Wedding Budget Breakdown

Explore our wedding budget breakdown to help you navigate your expenses with ease.

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting journeys, but to avoid feeling overwhelmed, we recommend beginning the planning process with your budget. With so many details to consider, knowing where your money will go and how to prioritise is key to creating the day of your dreams without unnecessary stress. Below is a breakdown of the budget, offering rough estimates for how much to allocate to each category.

Wedding Venue and Catering: 35%

Your venue sets the tone for your wedding, so it’s no surprise that it often takes the biggest slice of the budget. Whether you’re saying “I do” by the ocean, in an intimate garden, or in a city church, expect this category to cover:

Venue hire fees

Catering and drinks (including service fees)

Furniture rentals (e.g., chairs, tables, linens)

Bar staff or bartending services

Tip: Some venues offer all-inclusive packages, which can simplify your planning process and save money.

Wedding Attire and Accessories: 10%

Your wedding-day look is all about feeling confident and staying authentic to you. This category includes:

Wedding dress and suit

Bridal accessories (shoes, veil, jewellery, etc.)

Hair and makeup

Alterations

Tip: Set your budget with confidence by prioritising the pieces that make you feel like you.

Bride looking in a mirror wearing a long pearl veil

Wedding Photography and Videography: 10%

Your wedding photos and videos will be treasured for a lifetime, making this an area worth the investment. Budget for:

Photographer and/or videographer fees

Additional hours or second shooters

Editing and final deliverables (albums, prints, highlight reels)

Tip: Book early to secure your dream team, as the best photographers and videographers often fill their schedules quickly.

Flowers and Décor: 10%

From lush bouquets to dreamy ceremony backdrops, flowers and décor bring your wedding style to life. This category covers:

Florist services (bouquets, centrepieces, installations)

Ceremony and reception décor (candles, signage, linens, etc.)

Tip: Reuse ceremony arrangements at your reception to maximise your floral budget.

Wedding table set up with flowers and taper candles

Bride sitting next to a chess board in a silk wedding dress

Entertainment: 10%

Keep your guests dancing all night long with music and fun experiences. Allocate funds for:

Band, DJ, or live performers

Ceremony musicians (e.g., string quartet)

Photo booth or interactive entertainment

Tip: A curated playlist can be a cost-effective alternative to a DJ or band for smaller weddings.

Stationery and Invitations: 5%

Set the stage for your celebration with thoughtful invites and stationery. This category includes:

Save-the-dates

Invitations (printed or digital)

Day-of stationery (menus, place cards, signage)

Tip: Digital invitations are a great alternative to save on printing and postage.

Flat lay of wedding rings and invitation

Wedding Planner: 10%

When hiring a full-service planner, their expertise is invaluable for a seamless experience. Costs include:

Planning services

Vendor coordination

Timeline management

Tip: If a full-service planner isn’t in the cards, consider hiring a coordinator to manage the day-of details.

Miscellaneous: 10%

This category covers the smaller, often overlooked details that make your day complete:

Marriage licence

Favours for guests

Transportation (for the couple and/or guests)

Tips for vendors

Tip: Keep a small portion of the budget for any potential unexpected or hidden costs.

While these percentages are a helpful guide, your priorities may shift based on what matters most to you as a couple. Start by focusing on your priorities—whether it’s an unforgettable venue, stunning photography, or a lively entertainment experience—and allocate your budget accordingly. Set a realistic overall budget and stay transparent with vendors to avoid unexpected costs. Finally, stay organised by tracking every expense using a spreadsheet or budgeting app to keep track of deposits, payments, and remaining balances. With thoughtful planning, you can create the celebration of your dreams while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

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