Breaking down your wedding expenses into different categories and assigning a percentage of your total budget to each category is a practical way to create a clear and structured wedding budget.
This will help you to organise and manage your spending by specifying how much money should be allocated to each aspect of your wedding.
Here’s a typical breakdown of a wedding budget:
| Category | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Category | Percentage (%) |
| Venue and Catering | 40-50% |
| Wedding Attire | 10-15% |
| Photography and Videography | 10-15% |
| Entertainment | 10-15% |
| Flowers and Decorations | 8-10% |
| Wedding Planner or Coordinator | 5-10% |
| Invitations and Stationery | 2-4% |
| Wedding Cake and Desserts | 2-4% |
| Transportation | 2-3% |
| Emergency Fund | 5-10% |
These percentages are approximate and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and priorities. Keep in mind that other expenses, such as wedding favours, gifts for the bridal party, marriage licence fees, and gratuities, should also be considered when creating your budget breakdown.
Starting your wedding budget
Understanding the general cost breakdown helps in setting a realistic and manageable budget.
It allows you to allocate funds proportionately and prevents overspending in one area at the expense of another.
Now that you have an idea of how the expenses of the wedding break down, let’s start to build a budget for you.
Establish Your Priorities
Sit down together and have an open and honest conversation about your wedding dreams, expectations, and preferences. It’s essential to listen to each other’s viewpoints and ideas without judgement.
Both the bride and groom should separately create lists of what they consider the most important aspects of the wedding. Include elements such as the venue, guest list size, style/theme (elegant, casual, rustic, etc.), date, entertainment, and any specific details or traditions that matter to you individually.
After creating individual lists, come together and compare them. This is where compromise may come into play. Discuss the similarities and differences in your priorities and try to find common ground. For example, if one of you values a grand reception venue while the other prioritises a destination wedding, consider options that incorporate both desires, like a destination wedding at a beautiful venue.
Once you’ve discussed your preferences, rank the priorities from most to least important for both of you. Some aspects may hold equal importance, while others may require more negotiation.
By identifying your priorities, you can allocate a larger portion of your budget to these elements while being more flexible with others.
Determine Your Total Budget
Next, it’s time to calculate your overall wedding budget and decide how much you can comfortably spend.
Take a close look at your financial situation, including your savings, income, and any other available funds.
Consider your regular expenses and any future financial goals beyond the wedding.
[Have an open conversation with your partner about your respective financial contributions to the wedding. This is also a great time to talk about everyday expenses that you both have (i.e. debts/bills etc.), to ensure that you both are on the same page financially (more in How to pay for your wedding).]
If your families are contributing, clarify their roles and expectations regarding financial support.
Allocate Funds to Each Category
Allocate your total budget across different categories such as venue, catering, attire, photography, and others as seen above.
Breaking down your wedding budget into specific categories not only helps in tracking your expenses but also ensures that every aspect of your big day gets the financial attention it deserves
Staying flexible
The initial draft of your wedding budget is just the starting point. It’s crucial to track and adjust your expenses as you go along.
Regularly update your budget tracker with actual expenses as they occur. This includes deposits, final payments, and any unforeseen costs.
You could consider scheduling a monthly budget review. This helps in catching over expenditures early and allows you to make necessary adjustments.
If you’re over budget in a category, analyse why. Was it an underestimation, or did you opt for something more expensive than initially planned?
Find categories where you haven’t spent as much and see if you can reallocate funds. This might mean cutting back on less critical areas.
Don’t hesitate to go back to your vendors to discuss pricing or alternatives that might help bring costs down.
If you find yourself under budget in certain areas, consider reallocating these funds to categories you care about more deeply. Maybe you can upgrade your photography package or add a special touch to your décor.
If you’re consistently under budget, it’s wise to put some of that money into a contingency fund for last-minute expenses.
Regularly discuss budget matters with your partner. This ensures both of you are on the same page and agree on where to make cuts or add-ons.
Be transparent about costs and concerns. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both partners feel comfortable with the financial aspects of wedding planning.
Be ready to make alternative choices. If a desired item or service is too expensive, look for creative alternatives that align with your vision but are more cost-effective.
For certain elements, consider DIY options. This can add a personal touch while saving money.
Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses are almost a given in any large event, especially weddings. An emergency fund acts as a financial cushion, ensuring that these surprises don’t derail your plans or budget.
This could be anything from last-minute vendor changes to unforeseen decor requirements.
Knowing you have a financial backup can significantly reduce stress. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and the last thing you need is financial worries adding to your stress.
Without an emergency fund, you might have to make unwanted compromises to accommodate unexpected expenses. With it, you can maintain the integrity of your original plan.
An emergency fund can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major issue on your wedding day. It ensures that any last-minute obstacles can be quickly and effectively managed.