One of the worst things that can happen while planning your wedding is running out of money. While it’s not the end of the world, overblowing your budget can cause some major issues. So how do you avoid this all-too-common mistake? Keep reading for useful spending tips: where to focus first, how to create a budget, and more.  

Focus on the Big Stuff First  

Before you even think about invitations and favors, you must tackle the bigger priorities first. And while every couple is different, you’ll probably want to look at the items on which you’ll spend the most money. A June 2021 Brides article shows an average wedding budget breakdown:  

• Venue and catering: 40%  
• Photography: 15%  
• Music, flowers, and décor: 10% each  
• Attire: 5%  
• Stationery and transportation: 3% each  
• Cake and favors: 2% each  

It makes sense that your venue and catering take up the largest part of your wedding budget. That expense category includes the physical space for your event, plus its seating and amenities. Photography is the next largest expense, followed by décor, flowers, and music. The most expensive categories are usually a couple’s top priorities. If those are also your priorities, funds should be allocated for those items first. 

Know Your Financial Resources  

Knowing what you want is important when it comes to wedding planning. But before you even spend a dime, you and your spouse-to-be should craft your own budget. This may force you to take a hard sober look at how much you’ll really have to spend — and that means knowing where your event money’s coming from.   

As The Knot’s explains, your funding sources may include both sets of parents and possibly other relatives’ contributions. However, you shouldn’t assume anything until you speak with your families. Add up all the numbers and you’ll get the total amount you can spend. Don’t forget that this figure should include an emergency or incidentals category for unexpected costs. Hanlon adds that you’ll also want to look out for “hidden” expenses that people tend to forget: tips, service fees, overtime, and all those little extras you say “yes” to along the way.

Understand Your Priorities  

You've likely heard the phrase “champagne tastes on a beer budget.” Fortunately, you don’t need to sacrifice style to save a few pennies. But whether you must foot the entire bill yourself or you have a little help from your friends, it’s important to have reasonable expectations for your big day.   

With that said, you do have the freedom to design your wedding as you see fit. Just as your biggest budget line items can determine your priorities, your priorities can also affect what you spend more money on. A Practical Wedding’s Alyssa Lewis-Griffith suggests selecting the top three items the two of you care about the most as a budget starting point. If you want a fantastic bar but desire simpler décor, for example, you can certainly shift more money to the venue, catering, and drink category.

Learn To Choose and Compromise  

Choosing between something you truly want and a less important item is easy. But when two desires compete for attention, you may have a harder time. Perhaps you and your fiancé have conflicting ideas. Or you’d love to invite your whole family but you only have $5,000 to spend. You’ll either need to do some soul searching or find a way to achieve a compromise you’re both happy with.   

Meanwhile, look at other areas where you can cut your spending. For instance, you could opt for cheaper flowers, go for heavy appetizers versus a full dinner, or shift your event to a different time and day.

Above all else, creating a wedding budget requires a careful balance between your emotions and practicality. Whether you make a few minor adjustments or major shifts, flexibility is key to designing a meaningful wedding that isn’t hard on your wallet.