Planning a wedding is a wonderful adventure full of love, pleasure, and anticipation. However, it is critical to create a realistic budget to ensure that your dream wedding is financially feasible. Before making any decisions, it's important to figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. To do this, you and your partner should look at your savings account and determine how much you will be able to save throughout the engagement period. You may also want to talk to both person's parents to see if they're willing and able to contribute. (1)

Setting a wedding budget can be complex, but with careful planning and decision-making, you can design a budget that reflects your values and allows you to celebrate your special day without spending a fortune. This blog post will look at a step-by-step checklist to help you create a wedding budget that works for you.

Determine your Whole Budget

Before getting into the details, meet with your partner and other key donors to determine your overall wedding budget. Consider your financial resources, savings, and any contributions from family or others. Consider your continuing financial goals and priorities when deciding how much you can spend on your wedding day.

Break Down Your Budget

Divide your overall budget into categories to devote money to different aspects of your wedding. Create a detailed budget spreadsheet or use a wedding budgeting appliance to keep track of your costs and remain inside your budget. Common budget categories include venue, food, dress, photography/videography, entertainment, florals/decor, invitations, transportation, and other expenses.

Research Average Costs

Conduct research to determine the average cost of wedding-related expenses in your area. Look at wedding planning websites, bridal publications, and online forums to learn about average rates for small wedding venues Louisville, KY, vendors, and services. Use this data as a baseline to guide your budgeting decisions and avoid overspending or underestimating expenses.

Prioritize Your Expenses

Once you've established your overall budget, prioritize your costs based on what is most important to you as a pair. Identify the non-negotiables - the aspects of your wedding that are most essential to you and where you're willing to spend the majority of your funds. Common priorities include the venue, cuisine, photography, and dressing. However, each couple's objectives will vary depending on their preferences and values.

Consider Hidden Expenditures

Remember that additional expenditures may be involved with various parts of wedding planning that you had not previously considered. Remember to account for expenses like taxes, service charges, gratuities, and vendor tips when creating your budget. It is preferable to overestimate your expenses somewhat to account for unanticipated charges than to be caught off guard later in the planning process.

Observe Your Spending 

Throughout the wedding planning process, keep track of your spending to ensure that you stay within your budget. Keep all receipts, contracts, and invoices in one place, and make sure your budget spreadsheet or wedding planning tool is up to date with actual spending. Observe your spending closely and make adjustments as needed to prevent overpaying in one area at the expense of another.

Be Flexible and Practical

While a budget is necessary, you should be prepared to be flexible and practical when planning your wedding. Recognize that unforeseen expenses may occur, and priorities may vary as you make decisions and finalize details. Be willing to make trade-offs where necessary to stay within your budget. You can have the wedding of your dreams without exceeding your budget.

Consider Various Wedding Dates 

Choosing a wedding date during peak wedding season can result in substantial venue expenditures. Consider getting married during the low season or on a weekday to get a lesser venue rate. This is because most people get married on the weekends and during the holidays.

Wedding Planner Budget Breakdown

While it may seem paradoxical to employ a wedding planner on a tight budget, they can often save you money in the end. Experienced wedding planners have industry contacts and may help you identify low-cost choices for many areas of your wedding.

Types of Wedding Planners and Their Prices 

Regarding wedding planners' business frameworks and package types, not all wedding planning specialists are the same. Some offer full planning, while others work on tighter deadlines or merely provide day-of services. So, before you start vetting (and quoting) these professionals, make sure you know exactly what you need in terms of planning services. Finally, there are several types of wedding planners (and wedding-planning packages) to pick from, and it's likely that some of them will fit within your budget.

To assist you in making your decision, we have divided the most prevalent types of wedding planners and planning packages (along with their basic costs) into the following categories:

• Full-service wedding planner: This is the most all-inclusive wedding planner (and package) available; these professionals handle everything during the wedding planning process, from hiring other suppliers to managing all arrangements on the big day. They also plan everything you don't know about. For instance, they'll obtain necessary permits and may even design and produce the event itself. Because of this, some wedding planners or packages are among the most expensive. A full-service wedding planner can range in price from $5,000 to $27,000 or more, depending on the market segment.
• Day-of wedding coordinators: These are sometimes provided by your venue, and they oversee all aspects of your big day. They handle logistics, act as a point of contact for all vendors on-site, and resolve any issues that emerge during the event. Day-of wedding coordinators cost between $1000 and $3,000, depending on the involvement of the vendors (if they're also helping with rehearsal dinner preparation, expect to pay more).
• Month-of wedding planner: Many wedding planners include monthly coordination packages that may include assistance with final walk-throughs or tastings, reception layouts, rehearsal dinner preparation, RSVP handling, day-of requirements, and more. So, how much do they cost? Month-of wedding planners offer services that fall midway between full-service and day-of packages, but the prices range from $1,100 to $8,500.
• Destination wedding planners: These wedding planners assist you with organizing wedding celebrations hosted in another country. Destination wedding planners are typically full-service, serving as your boots on the ground in a remote location, and are billed accordingly.

Remember that there are many factors that influence how much a wedding planner charges, and there is a lot of difference. These factors include the venue of the wedding, transportation and accommodation for the team, daily expenses, etc.) and the scope of work for the wedding. Most of these are unknown until you get into the specifics of planning. Experience and knowledge are also important considerations when selecting a planner charge.

In terms of experience and competence, some planners may be licensed wedding planners—and that form of licensure and certification may influence the amount that they charge. Make sure you understand what exactly their certification is. Wedding planners who have been in the business for many years may charge more than those who are just starting out.

Budget Breakdown for Various Wedding Budgets 

Before we get into the practicalities of organizing a low-budget wedding in the United States, we need to grasp the national average wedding prices. This will give you a starting point for comparison and help you set your budget.

Average Wedding Costs in the United States: Cost Insights

The typical cost of a wedding in the United States varies depending on region, number of guests, and personal preferences. However, the national average for a wedding in the United States in 2024 is approximately $34,000. Keep in mind that these expenses can change over time, but they provide an excellent starting point for knowing what you will be up against.

The Ultimate Checklist 

Attire

Consider borrowing dresses for your bachelorette party or bridal shower from your most fashionable friend, or use a low-cost garment rental service.

• Engagement party outfit, shoes and accessories 
• Engagement photos outfit, shoes and accessories
• Bridal shower clothing, shoes and accessories
• Specialty undergarments 
• Veil, bridal jewelry, and accessories. 
• Wedding shoes
• Bachelor and bachelorette outfits, shoes and accessories 
• Rehearsal dinner clothes, shoes and accessories 
• Wedding dress, suit, and tux
• Alterations for wedding dresses and suits, including tuxedos. 
• Reception outfit (If you're changing from your ceremony look) or after party outfit
• Post-wedding brunch outfit (with shoes and accessories, of course) 
• Wedding dress cleaning and maintenance
  

Cake

Consider purchasing a modest two-tier cake to display and cut. You can then have a sheet cake behind the scenes to serve your wedding guests.

• The cake itself 
• Additional pies, donuts, cupcakes 
• Cake display table 
• Sheet cake for additional servings
• Cake-cutting fee
•  Specialty design elements, such as sugar flowers or hand painting. 
• Cake toppers 
• Cake stand 
• Cake cutting utensils 
• Delivery fee 
• Extra desserts (for dessert tables/stations) 
• Preservation kit for one-year anniversary
  

Beauty

Consider scheduling your hair and makeup try-out on the same day as your engagement shoot.

• Pre-wedding services, including haircuts or color
• Waxing
• Facial treatments 
• Makeup trial appointment
• Pre-wedding cosmetic treatments typically include manicures, pedicures
• Professional shaving 
• Tips (about 20% for beauty treatments)
• Day-of wedding hairstyle
• Spray tan 
• Lash extensions 
• Day-of wedding makeup
• Hair trial appointment 
• Wedding party hair/makeup
  

Wedding Ceremony

If possible, host your wedding ceremony and reception at the same location. Not only would it minimize transportation costs, but it will also shorten travel times for vendors who are paid by hour.

• Ceremony venue (if different from reception venue) 
• Church donations 
• Officiant fees
• Marriage license 
• Ceremony accessories (ring pillow, flower girl basket, candle, etc.)

Drinks

Create an open beer and wine bar, or serve a specialty cocktail. Guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails or purchase hard liquor at the bar. Also, do not feel obligated to spend extra for a champagne toast. Very few guests drink champagne, so they can salute you with their favorite hosted beverage instead.

• Cocktail hour drinks 
• Coffee or tea
• Reception drinks 
• Champagne toast 
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Open bar, hosted beer and wine, specialty cocktails. 
• Bartenders 
• Mixers 
• Bar signage
• Corkage fees (If you choose to BYO)
• Glassware (if not offered in the catering package) 
• Liquor license (if not given by the venue or caterer) 
• Bartender gratuity

Emergency Fund

It's almost probable that you'll encounter some hidden fees or other unexpected charges, so make sure to budget for them. For example, some venues may charge you an additional fee for bringing in vendors who are not on their "preferred" list, so make sure to inquire about this before settling on someone in particular.

• Vendor tips 
• Sales tax 
• Overtime fees
• Service charges 
• Liquor license (if not given by the venue or caterer) 
• Wedding insurance
• Cleanup costs 
• Unexpected rentals (such as temporary heaters or restrooms)
  

Transportation

Who says you need to rent a limousine? There's no shame in a wedding party carpool caravan. And a bicycle intended for two makes an excellent complement to wedding photos.

• Wedding couple/party transportation to the ceremony venue 
• Gratuity for the driver(s)
• Transportation of the wedding couple or party to the reception venue (if it is different from the ceremony site) 
• Shuttle service to get tourists to and from their hotels 
• Valet parking service
  

Reception Venue

While casual and bohemian styles have been popular recently, 2024 shows formal attire resurgence. Couples and their guests are embracing classic elegance with tuxedos, ball gowns, and sophisticated accessories. This trend is a nod to timeless fashion and adds a touch of glamour to weddings. It creates a sense of occasion and encourages guests to dress up for the celebration, adding to the overall ambiance and making the event feel special.

Consider going "off" the established route when it comes to wedding planning. Have it on an "off" day (e.g., Wednesday), in an "off" season (e.g., December), or at a "off" time (e.g., in the morning) when venues are less likely to book events. You'll profit greatly from significant savings off their regular fees.

• Room rental fee 
• Venue deposit
• Coat check fees
• Ceremony fee (if the ceremony is held at the reception site). 
• Additional rentals (such as tables, chairs, etc., if not provided by the caterer). 
• Liability insurance
• Dance floor rental (if not already installed or included) 
• Parking fees 
• Tax and service fees
• Security (some barn wedding venues Louisville, KY require it)
  

Wedding Invites

Consider going paperless. You can use a website to create e-invitations for anything from the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner. For more formal items, such as wedding invites, use a single-page postcard to save money on envelopes and regular postage. Also, choose a free wedding website.

• Engagement party invitations 
• Place cards
• Save the dates
• Wedding invitations (with inserts such as RSVP cards or maps). 
• Postage (for invites, RSVP envelopes, and thank-you notes)
• Wedding ceremony programs
• Rehearsal dinner invitations 
• Post-wedding brunch invitations 
• Menu Cards
• Envelopes (specialty-size envelopes are more expensive to transport) 
• Return address labels 
• Wedding reception paper goods 
• Escort cards 
• Custom napkins 
• Favor labels & thank you cards 

Music and DJ

Find a wedding DJ who offers an all-inclusive package that includes the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. They will be less expensive than live musicians and may offer a variety of services such as MC and DJ, minimal lighting design, and photo booth setup.

• Ceremony musicians
• Sound system or more speakers
• Music for the cocktail hour 
• Reception DJ or live band
• Microphone (for wedding speeches and reception toasts)
• Karaoke equipment if you're having fun like that.
• Photo booth and dance floor lighting (if your DJ offers these additional services)
  

Photos and Videos

Choose a photographer that will offer you complete rights to your digital wedding images. You'll be able to print them whenever you want and save money by selecting less expensive printing options—or simply emailing them to your friends and family.

• Engagement session 
• Rehearsal dinner photos
• Wedding day coverage 
• Raw footage
• Albums or prints
• Same-day edits
• Highlight reels
• Feature films
  

Wedding Food

Consider skipping past small savory dishes at weddings to save money. Instead, set out huge raw vegetables and charcuterie platters on a table as a self-service appetizer station. Your guests can still munch during cocktail hour, plus you'll save a lot of money on small dishes and service staff expenses.

• Tasting appointment (If not included in your catering package) 
• A rehearsal dinner 
• Plated, Buffet, or family style meals 
• Food stations 
• Bar and beverage service (see "Drinks" above; may be included in your catering package)
• Setup and/or cleaning fees
• Service personnel 
• Tax and gratuity (sometimes termed "service charge")
• Catering equipment, including plates, silverware, glassware, and serving platters. 
• Catering rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.) 
• Vendor meals (it is nice to feed your photographer)
  

Gifts

Choose an economical yet charming wedding favor from the list below (all for $1 or less).

• Wedding favors 
• Party gifts 
• Gifts for flower girls, ring bearers, spouses, and parents. 
• Welcome baskets for out-of-town guests 
• Thank-you gifts to notable merchants. 

Flowers

To reduce your floral expenses, buy flowers in season so you can get them at their peak supply and at a lesser cost. Furthermore, when they are grown locally, they do not need to be transported halfway around the world. You save funds while also reducing your environmental impact.

• Bouquets (for the bride(s) and/or bridal party, including a toss bouquet) 
• Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
• Boutonnières (for the groom, groomsmen, dads, and/or grandfathers) 
• Flowers and accessories for the flower girl or ring bearer 
• Delivery fees
• Ceremony arch 
• Wedding arrangements 
• Wedding chalkboards and signage
• Reception centerpieces (for guest tables, guest book tables, food stations, and so forth)
• Wedding cake flowers (if further cake decorations are required)
• Specialty décor rentals such as tents, lanterns, and candelabras.
• Additional rentals (such as tables, chairs, etc., if not provided by the venue) for venues or caterers.