Ah, the wedding budget... The topic that can quickly make you break into a cold sweat! 😅 Don't panic, we're going to demystify everything together and give you the real info to plan with peace of mind.
💰 How Much Does a Wedding Really Cost?
Let's be honest: there is no "normal" budget. We see beautiful weddings at $5,000 as well as $50,000. It all depends on your priorities.
But to give you an idea, here's what we see in 2025:
| Type of Wedding | Average Budget | Number of Guests |
|---|
| Intimate | $5,000 - $15,000 | 30-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | $20,000 - $35,000 | 80-100 |
| Grand wedding | $40,000 - $70,000+ | 150+ |
💡 Did you know? The cost per guest generally runs around $150-250. This is THE variable that impacts your final budget the most.
📊 Where Does the Money Really Go?
Here's the typical breakdown of a wedding budget. Spoiler: the venue and catering are the big chunk!
🏰 Venue (30-40%)
This is often the first expense item. Prices vary enormously:
- Community hall : $500 - $2,000
- Estate / Barn : $3,000 - $12,000
- Exceptional venue : $12,000 - $25,000+
🍽️ Catering (25-30%)
The big one. Count per person:
- Cocktail + seated dinner : $75 - $175
- Beverages (wine, champagne) : $25 - $50
- Wedding cake : $5 - $12 per slice
⚠️ Warning: ALWAYS ask for a detailed quote. "Unlimited wine" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone!
📸 Photo & Video (10-15%)
An investment worth making - these are your memories for life!
- Photographer (full day) : $2,000 - $5,000
- Videographer : $2,500 - $6,000
- Photo booth : $400 - $800
💐 Decor & Flowers (5-10%)
- Bridal bouquet : $100 - $300
- Ceremony + reception flowers : $800 - $3,000
- Table decorations : $500 - $1,500
🎵 Music & Entertainment (5-8%)
- DJ : $800 - $2,000
- Band : $2,000 - $6,000
👗 Attire & Beauty (8-12%)
- Wedding dress : $1,000 - $4,000
- Groom's suit : $400 - $1,500
- Hair + makeup : $200 - $500
🎯 Our 7 Tips to Save (For Real)
1. Get Married Off-Season
Potential savings: 20-30%The months from November to March are much less in demand. Same goes for Fridays or Sundays.
2. Reduce the Guest List
We know, it's hard. But each guest less saves $150-250. A wedding with 60 people instead of 100 is potentially $6,000-9,000 less.
3. Go Digital with Your Stationery
No more $3-per-piece invitations! With your Ouidolist wedding website, you can:
- ✅ Send elegant digital invitations
- ✅ Manage RSVPs automatically
- ✅ Share all practical info
- ✅ Free for the landing page!
4. Negotiate Packages
Many vendors offer discounts if you book multiple services. Don't hesitate to ask!
5. Smart DIY
Some things lend themselves well to homemade:
- Centerpieces with candles and dried flowers
- Guest favors (homemade jams, soaps...)
- Spotify playlist (at least for cocktail hour)
⚠️ But be careful: don't underestimate the time it takes. DIY stress the night before the wedding is a no-go!
6. Take Advantage of Sales
- Sales for attire (January, July)
- Black Friday for decor
- Wedding fairs for vendor offers
7. Prioritize
Make a list of what REALLY matters to you both. A great photographer but an average DJ? A dream venue but a simpler meal? It's your wedding, your choices!
📋 Budget Template
To help you out, here's how to structure your budget:
TOTAL PLANNED BUDGET: $________
VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
├── Venue rental: $____
├── Accommodation: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
RECEPTION
├── Catering: $____
├── Beverages: $____
├── Cake: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
VENDORS
├── Photographer: $____
├── Videographer: $____
├── DJ/Music: $____
├── Officiant: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
DECORATION
├── Flowers: $____
├── Room decor: $____
├── Equipment rental: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
ATTIRE & BEAUTY
├── Dress: $____
├── Suit: $____
├── Accessories: $____
├── Hair/Makeup: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
STATIONERY & GIFTS
├── Invitations: $____
├── Guest favors: $____
└── Subtotal: $____
CONTINGENCY (10%): $____
💡 Pro tip: ALWAYS keep a 10% margin for unexpected expenses. Trust us, there are always some!
In Summary
The perfect budget is the one that suits you. Don't compare yourself to others, don't go into debt to "do like everyone else".
The essential thing? Getting married surrounded by the people you love. Everything else is a bonus. 💕
And to manage all of this easily, create your wedding website on Ouidolist - it's free and will save you time and money communicating with your guests!
Have questions about your budget? Share them in the comments, we'd love to help!