Staying on budget
How to Stay on Budget for Your Wedding (Without Losing the Magic)
Your wedding day should be full of joy, not credit card stress. While it’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest boards and “just this one extra thing,” you can have a beautiful, meaningful day without breaking the bank.
The secret? Planning with purpose and a few smart money moves.
1. Start With a Real Number
Before you fall in love with a £10,000 flower wall, figure out what you can realistically spend in total. Talk openly with your partner (and any contributing family members) about the actual budget. Then commit to sticking to it like it’s your wedding vow number one.
2. Break It Down Into Categories
Split your budget into categories of importance to you, like:
Venue & catering
Photography & videography
Attire & accessories
Flowers & décor
Entertainment
Miscellaneous (because there’s always something unexpected)
This gives you a roadmap and makes it easier to see where you can cut or reallocate funds.
3. Decide What Matters Most
If photography is your top priority, invest more there and spend less somewhere else, like choosing simpler table décor or skipping elaborate party favours. Every couple’s “must-haves” list is different, so tailor your spending to what matters most to you, not tradition, trends or other peoples views.
4. Embrace the Power of Off-Peak
Saturday in June? Most expensive option. Consider:
A Friday evening or Sunday afternoon
A winter or early spring wedding
A smaller, more intimate guest list
Venues and vendors often offer discounts during less busy times, and your guests may actually love a unique date.
5. DIY (Wisely)
Handmade signage, simple centrepieces, or personalised favours can save money and add meaning. BUT choose DIY projects that won’t cause you panic attacks the night before the wedding. Time is money, and your sanity matters too.
6. Keep Track as You Go
Use a shared spreadsheet, budget app, or even a paper notebook to track every deposit and payment. It’s easy to lose sight of the little extras until they add up to “oops, there goes our honeymoon fund.”
7. Remember the Day Is About People, Not Price Tags
The best weddings aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones, they’re the ones full of laughter, love, and genuine connection and a true reflection of the couples love for each other. Isn’t it better to have a wedding that truly reflects your relationship than a £100K wedding that looks fantastic but also the same as three other weddings your guests have been to.
Your guests won’t remember if the napkins matched the invitation . They will remember how happy you both looked and how much fun they had.
💡 Final Thought:
Your wedding budget isn’t a list of restrictions, it’s a tool that lets you start your marriage without unnecessary debt. Be intentional, stay flexible, and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love story.
If your not sure where to start planning but would rather not have a wedding planner, check out our consultant service. This is charged hourly and is a cost effective way to get the basic framework of planning a wedding which doesn’t break the bank!