Wedding Budgeting: How to Make It Work Without Losing the Plot
- Sofia
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest — wedding budgeting isn’t exactly fun. You’re planning this big, beautiful day, and suddenly it feels like you’re crunching numbers more than picking flowers. One minute you’re choosing a cake flavour, the next you’re wondering if chair covers are really worth £300 (spoiler: probably not).
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’re just trying to keep things under control, here’s a no-nonsense guide to planning your wedding budget without turning into a spreadsheet zombie.
Start With What You’ve Got
First things first — how much can you actually spend? Not what a wedding "should" cost, or what some article told you. What’s realistic for you?
That might mean:
Savings you already have
A bit set aside each month
Help from parents or family (if they’re offering — always a good convo to have early)
Whatever the number is, own it. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a lovely wedding. The key is making it yours.
Figure Out What Matters Most
Sit down with your partner, have a cuppa (or a glass of wine), and make a rough list of what you both care about. Like, really care about.
Maybe it’s an amazing meal, a great band, stunning photos, or a venue with a bit of character. (Side note: something like The Sessions House is perfect for that historic-meets-cool vibe.)
Pick your top three non-negotiables, and be prepared to spend a bit more on those. Everything else? That’s where you can cut back a little.
Break the Budget Down — Roughly
Once you’ve got your total budget, break it into chunks. You don’t have to be exact, but a rough outline helps keep things sane. Here's a loose guide:
Venue & Food – 40–50%
Photographer/Videographer – 10–15%
Outfits, Hair & Makeup – 5–10%
Flowers & Decor – 5–10%
Entertainment – 5–10%
Invites & Stationery – 2–4%
Transport – 2–4%
Cake – 1–2%
Bits & Extras (gifts, favours, signage, etc.) – 2–4%
Contingency Fund – 5–10% (because something will pop up)
You’ll probably tweak it as you go — that’s totally normal.
Keep Track (Even If You Hate Spreadsheets)
You don’t have to be a finance whizz, but you do need to keep tabs on what you’re spending. Otherwise, costs sneak up on you — trust me.
Use a basic spreadsheet, a wedding budget app, or even a handwritten list stuck to the fridge. Just track:
What you've booked
How much it costs
What you've already paid
What’s still due (and when)
Bonus points if you set calendar reminders for payment dates.
Watch Out for the Sneaky Stuff
Some costs are obvious. Others… not so much. Here's a few that catch people out:
Alterations (dresses and suits)
Corkage (yep, venues charge you to open wine you brought yourself)
Tips and service fees
Trials for hair/makeup
Cake-cutting charges (yes, that’s a thing)
Postage (invites can get pricey if you’re going fancy)
Extra hours for photographers or DJs
Insurance (seriously — worth having)
This is why that buffer we mentioned earlier? Absolute lifesaver.
Smart Ways to Save Without Feeling Cheap
If you’re watching the pennies (and who isn’t?), there are plenty of ways to trim the budget without cutting the magic:
Go off-peak — Fridays or winter weddings often cost less.
Trim the guest list — fewer people = less food, fewer favours, smaller venue.
DIY carefully — make your own signs or favours if you enjoy it. Don’t give yourself a nervous breakdown trying to hand-paint 120 name cards.
Reuse your flowers — ceremony flowers can double as table centrepieces.
Skip stuff you don’t care about — chair sashes, novelty napkins, fancy car hire... if it’s not meaningful, bin it.
And Finally… Don’t Let Money Steal the Joy
Weddings can be expensive — but they don’t have to be ridiculous. And they definitely don’t have to be stressful.
What matters most is that you’re getting married to your favourite person, surrounded by people who love you. Whether you spend £5,000 or £50,000, it’s still your day.
Plan smart, stay flexible, and let go of perfection. You’ve got this.
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