The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting chapters in life, but with so many details to organise, it's easy for costs to spiral out of control. Proper budget allocation is essential to help you plan a wedding that reflects your vision without unnecessary stress.
In this guide, we'll explore how to allocate your wedding budget, using a £50,000 budget as an example for 180 guest. We'll also answer common wedding budgeting questions to set you on the right path.
How to Allocate Your £50,000 Wedding Budget
Wedding budgets typically follow a percentage-based allocation to cover the key elements of the day. Here's a breakdown:
Venue & Catering (40% - £20,000)
- Venue hire: £8,000
- Catering & drinks: £12,000
Photography & Videography (12% - £6,000)
- Photographer: £3,500
- Videographer: £2,500
Attire & Accessories (10% - £5,000)
- Wedding dress & alterations: £2,500
- Suit(s) or other attire: £1,000
- Accessories, shoes, veil, and jewellery: £1,500
Flowers & Décor (10% - £5,000)
- Floral arrangements: £2,500
- Décor & rentals: £2,500 Entertainment (8% - £4,000)
- DJ/Band: £3,000
- Additional entertainment (e.g., photo booth): £1,000
Planner/Coordinator (8% - £4,000)
- Hiring a professional planner ensures everything runs smoothly.
Stationery (4% - £2,000)
- Invitations & save-the-dates: £1,200
- Day-of stationery (menus, place cards, etc.): £800
Cake (3% - £1,500)
- Opt for a smaller display cake with sheet cakes in the kitchen to serve guests.
Hair & Makeup (3% - £1,500)
- Hair & makeup for the bride(s) and wedding party.
Miscellaneous (2% - £1,000)
- This covers unexpected costs, such as tips, transportation, or permits.
Common Wedding Budget Questions Answered
What if I go over budget?
Create a contingency fund of 5-10% within your budget to cover unexpected expenses. If overspending occurs, revisit areas where you can cut back, such as opting for simpler floral designs or reducing guest count.
How do I prioritise spending?
Identify the top three elements most important to you as a couple. For example, if you value amazing food and a breath-taking venue, allocate more to those areas and spend less on non-essentials.
How can I save money on a wedding without sacrificing quality?
- Choose an off-peak date or day (e.g., Fridays or Sundays).
- Consider alternative venues, such as private gardens or community halls.
- Focus on seasonal flowers for your arrangements.
- DIY certain aspects, like favours or stationery, if you have the time and skills.
Should I hire a wedding planner if I have a tight budget?
Absolutely! A wedding planner can save you money by negotiating vendor contracts and ensuring you stay on track with your spending.
How do I manage guest list costs?
The guest list is one of the biggest factors affecting your budget. Be realistic about who you invite, and remember that each guest adds to the catering, seating, and stationery costs.