There's no denying that your wedding is going to be one of the most iconic chapters of your life. You're making a commitment to another person, and putting all your energy into making the day as special as possible. Naturally, you want to make sure your guests are having a good time and that everything unfolds smoothly. For that to happen, you need solid and efficient planning which always begins with the budget.
Keeping track of all the wedding costs can be a challenge, and the more planning you do before you start spending, the less likely you are to run into problems later. This ultimate guide to planning a wedding on a budget, a luxury event, a romantic soiree, or whatever you envision – will help you plan your finances accordingly because no matter whether you are on a tight budget, or wish to spend on a grand party – the rules are the same. Plus below you will find information about what costs are there at a wedding.
Breakdown of wedding costs
Wedding venue & catering
50%
When it comes to venues for your big day, there are plenty of options available. From castles and stately homes to boutique hotels and restaurants, there's no shortage of places where you can tie the knot. But don't just choose a venue because it looks gorgeous – make sure it's right for you.
Remember that you'll also have to pay extra if you want certain facilities at your chosen venue – such as food and drink packages or overnight accommodation. If you plan on having an outdoor ceremony or reception, check whether the weather will be favourable on the day too!
A nuptial event will have different wedding costs for food and beverages depending on the type of wedding you're having. The amount you spend on this category depends on whether there will be any food stations or buffets if you'll have a sit-down dinner or not, and of course, the length of your guest list.
Music and entertainment
5%
The music and entertainment are one of the most important elements of any wedding, so you will want to be sure to get it right. This can be anything from a string quartet or piano player to a DJ or live band. If you want to go down the DJ route, then make sure you hire one who has experience working at weddings - they will know how to keep people on the dance floor! You might also want to consider hiring a band rather than just a DJ as they will bring more energy and excitement to your evening reception.
Photography and videography
10%
For a well-rounded wedding experience, you should budget at least 10% of your total wedding costs for photography and videography. This will ensure that they get enough coverage during their special day without breaking the bank. A good rule of thumb is one photographer per 100 guests plus an assistant and one videographer per 50 guests plus an assistant. You don't want to be stuck with grainy images or missing shots due to lack of coverage!
Floral arrangements
5%
The cost of flowers for your wedding is usually between 5 and 10 per cent of your overall wedding costs, but some brides spend more or less depending on their preferences. If you're looking to keep things simple, you can stick to one or two types of flowers and buy them in bulk. On the other hand, if you want a fancier bouquet or centrepieces that really pop, it's worth it to find a florist who can create something custom just for you.
Décor rentals/ wedding planner/ designer/ coordinator set-up fee
8%
Although weddings are increasingly becoming more casual and simple, they do still involve some setup, which is one of the reasons so many brides are turning to décor rentals, wedding planners, and event design professionals. These services can be a great way to help ease the burden of planning a big event, but they also come at an additional cost.
With all of these fees floating around your head as you plan your wedding, it's important to know what exactly you're paying for with each one. Keep in mind that some vendors may offer discounted pricing for couples who plan their weddings with them from start to finish.
Wedding dress and accessories
10%
It's not uncommon to spend up to 10% of your wedding budget on your dress and accessories. Of course, this isn't mandatory – if you're having a casual event or a small, intimate wedding (and have a smaller budget), it's perfectly fine to spend less than 5% on these items. If you're having a formal affair with lots of guests and want to look extra fancy, it's totally fine to go up towards the 10% mark!
Wedding stationery
4%
4% of your wedding costs will be spent on stationery. This includes your invitation suite, save-the-dates, ceremony programs, menus, table numbers, table cards and thank you cards.
We know that this might seem like a small number, but it's important to remember that these are some of the most important pieces of your wedding. You want your guests to be able to tell at a glance who you are and what kind of celebration you're having – and that's exactly what great invitations do, they set the first tone!
Transportation
3%
Transportation costs are one of the most commonly overlooked wedding expenses. If you're considering a destination wedding, it's important to budget for transportation for your guests and the wedding party.
If you're hosting an event in a remote location and don't have much access to public transportation, it's a good idea to arrange for transportation to and from the site.
You can also work with your hotel or venue staff to provide shuttle services between hotels or other nearby accommodations and your wedding location. This will be especially helpful if there isn't much parking available near your chosen venue.
Other
5%
The "other" category is a catch-all for all the expenses that don't fit into one of the other categories. It includes any last-minute costs that might pop up during the planning process. Since you can never be completely sure what those wedding costs will be, it's wise to allocate a percentage of your wedding budget to this category.
We hope this post has been helpful in your search for information about wedding costs. You can also visit our other blog posts, which cover a broad range of wedding topics! Also, make sure to sign up for handy tips and updates by email.