Setting Up Your Wedding Budget

Creating Your Wedding Budget

A well-planned budget keeps your wedding finances on track. Here's how to set up and manage your budget effectively.

Getting Started with Scenarios

We use "scenarios" to help you plan different budget options:

1. Go to Dashboard > Budget
2. Click Create New Scenario
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Dream Wedding" or "Budget-Friendly")
4. Set your total budget amount
5. Start adding items

Why scenarios?

• Compare different budget approaches
• See how choices affect your total
• Keep a backup plan if costs increase
• Share options with family contributors

Setting Your Total Budget

Consider all funding sources:

• Your savings
• Family contributions
• Wedding loans (if applicable)

Be realistic: Include everything — attire, rings, honeymoon, and hidden costs like tips and taxes.

Our recommendation: Start with what you can comfortably afford, not what you wish you could spend.

Budget Categories

We organize expenses into categories:

Venue & Catering (40-50% of budget)

• Ceremony venue
• Reception venue
• Catering and bar
• Cake and desserts

Photography & Video (10-15%)

• Photographer
• Videographer
• Photo booth

Flowers & Decor (8-10%)

• Ceremony flowers
• Reception centerpieces
• Bouquets and boutonnieres
• Rentals and decor

Music & Entertainment (8-10%)

• DJ or band
• Ceremony musicians
• Other entertainment

Attire & Beauty (8-10%)

• Wedding dress/suit
• Accessories
• Hair and makeup
• Wedding party attire help

Stationery (2-3%)

• Save-the-dates
• Invitations
• Programs and menus
• Thank-you cards

Other (10-15%)

• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Favors
• Officiant
• Marriage license
• Tips and gratuities

Allocating Your Budget

For a $30,000 budget example:

Building in Cushion

Always include a contingency fund:

• Add 5-10% buffer for unexpected costs
• Costs often run over quotes
• Last-minute additions happen
• Better to have extra than stress about overages

Tracking as You Go

Once your budget is set:

1. Add items as you book vendors
2. Update from quoted to final costs
3. Mark items as paid
4. Watch your remaining budget in real-time

Your dashboard shows:

• Total budget
• Expected costs (quoted + estimated)
• Confirmed costs (contracted amounts)
• Paid amount
• Remaining budget

Pro Tip: Update your budget weekly. Small expenses add up quickly, and regular tracking prevents surprises!