The easiest way to stay on budget is to split it before you book anything. Then every quote has a number to be measured against.
A starting split
Here’s a common way to divide a total budget, shown on a $30,000 example. It’s a starting point, not a rule. If photos matter more to you than flowers, move money from one to the other.
| Category | Share | On $30,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & rentals | 25% | $7,500 |
| Catering & drinks | 25% | $7,500 |
| Photography & video | 12% | $3,600 |
| Flowers & decor | 9% | $2,700 |
| Attire & beauty | 8% | $2,400 |
| Music & entertainment | 6% | $1,800 |
| Rings | 3% | $900 |
| Stationery | 2% | $600 |
| Cake & desserts | 2% | $600 |
| Transportation | 2% | $600 |
| Favours & gifts | 2% | $600 |
| Officiant & licence | 1% | $300 |
| Contingency | 3% | $900 |
How to use it
- Agree on the total first, including who is contributing.
- Set the share for each category, and keep 3 to 5% back as a contingency.
- Log every quote against its category as it comes in.
- When a category goes over, take the difference from another one straight away, not at the end.
- Track deposits and final payment dates: most money leaves in the last two months.
Costs people forget
- Service charges and tax on catering
- Alterations
- Vendor meals
- Tips
- Delivery and setup fees
- Postage for invitations
- Marriage licence
From the shop
Wedding Budget Spreadsheet
Enter your total and it splits it by category, tracks every quote and payment, and turns red when a category goes over.
