You want the wedding of your dreams, but you need to do it on a budget that's reasonable. That’s totally possible if you find the right wedding budget breakdown and stick to it. The good news is we can help with exactly that.
Keep reading to learn some tips for planning a budget for a wedding. We’ll cover:
The 50/30/20 wedding budget rule
Rank priorities based on your values
Build an emergency buffer into your budget
Consider seasonal cost variations in Arizona
Use monthly savings strategies for long engagements
By the end of this blog post, you’ll have everything you need to create your perfect wedding budget template.
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The 50/30/20 Wedding Budget Rule
The first step is to establish the foundation of your budget. A typical wedding budget should follow the 50/30/20 rule. This rule dictates that your budget should be broken down as follows:
50% of the budget for big-ticket essentials (venue, catering, photography)
30% for nice-to-have extras (flowers, entertainment)
20% for savings or debt repayment after the wedding
As you gather quotes from vendors, it can start to feel overwhelming as the thousands of dollars add up. Following the 50/30/20 rule will help provide some structure for couples when they feel lost. Feel like you’re spending too much on flowers? Check how it aligns with the magical rule.
Modern Moments offers wedding bundle rates on our site at all times, allowing you to compare our numbers with your budget immediately.
Rank Priorities Based on Your Values
Unless you’re rich and have millions to spend on your wedding, you simply won’t be able to have it all. There will be areas where you choose to splurge, and others where you save. As you build your budget, identify what matters most to you: food, photography, entertainment, or décor.
Ranking priorities might be easiest if you create a “must-have,” “nice-to-have,” and “optional” list.
At Modern Moments, our experienced wedding planners can help couples align their budgets with personal wedding goals.
Build an Emergency Buffer into Your Budget
When it comes to weddings, it’s very common to end up going over budget. No matter how organized and careful you are, some extra expenses might pop up at the end of the day. To plan for this, consider setting aside 10%-15% of your budget. This will cover unexpected costs, such as last-minute vendor changes, weather-related adjustments, and extra tailoring on the wedding dress.
As an experienced venue provider, Modern Moments always aims to help couples avoid these common budget pitfalls. We include plenty of additional benefits in your venue booking (day-of coordinator, free parking, event security, day-of insurance), so you’re not left with extra bills.
Consider Seasonal Cost Variations in Arizona
Summer weddings in Arizona often cost less due to off-peak pricing, compared to the peak seasons of spring and fall. The savings add up because everything is offered at a discount, from vendors and venues to even food and drink costs.
Modern Moments’ insights can help you choose a date that maximizes value and aligns with your budget.
Use Monthly Savings Strategies for Long Engagements
As you begin to save, consider breaking your total wedding budget into 12-18 monthly savings goals. Consider setting up an automatic savings account to help you stay on track. Some couples even take on a side hustle to achieve their wedding savings goal.
Don’t forget that many vendors require an up-front deposit, so you may have bills coming in as soon as you start planning.
When you use Modern Moments' wedding planning services, you’ll get expert advice on everything wedding budget-related. Our planners have over 20 years of experience and have completed hundreds of weddings. They can offer guidance on whether your wedding budget is realistic, what costs you may not have considered, and even when certain payments will be due.
Make Your Dream Wedding Affordable with Modern Moments
When it comes to creating a perfect wedding on a budget, one of the smartest choices you can make is selecting an affordable venue. Modern Moments is budget-friendly, and we offer several add-ons that save you money, such as:
Complimentary tables and chairs
Day-of venue coordinator
Private bridal suite & groom's room
Elegant ceremony arch
Lawn games
Cozy fire pit
Ceremony aisle signs
Welcome table essentials
Sweetheart table décor
Event security
Day-of event insurance
Design consultations