Budgeting for Your Wedding: How to Plan Without the Stress.

Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful moments of your life — but it’s no secret that it can also be one of the most expensive. Between venues, photography, catering, and outfits, costs can quickly spiral out of control.

The good news? With a clear plan and some smart decision-making, you can create a stunning wedding without the stress of overspending.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to budgeting for your wedding while still making every moment picture-perfect.

1. Start With a Realistic Total Budget

Before you book anything, sit down with your partner and talk about money honestly. Decide:

• How much can you realistically save between now and your wedding date?

• Will family members contribute?

• What are your top priorities?

Once you’ve agreed on a total figure, stick to it. It’s much easier to manage your spending when you treat your budget as a guide rather than a guessing game.

2. Break Down Your Budget by Category

A realistic wedding budget means knowing where your money will go. Here’s a simple breakdown to help:

Category	% of Total Budget	Example
Venue & Catering	40–50%	Food, drinks, hire fees
Photography & Videography	10–15%	Capturing your memories
Attire	5–10%	Dress, suit, accessories
Flowers & Décor	5–10%	Bouquets, tables, venue styling
Entertainment	5–10%	Band or DJ
Stationery	2–4%	Invitations, signage
Miscellaneous	5–10%	Transport, gifts, beauty, extras

These percentages aren’t fixed — they’re simply a guide to help you distribute your funds wisely.

3. Prioritise What Truly Matters

No two couples are the same, and neither are their priorities. Think about what will make your day feel most meaningful.

For example:

• If food is your passion, allocate more to catering.

• If memories are priceless, invest in a professional photographer who can beautifully capture every moment.

• If décor isn’t a big deal to you, scale it back to free up funds elsewhere.

The key is to spend where it adds real value.

4. Track Every Expense

Whether you’re using a spreadsheet or a wedding planning app, track every cost — from deposits to final payments.

It’s easy to overlook “small” costs like postage or accessories, but they add up fast. Keep a 10% buffer for unexpected expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

5. Save Smart, Not Cheap

Budgeting doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means being resourceful.

Here are some clever ways to save:

• Choose a midweek or off-season date — venues often discount significantly.

• Book local suppliers to avoid travel surcharges.

• Bundle services (like photography and videography together).

• DIY small touches like signage or favours.

Little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing quality.

6. Don’t Forget Post-Wedding Costs

After the big day, a few extra costs often get overlooked:

• Honeymoon spending

• Thank-you gifts

• Dress cleaning or preservation

• Wedding album or prints

Including these in your budget ensures you start married life on solid financial footing.

❤️ The Best Investment You’ll Make: Your Memories

When the day is over, the food will be gone and the flowers will fade — but your photographs last forever.

At Burst Photos Photography, I believe every couple deserves beautiful, timeless images that tell their unique story. My professional wedding photography captures the joy, emotion, and small details that make your day truly yours — and I do it with care, creativity, and expertise.

✨ If you’re currently planning your wedding and want to chat about photography packages, get in touch:📞 07970559931📧 matthew@burstphotos.co.uk🌐 Message Now

Because when it comes to your wedding, the best investment isn’t just in the day itself — it’s in how you’ll remember it forever.