Planning a wedding can be a special experience as it brings two people together to celebrate their love and unity. However, when the initial excitement settles, the reality of how difficult it is to plan a wedding can be very stressful, especially when managing the budget. For example, how much of your wedding budget should go toward the dress? Is spending a quarter of the budget on food too much?

Follow these steps to help you sensibly divide your dollars to ensure a spectacular wedding without breaking the bank.

Venue and Catering (50%)

Hiring experienced caterers and choosing the right wedding venue is a must. Plan to allocate 50% of your wedding budget to catering and the venue. Professionals can handle the details, leaving you to focus on enjoying your big day. Plus, renting a beautiful venue may require fewer decorations, which can offset the cost of renting the space. Consider exploring package deals where venues offer in-house catering and decor, potentially saving you money and simplifying coordination.

Photography and Videography (10%)

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event filled with cherished moments you'll want to remember forever. Skilled photographers and videographers know how to capture genuine emotions and reactions, and these visuals can transport you back to the feelings you experienced on your wedding day.

Spend at least 10% of your budget on a professional photographer and videographer with the expertise, equipment, and editing skills to produce high-quality images and videos. They can use their artistic vision to capture the beauty and uniqueness of your wedding, providing you with stunning visual content.

Attire and Beauty (10%)

Allocate 10% of your wedding budget to outfits, accessories, and beauty treatments. Remember, your wedding is one of the most significant days of your life. You want to feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable, so be prepared to spend some money to make that happen.

Your wedding attire also allows you to express your personal style and preferences. Whether you wear a traditional wedding gown, a vintage ensemble, or personalized accessories, these choices can reflect your personality and influence how you feel on your big day.

Floral and Decor (10%)

Flowers often hold symbolic meaning at weddings. They can represent love, purity, and new beginnings. Incorporating flowers and decor can be a nod to tradition and add depth to the wedding ceremony and reception.

Floral arrangements and decor also provide excellent photo opportunities. They can serve as backdrops for portraits, add texture and color to photos, and enhance the overall aesthetics of your wedding album. Flowers can be costly, so expect to use 10% of your budget on them.

Entertainment (10%)

Set aside 10% of your wedding budget for entertainment, whether you opt for a DJ, a band, or something unique. Entertainment is a key element in making your wedding a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. A well-planned program keeps your guests engaged and adds a sense of celebration to the event. It prevents lulls in the festivities and ensures everyone has a great time.

Miscellaneous (10%)

Wedding planning can be unpredictable. No matter how organized and prepared you are, unexpected expenses will always arise. Put approximately 10% of your budget toward miscellaneous expenses to cover unforeseen costs without compromising your core wedding plans. 

When choosing your wedding budget, sit down with your partner and anyone else who will be contributing to your big day. Be honest about your finances, prioritize what's most important to both of you, and establish a realistic budget. Never forget that your wedding day is a celebration of a partnership – it should never be a cause of financial strain.