How to budget for a wedding

Let’s talk about wedding budgets!

Figuring out the costs for all elements of a wedding can be a minefield to navigate. It can be hard to understand how to allocate your money, and what the typical costs of suppliers can come in at. We have put together a short Q&A to help you navigate and understand the costs included in a typical wedding.

What is the most frequently asked question about wedding planning?

One of the most frequently asked questions about wedding planning is "How much does a wedding cost?”. Many couples want to understand the financial implications of their wedding and have a realistic idea of how much they should budget for various aspects of the event. Wedding costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, number of guests, venue choice, catering options, and additional services like photography, entertainment, and decor. Providing a precise answer is challenging, since weddings can be tailored to individual preferences, but it's common to give a general range or average cost based on regional or national averages.

How do I budget for my wedding?

Budgeting for a wedding involves careful planning and consideration of various expenses. Here are some steps to help you create a wedding budget:

1. Determine your overall budget:
   Decide on the total amount of money you are willing to spend on your wedding. This will serve as your starting point for allocating funds to different categories.

2. Prioritise your expenses:
   Identify the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you. Whether it's the venue, catering, photography, or something else, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these priorities.

3. Make a list of all wedding expenses:
   Create a comprehensive list of all the potential costs associated with your wedding, such as venue, catering, attire, flowers, invitations, transportation, photography/videography, music, and decorations. This list will serve as a reference point for your budget allocation.

4. Research and estimate costs:
   Research and gather price estimates for each item on your expense list. Use online resources, wedding planning websites, and consultations with vendors to get an idea of the average costs in your area.

5. Allocate funds to each category:
   Assign a portion of your budget to each expense category based on its importance and estimated cost. Be realistic and flexible, as some categories may require more funds than anticipated.

6. Leave room for unexpected expenses:
   It's wise to set aside a contingency fund of around 10-15% of your total budget to account for any unforeseen costs or last-minute changes.

7. Track your spending:
   As you make payments and incur expenses, keep track of your actual spending. This will help you stay on top of your budget and make adjustments if necessary.

8. Review and adjust as needed:
   Regularly review your budget and make adjustments if you find that you're overspending in certain areas. Look for opportunities to cut costs without compromising your vision.

Remember, every wedding is unique, and your budget should reflect your personal preferences and financial situation. Be prepared to make choices and compromises along the way to create a memorable wedding within your means.

What percentages should i allocate for each area of my wedding?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should allocate to each area of your wedding, here is a general guideline for a traditional wedding budget breakdown:

1. Venue and Catering:
   40-50% of the total budget. This includes the cost of the venue, food, beverages, and service staff.

2. Wedding Attire:
   10-15% of the total budget. This includes the bride's wedding gown, accessories, hair, and makeup, as well as the groom's suit or tuxedo.

3. Photography and Videography:
   10-15% of the total budget. This includes professional photographers, videographers, prints, albums, and any additional services or products.

4. Decorations and Flowers:
   10-15% of the total budget. This covers the cost of floral arrangements, centerpieces, ceremony and reception decorations, lighting, and any rental items.

5. Wedding Planner/Coordinator:
   10-15% of the total budget. If you decide to hire a professional wedding planner, allocate a portion of your budget to cover their fees.

6. Entertainment:
   5-10% of the total budget. This includes the DJ or band, sound equipment, lighting, and any other entertainment options you choose to have.

7. Stationery, signage and invitations:
   2-5% of the total budget. This includes the cost of wedding invitations, save-the-dates, programs, food and drink menu’s, seating plan, order of the day, name places, welcome signs.

8. Transportation:
   2-5% of the total budget. This includes transportation for the wedding party and guests, such as coaches, shuttles, or other transportation arrangements.

9. Miscellaneous Expenses:
   5-10% of the total budget. This serves as a contingency fund for unexpected costs or any additional items that may arise during the planning process.

Remember, these percentages are just a general guideline, and you can adjust them based on your priorities and preferences. It's essential to be flexible and allocate your budget in a way that reflects what matters most to you as a couple.

We hope this was a helpful indication of the costs included in a wedding. If you have any additional questions, please DM us directly on @mountainweddingseurope

All our love, the Mountain Weddings team.