GuideWedding
Wedding budget breakdown: a practical starting split
Before you book a venue, decide the total you can spend and sketch category caps. Exact percentages vary wildly by city, guest count, and what you DIY. Treat the numbers below as a planning scaffold, not a rulebook.
Common category groups
- Venue and catering (often the largest share)
- Photo and video
- Attire
- Flowers and decor
- Music or entertainment
- Ceremony fees and rentals
- Stationery, favors, transportation
- A buffer for tips, alterations, and surprises
Free wedding budget split calculator
After you have caps, track vendor deposits, due dates, and what is already paid so you do not double-book the same dollars.
Planning aid only. Real vendor quotes should drive your final numbers.