Engaged…now what? Part 2: Budget
If you read Part 1 and thought,
“Okay… but now I’m panicking about money,”
this one’s for you.
Wedding budgets are one of the most overwhelming parts of planning, especially when you don’t know what things actually cost or where to start. The good news? You don’t need to have every number figured out today — you just need a framework.
Let’s break it down in a way that feels manageable, realistic, and judgment-free.
First: Release the Pressure
There is no “normal” wedding budget.
Social media, reality TV, and wedding blogs often make it feel like everyone else has this figured out — they don’t. Budgets vary widely based on location, guest count, priorities, and support from family.
Your budget is personal. It’s not a reflection of how much you love each other or how “good” your wedding will be.
Step 1: Identify Who’s Contributing
Before talking numbers, clarify where the money is coming from.
Ask:
Are we paying for everything ourselves?
Are parents or family contributing?
If so, is that a fixed amount or flexible?
This sets expectations early and avoids awkward conversations later.
Step 2: Choose a Comfortable Total Number
Instead of starting with what weddings can cost, start with what feels financially responsible for you.
Ask yourselves:
What feels exciting, not stressful?
What won’t follow us into married life as regret or debt?
What allows us to enjoy the process?
This number can evolve — it’s a starting point, not a finish line.
Step 3: Where the Money Usually Goes (Percentage Breakdown)
To help you visualize your budget, here’s a general percentage breakdown of how wedding budgets are typically allocated. This won’t be exact for every couple, but it’s a helpful baseline.
Typical Wedding Budget Breakdown
Venue & Catering: 40–50%
(Includes food, bar, service staff, rentals required by venue)Photography & Videography: 10–15%
(Your memories — one of the most lasting investments)Planning & Coordination: 10–15%
(Full planning, partial planning, or month-of coordination)Design, Rentals & Décor: 10–15%
(Furniture, lighting, specialty rentals, signage, styling)Florals: 8–12%
(Personal flowers, ceremony arrangements, reception florals)Entertainment: 5–10%
(DJ, band, sound equipment)Attire & Beauty: 5–10%
(Dress, suit, accessories, hair & makeup)Stationery & Paper Goods: 2–5%
(Invitations, day-of signage, place cards)Miscellaneous / Buffer: 5–10%
(Delivery fees, tips, permits, last-minute additions)
💡 Important: These percentages shift based on your priorities. An intimate wedding may invest more in design and rentals, while a large guest count may allocate more toward catering.
Step 4: Choose Your Top 3 Priorities
Not everything can be the most important — and that’s okay.
Decide together:
What do we care about most?
Where do we want guests to feel the impact?
What are we okay simplifying?
Your top three priorities deserve the largest share of your budget. Everything else can support them.
Step 5: Build in Flexibility
Hidden costs are normal.
Delivery, setup, breakdown, taxes, and service fees add up quickly. A small buffer keeps you calm and confident instead of stressed and reactive.
Flexibility = peace of mind.
Step 6: Why Planning Support Protects Your Budget
A planner doesn’t just manage timelines — they help you:
Allocate money intentionally
Avoid costly mistakes
Understand real-world pricing
Decide where to invest vs. where to save
Even partial planning or design support often pays for itself by preventing overspending and missteps.
A Gentle Reminder
Your budget isn’t about restriction — it’s about intention.
When your spending aligns with what matters most, your wedding will feel thoughtful, elevated, and personal — regardless of the number.
Coming Up Next:
Part 3: Choosing Your Venue & Date (And Why This One Decision Changes Everything)
You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just getting started — and that’s exactly where you should be. 🤍