Money Talks: How to Create a Wedding Budget and Stick to It!
- Terri Myrie
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Let's be honest: planning your dream wedding is exciting, but talking about the wedding budget? Not so much. Yet, this single conversation is the most important one you'll have. As a wedding planner, I see couples fall in love with ideas before they fall in love with the price tag. The key to reducing your stress levels from engagement to wedding day is having a clear, realistic budget, which you monitor and stick to!

Here is my recommended step-by-step approach to creating a budget that works.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before you look at a single venue or dress, you must know what you can comfortably afford to spend. Typically, this doesn't happen, most brides head straight to Pinterest or Instagram...try to hold off on that though.
Calculate Your Current Available Funds: How much money do you currently have saved? How much more can you realistically save between now and the wedding date?
Determine any external Contributions: Are parents or family members contributing? Get a firm, committed number from them. Try to get exact figures rather than a verbal estimate.
Set Your Absolute Max: This is the non-negotiable ceiling. This number is your foundation for every decision that follows.
Step 2: Priorities First, Percentages Second
Not all elements of your wedding day are equally important to you. Decide where you’ll splurge and where you’ll save.
Define Your Top 3 Priorities: Is it the guest experience (food/drinks/music)? The ambiance (venue/decor/florals)? Or the documentation (photography/videography)? Do the priorities for the bride and groom differ?
Use the 80/20 Rule: Typically, 80% of your budget goes to the main services that directly impact the guest experience (Venue, Catering, Photography, Entertainment). The remaining 20% covers everything else (attire, rings, stationery, smaller details). Keep that in mind

Step 3: Implement Tracking & Monitoring Tips
A budget is useless if you don't actively track it.
Go Digital: Use a dedicated wedding planning app (like The Knot or Zola) or a shared Google Sheet/Excel document. This allows both partners to update in real-time.
Actual vs. Estimated: Your tracking sheet should always have two columns: Estimated Cost (your initial budget allocation) and Actual Cost (the signed contract price). This instantly shows where you are over or under budget. Also take into consideration the exchange rate if you are having a Destination Wedding.
The Contingency Rule: A 5-10% buffer is absolutely necessary however it should only be spent if there is no other choice. Every time a vendor charges an unexpected fee or you decide to upgrade something, deduct it from this buffer first. If you dip into the buffer, immediately look for an area to cut costs to replenish it.
Timeline Tactic: Keep track of payment due dates next to your vendor names. This prevents late fees and budget shock.
These steps can help any couple to level up their wedding budgeting. Having a Wedding Planner however can save your budget and your Sanity! Many couples worry that a wedding planner is an added expense, but we are actually the best investment you can make. I help with Budget Creation & Enforcement. I don't just ask for your budget, I help you build it from the ground up, factoring in local taxes, mandatory fees, and realistic quotes before you start browsing. I know the true cost of things and can tell you immediately if your vision aligns with your funds.
I also match your vendors to your budget. I recommend wedding vendors whose services and pricing fall within your allocated budget. This prevents you from wasting time falling in love with a florist who is twice your price limit. Contract Review & Negotiation is also a biggie. I will spot hidden fees (like mandatory insurance, specific taxes, or obscure delivery charges) in contracts that can derail a budget. I can also negotiate costs and find package deals that you might not know exist.
When all else fails I will assist with "Cut" Recommendations: When you inevitably need to pull back spending (because you splurged on that gown! :)), a planner provides objective, painless recommendations on what to cut without sacrificing the experience.
Ultimately, a thorough and well-managed wedding budget is essential to minimizing financial woes throughout the planning process. By establishing clear priorities and hiring the right team, you can ensure your special day is everything you dreamed of without starting your marriage in debt.
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