Your Complete Wedding Budget Checklist (Plus Tips!)

Developing a budget for your wedding is a crucial step in the early stages of planning. It allows you to approach the process thoughtfully and prioritize significant aspects for you and your partner.

Nonetheless, while essential wedding budgeting isn’t the most enjoyable activity.

Luckily, we’ve gathered insights from recently married couples who have stood precisely where you are now.

Here are our top tips to help you navigate this phase with ease.

Example Budget Template You Can Copy & Paste

Venue:

Rental Fee:
Ceremony Fee:
Reception Fee:
Additional Fees:

Catering:

Food and Beverages:
Bar:
Cake/Desserts:
Additional Fees:

Attire:

Wedding Dress/Suit:
Accessories:
Alterations:
Wedding Party Attire:

Photography/Videography:

Photography:
Videography:
Additional Fees:

Flowers and Decor:

Bouquets/Boutonnieres:
Centerpieces:
Ceremony Decor:
Additional Fees:

Entertainment:

DJ/Band:
Ceremony Music:
Lighting:
Additional Fees:

Stationery:

Save the Dates/Invitations:
Programs/Menus:
Escort Cards/Place Cards:
Thank You Cards:

Miscellaneous:

Transportation:
Favors:
Gifts:
Marriage License:

Total Budget:

Total Spent:

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Example Wedding Budget Planner Template + Tips

Average Spend Per Vendor

Here’s a list of common wedding vendors that you may need to budget for and their average cost:

Venue: This is usually the most expensive item on your list, and the cost can vary widely depending on the location, size, and time of year. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more.
Catering: The cost of catering can also vary widely depending on the type of food, the number of guests, and the level of service. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $150 per person.
Photography: The cost of wedding photography can also vary depending on the level of experience and quality of the photographer, as well as the length of time they will be shooting. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
Flowers: The cost of wedding flowers can vary depending on the type of flowers, the size of the arrangements, and the season. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
Music: Whether you’re hiring a band or a DJ, the cost of wedding music can vary depending on the number of musicians, the length of time they will be playing, and the level of experience. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
Wedding Planner: If you’re hiring a wedding planner, the cost can vary widely depending on the level of service and experience. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
Wedding Dress: The cost of your wedding dress can vary widely depending on the designer, the style, and the level of customization. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Invitations: The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on the design, the number of pieces, and the printing method. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
Hair and Makeup: If you’re hiring a professional hair and makeup artist, the cost can vary depending on the level of experience and the length of time they will be working. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500.

Remember that these are just average costs, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your location, the number of guests, and your personal preferences. It’s important to do your research and get quotes from several vendors before making a final decision.

Tips & Notes

Determine your total budget: Before you start planning anything, you need to determine how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Make sure you’re realistic about your budget and be sure to stick to it.
Break down your budget: Once you have your total budget, you need to break it down into categories, such as venue, catering, dress, flowers, and so on. Allocate a specific amount of money to each category, based on what is most important to you.
Prioritize your expenses: Decide which expenses are most important to you and prioritize them in your budget. For example, if you’re a foodie, you may want to spend more on catering and less on flowers.
Research vendors: Research various vendors and compare their prices. Don’t just go with the first vendor you come across, as you may be able to find better deals elsewhere.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors. Many vendors are willing to negotiate their prices, especially if you’re willing to pay in full upfront.
Keep track of your expenses: Make sure to keep track of all your expenses in a spreadsheet or budgeting app. This will help you stay on top of your spending and make adjustments as needed.
Allocate funds for unexpected expenses: Remember to allocate some funds for unexpected expenses, such as last-minute changes or emergencies.
Don’t forget about taxes and gratuities: Be sure to factor in taxes and gratuities when planning your budget, as they can add up quickly.
Stick to your budget: It’s important to stick to your budget throughout the planning process. If you find yourself overspending in one category, try to make cuts in another category to make up for it.
Review and adjust your budget regularly: Review your budget regularly and adjust it as needed. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t overspend.