Setting a wedding budget is one of the first and most important steps in planning your big day. For many couples, figuring out how much to invest and how to allocate that money wisely can be challenging. That’s why it’s essential to sit down with your partner, assess your financial situation, choose a tentative date, and consider the factors that will directly impact your wedding costs.
Below, we share a practical and streamlined guide with everything you need to realistically calculate your budget, helping you avoid surprises along the way.
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1. Day of the week: Most venues offer lower rates from Monday to Thursday. Fridays. Especially Saturdays tend to be the most expensive, which drives up the overall cost. Sundays often come with more affordable prices, but usually include time restrictions (until midnight).
2. Time of day: Getting married during the day is often cheaper than getting married at night. At nighttime weddings, the consumption of liquor and food increases the cost of the catering service.
3. Length of the wedding: A 4-hour brunch wedding won’t have the same budget as a celebration lasting between 7 and 12 hours. The longer the event, the higher the investment in food, drinks, and vendors.
4. Number of guests: The more guests you have, the bigger your budget will need to be for things like catering, décor, furniture, and tableware. That’s why it’s important to create a thoughtful guest list, focusing on the people you truly want to share your special day with.
5. Wedding services and moments: Weddings are usually divided into ceremony, cocktail and reception. The more moments and vendors you include (photography, music, decoration, etc.), the higher the overall investment. Be sure to define your priorities and must-haves early on.
Here's a general example of how to distribute your total budget, which you can adjust according to your priorities:
Photography and video 10% — 12%
Styling for the bride and groom 8% — 12%
Music and production 10% — 16%
Reception (location, catering, furniture) 45% — 50%
Decoration 8% — 20%
Invitations and stationery 2% — 8%
Ceremony 2% — 5%
Other expenses (car, local time, deposits, extras) 5% — 8%
💡 Budgeting doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a clear vision, well-defined priorities and good advice, you can achieve a beautiful, authentic wedding aligned with your financial capacity...