How to make a wedding budget you'll actually stick to
Cost per guest, buffer and where budgets usually go over – so you can celebrate without worrying about the bills afterwards.
Mikaela & Houssem · 9 min read ·
The budget is the least romantic part of wedding planning – and the one that does most to let you enjoy the day. Do it early, do it together and be honest.
1. Start with the total
Decide how much you want to and can spend in total, before you start looking at venues. Talk about who's contributing what – your own money, savings or help from family – and whether any contribution comes with expectations.
2. Work out the cost per guest
Most of the budget – food, drink, venue and table setting – grows with the number of guests. Divide the total by the number of guests, and every name on the guest list becomes a concrete choice.
3. Decide what matters most
Each of you pick the three things that matter most to you, and compare. Put the money there, and be careful with the rest. Is it the photos, the food or the party you'll remember?
4. Where budgets usually go over
- Staff and hours – serving staff, cleaning and overtime if the party runs late.
- Drinks – corkage, more bottles than planned and alcohol-free options.
- Late-night food and transport – easy to forget until the last bus needs booking.
- VAT and fees – check that the prices you've been quoted include VAT.
- Small things – place cards, thank-you gifts, tips and an emergency kit. Cheap on their own, not together.
5. Save without it showing
- Choose a Friday or Sunday, or marry outside peak season.
- Hold the ceremony and party in the same place – then you avoid transport.
- Use seasonal flowers and move them from the ceremony to the party.
- Invite fewer guests rather than cutting back on what matters most to you.
6. Keep track
Put every quote and payment into a spreadsheet or an app: what it costs, what's been paid and when the rest is due. Go through it together once a month, so you notice early if something is drifting.