How to Plan and Understand Your Wedding Budget

Managing your wedding budget can seem daunting. We want to help you navigate this with confidence! Here are some essential tips and insights on how to effectively plan out your wedding budget and understand the typical costs involved, so you can make informed decisions and enjoy every step towards your big day.

Step 1: Establish Your Total Budget

The first step in planning any wedding is determining how much you are willing and able to spend. This total will guide every decision you make, from your choice of venue to the details of your floral arrangements. It’s important to come up with a number that feels comfortable for you and your partner, and that aligns with your overall financial goals.

Step 2: Decide what Is Important to You:

Every couple is unique, and what’s essential for one might not be as crucial for another. Choose which aspects of your wedding are most important to you both perhaps it’s the venue, the culinary experience, entertainment, or photography. Make sure you also list out any details that you have visualized that you really want in your day, such as cocktail hour, a photo area, or a first look photo shoot. When you are making tough decisions about your budget these things should be prioritized over details you consider less crucial.  

Step 3: Start with Your Biggest Spends

There are a few key areas which will take up a larger proportion of your wedding budget. Your Venue, your catering, and your outfits, followed by your flowers and photographer are where the majority of your budget will go. Book the biggest spends first as this will help you prioritize the rest of your budget and help with the planning process. 

The Venue that you choose sets the tone for your whole wedding, and is one of the biggest proportions of your wedding budget, so it is key to make sure that you choose a venue that provides that quality and luxury feel. Spend a good portion of time finding the right venue for you. A high quality venue can make your whole planning experience calm and exciting rather than stressful. Create an incredible day for you and your guests, and make sure there are no stressful moments on your wedding day. Very worthwhile! 

Here are Rosewood Farms, we pride ourselves on a luxury wedding experience from ceremony to celebration, with a carefully curated list of exclusive vendors , stunning venue, and years of experience making our couples’ dreams a reality.

Step 4: Account for Those Extra Costs

It’s easy to remember the big-ticket items like venue and catering, but don’t forget about the often-overlooked expenses such as service fees, invitations, gratuities, and décor enhancements. It is also always wise to allocate a little “emergency” fund to cover those little surprises. These can add up quickly, so including them in your initial budget will help you avoid surprises.

Once you have booked your venue, your dedicated wedding coordinator will be on-hand to help advise you on everything you need to book and when. We want to make sure your wedding journey is fun and exciting!

Understanding Wedding Costs

On average, weddings in the U.S. can cost anywhere from $20,000 to upwards of  $70,000, but this varies widely depending on location, the quality of the venue, the number of guests, and the day of the week. Here’s a typical breakdown of wedding expenses:

  • Venue and Catering: This usually takes up the largest chunk of the budget, about 40-50%. 
  • Photography and Videography: Expect to allocate about 10-12% of your budget here.
  • Apparel and Beauty: About 5-10% of your budget will go towards attire and beauty services.
  • Entertainment and Music: This could also account for another 5-10%.
  • Floral and Decor: Typically about 8-10%.
  • Miscellaneous: Items like invitations, gifts, and officiant fees might comprise 5-8%.

Tips for Staying on Budget

  • Track Every Dollar: Use a spreadsheet or a specialized wedding budget planner to monitor all your expenses. There are some fantastic printable wedding planners online you can download which are ready for you to fill out. This will keep you organized and help prevent overspending. If you don’t keep track, things can add up quickly and you may run out of your budget and miss out on something you really want.
  • Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, being a bit flexible with your wedding date, even by a few dates, can save you money. Off-peak seasons and weekdays often provide more affordable options to help you stay on budget and create your dream wedding.
  • Open Communication: Always communicate your budget limitations to your vendors. Most vendors are happy to chat to you to help find a solution that fits within your budget. 

At Rosewood Farms, we are committed to helping you plan a wedding that fits your vision and your budget. Book a consultation call with one of our team to chat about how we can make your wedding dreams come true at Rosewood Farms.

Book a Call

We hope this guide helps you as you plan your wedding budget. Remember, this is your special day, and it should reflect your desires and financial reality. With careful planning and a bit of savvy, you can create a memorable day that won’t break the bank. Happy planning!