By Kings Norton Weddings & Events
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life—but it’s also a financial balancing act. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of florals, catering, and dream venues without realising you’ve gone over budget.
But don’t worry—with a bit of organisation and realistic planning, you can create a wedding budget that works for you.
Here’s how to do it without the stress.
Know Your Total Budget Before You Start Booking
Before you book a single supplier or venue, sit down with your partner and decide on your overall budget. Are you paying for the wedding yourselves, or will family be contributing? Knowing the total amount you have to work with is crucial to making smart decisions from the beginning.
When setting your budget, remember to leave some room for unexpected expenses—most couples find that things like alterations and last-minute add-ons can add up quickly.
Tip: Allocate around 10% of your budget as a contingency fund. It will give you flexibility for those ‘must-haves’ that pop up later.
Break Down Your Budget by Category
Once you know your total, the next step is to break it down into categories. Weddings generally involve key expense areas such as:
Venue and catering: Typically 40-50% of your budget
Photography/videography: 10-15%
Attire: 8-10%
Florals and decor: 8-10%
Music/entertainment: 5-8%
Stationery and invitations: 3-5%
Transportation: 2-3%
Miscellaneous (favours, beauty, cake, additional entertainment etc.): 10-15%
These percentages can vary based on your priorities. If you’ve always dreamed of an elaborate floral installation, for example, you might allocate a larger portion of your budget to decor and trim other areas. The key is to plan based on what matters most to you and your partner.
Prioritise What’s Important to You
Every couple has different priorities. Some dream of a grand venue with gourmet catering, while others care more about hiring their favourite band or having top-tier photography to capture every moment.
List the top 3-5 elements of your wedding that you consider most important, and allocate your budget accordingly. For example:
If you prioritise an unforgettable guest experience, invest more in your venue/wedding package, food, and entertainment.
If you care deeply about memories, prioritise an experienced photographer and videographer.
If the atmosphere and decor are key to your vision, focus on florals, lighting, and styling.
Once you know what matters most, it’s easier to compromise in areas you’re less concerned about.
Get Quotes Early
Many couples create their budget only to realise later that they’ve underestimated key expenses. To avoid surprises, start reaching out to vendors early. Request quotes from multiple suppliers to get a sense of what’s realistic in your area and for your wedding size.
Don’t forget: Some vendors require deposits, typically ranging from 25-50% upfront. Make sure you factor these payments into your budget timeline, so you’re not caught off guard.
Consider All-Inclusive Venue Packages
Some venues, like Kings Norton Weddings & Events, offer all-inclusive packages that cover key wedding components such as catering, decor, and on-site coordination. These packages can help streamline costs and reduce the stress of dealing with multiple companies.
When comparing venues, ask for a breakdown of what’s included. You may find that packages offer better value compared to booking everything individually.
Additionally, be sure to ask about hidden fees such as service charges, corkage fees, or overtime charges if your event runs late.
Track Every Expense
Once you start making bookings and paying deposits, keep track of every expense. You can use a wedding budget spreadsheet, an app, or even a good old-fashioned notebook—whatever works best for you.
Break down costs into ‘estimated’ versus ‘actual’ expenses so you can see if you’re overspending in any area and adjust accordingly.
Bonus tip: Create a ‘paid’ column in your tracking system to monitor which vendors are fully paid and which still need final balances closer to the wedding date.
Don’t Forget Small Costs
While it’s easy to remember big-ticket items like the venue or catering, it’s often the smaller expenses that sneak up on you. Here’s a list of costs that couples commonly forget to include:
Dress or suit alterations
Beauty treatments (hair, makeup, nails)
Marriage license fees
Cake cutting fees (some venues charge for this)
Vendor meals – for example a meal for your photographer
Postage for invitations
Gifts for your wedding party
Build a buffer for these smaller items so you’re not dipping into your contingency fund unnecessarily.
Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
If your initial budget feels stretched, don’t panic—there are ways to cut costs without compromising on your dream wedding. Consider these cost-saving tips:
Trim the guest list: Fewer guests mean lower catering, seating, and invitation costs.
Simplify the decor: Focus on key focal points like the ceremony arch or head table, and use budget-friendly options elsewhere.
Opt for in-season flowers: Seasonal blooms are often more affordable than out-of-season imports.
Digital invitations: Going digital can save on printing and postage.
Off-peak dates: Booking a winter wedding or during a weekday may lower venue costs.
Stay Flexible and Realistic
It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest boards and Instagram-worthy ideas, but keep in mind that your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Sometimes, the simplest weddings are the most beautiful because they reflect the couple’s personality and love.
Be prepared to adjust your expectations if necessary, and remember: your guests will cherish the experience, not the price tag.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding budget might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important. By staying organised, prioritising what matters, and tracking your spending, you can enjoy the process without the stress of financial surprises.
At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we understand the importance of balancing budget with beauty. Our team is here to help you create the day of your dreams without overextending your finances.
Ready to chat? Get in touch to book a tour and see how we can make your dream day come to life.
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