Wedding Budget Do's & Dont's

McKenna Lewis
5 days ago
3 min read

Let’s talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about but everyone has to: the wedding budget. Whether you're working with $15k or $150k, the math still matters. A wedding can be as extravagant or as intimate as you want — but only if you plan for it. Otherwise? You’re booking that dream venue and realizing two months later you’ve got $42 left for florals, food, and your DJ. 😬

So here are some budget do’s and don’ts to help you spend smarter — and with way less stress.

DO: Have the wedding budget conversation early. Like… ASAP.

Before you start pinning that 7 piece invitation suite to your Pinterest Board or tour that venue you’ve seen all over Instagram, sit down and talk money. Not only is it important to talk money with each other, you also need to include anyone who might be contributing. That includes parents, grandparents, the rich aunt who loves a party, whoever may be pitching in. It is important to have a clear understanding of:

Who’s paying for what?
What’s your total budget?
Are contributions gifts or tied to expectations? (Yep, ask.)

Getting clear up front avoids surprise opinions (and surprise strings) later on.

DON’T: Blow half your budget on the venue.

We get it. The place is stunning. It has chandeliers, a pond, and a cow named Dolly in the pasture. But if your $30k budget gets cut in half on day one, you’ll be doing mental gymnastics to afford everything else.

A good rule of thumb? Your venue + catering should total no more than 40–50% of your overall budget combined. That leaves room for photography, florals, planning, music, rentals, fashion, and the actual party. Every wedding has different priorities so it can vary slightly, but above all if your budget is $30,000, that $15,000 venue is out of budget. Period.

DO: Prioritize what matters most to you two.

Not everything has to be a splurge. Sit down and rank your top 3 priorities — maybe it’s killer food, incredible photos, and a live band. Spend accordingly. And, if custom stationery or a cigar roller isn’t a big deal to you? Cool. Skip it.

Your day, your rules. Just… make those rules make financial sense.

DON’T: Assume DIY = cheaper.

You think you're saving money by buying your own table cloths and assembling 20 centerpieces the night before your wedding, but what you’re actually doing is assigning your bridal party unpaid labor and stressing everyone out. Not to mention the supplies, time, setup, breakdown… It adds up. Fast.

Oh, and if your plan is to sell it on Facebook Marketplace to get cash back? Good luck. While some items may sell quickly, your linens will inevitably be stained, your candles half burnt, and your faux florals may not match another bride’s color palette making it a tough sale.

Sometimes, hiring a pro is the more affordable option when you factor in time, rental costs, and sanity.

DO: Budget for the boring stuff too.

Taxes. Tips. Service fees. Delivery charges. Dress alterations. Insurance. Not glamorous, but VERY real. These sneaky line items can total thousands, so include a buffer for all the little things that like to pop up during planning.

DON’T: Forget to talk about the extras.

If you’re planning a honeymoon, a farewell brunch, or even a late-night taco truck, those are all part of the wedding budget. Plan accordingly or they’ll be the first things to get axed when you’re out of cash and still need a DJ.

DO: Be honest about what things actually cost.

If you haven’t planned a wedding before, sticker shock is real. That’s why hiring a planner (hi 👋) is so helpful. We know the ballpark prices, how to stretch your dollar, and which vendors are worth every penny.

If you're not working with a planner, do your research. A quick Google isn’t always accurate — local rates vary. Ask vendors for price ranges early, and don’t ghost them if it’s out of budget. Be honest. Most are happy to recommend alternatives or customized packages.

Final Word: Budgeting ≠ Killing the Vibe

You can have a wildly beautiful, intentional wedding without maxing out every credit card you own. The key is planning with your head and your heart — and maybe a slightly color-coded spreadsheet.

Need help building a realistic budget and sticking to it? That’s literally what we do. Let's make your money work smarter, not harder. 💁‍♀️