of the first (and sometimes most overwhelming) tasks is setting your budget. But here’s the thing — your wedding budget is so personal. You’ll find plenty of advice online about what percentage of your budget to allocate where, and while those numbers are a great starting point, they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your priorities for the day will influence how you spend your money, and that’s totally okay!

That said, a solid place to start is understanding that your venue and your food and beverage will typically take up about 50% of your total budget. So if you’ve budgeted $100,000 for your wedding, you can expect to spend around $50,000 on the venue and catering. This can vary depending on your guest count and the type of venue you choose, but it’s a good ballpark.

From there, you can start breaking down the rest of your budget:

Photo & Video: 15% of your budget — capturing your memories is so important!
Design: 15-25% of your budget — florals, rentals, signage, and all those pretty details, depending on your priorities.
Officiant: Around $800 — this can vary depending on whether you hire a professional or ask a friend.
Hair & Makeup: About $2,500 — consider if this covers just you or your bridal party too.
DJ or Band: Around $2,500 — entertainment sets the vibe for your reception!
Cake & Favors: Approximately $2,000 — sweet treats and thank-you gifts.
Transportation: About $1,000 — this typically covers just the wedding party.
Guest Shuttling: Around $2,000-$4,000 — if you’re providing transportation for your guests.
Live Ceremony Music: $2,000+ — a beautiful touch for your walk down the aisle.
Photo Booth: Around $1,200+ — a fun addition for your guests and great keepsakes.

And don’t forget to set aside a good amount in your contingency budget for any last-minute or unexpected costs (3-5% is what we suggest). Trust us, things always pop up — whether it’s weather-related backups, vendor overtime, or those “I just have to have this” extras.

At the end of the day, your budget should reflect what’s most important to you as a couple. Want an over-the-top floral installation? You might spend more on design and less on entertainment. Prioritizing epic photography and videography? You might trim your decor budget a little. There’s no right or wrong way — just the way that makes your day feel most like you.