Wedding Budget
As we know, setting a wedding budget isn’t exactly the most romantic part of getting engaged. But if you’re here, you probably already know how fast wedding costs can add up. At our Tennessee wedding venue, we’ve seen all kinds of budgets big, small, and everything in between. In this planning, one thing is always true, the happiest couples are the ones who plan realistically.
Your wedding should feel joyful, not stressful. And that starts with a budget that fits your life, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
So let’s go over how to create a realistic wedding budget step by step. No fluff. Just real talk, helpful numbers, and tips from a venue that’s walked hundreds of couples through the process.
Step 1: Know What You Can Actually Spend
Before you start touring venues or shopping for dresses, you need to know what you can afford to spend in total. Not what your cousin spent or what that wedding blog says is “average,” but what works for you.
Ask yourselves:
What are we contributing?
Are family members helping? (If yes, how much?)
Do we want to use savings or keep everything separate?
Are we okay with taking on any debt? (If not, set that boundary now.)
Write down your total wedding budget number, even if it’s a little fuzzy. Whether it’s $10,000 or $50,000, you need a starting point.
Wedding Planning Tip: Treat your wedding budget like any other big purchase, know what’s available before you start shopping.
Step 2: Break Down the Major Categories
Here’s a rough breakdown of where wedding budgets usually go. Of course, it varies depending on your location, guest count, and priorities, but this is a good starting place:
Category% of Budget (Approx.)
Photography/Videography 10–15%
Attire & Beauty 5–10%
Music/Entertainment 5–10%
Planner/Coordinator 5–10%
Invitations & Stationery 2–4%
Misc. (favors, license, tips) 3–5%
Buffer/Surprises 5–10%
Use your total budget and plug in those percentages. For example, if you’re working with $25,000, you might budget $12,000 for venue, food, and rentals, and $3,000–4,000 for a photographer, and so on.
Step 3: Prioritize What Matters Most
Here’s the secret no one tells you: You don’t have to spend on everything equally. You’re allowed to prioritize.
Ask yourselves:
What are the 2–3 things we care about most? (Food? Photos? Live music? The dress?)
What are we willing to keep simple or DIY?
Do we want a huge guest list or a more intimate day?
If having stunning photos and a weekend wedding at a outdoor wedding venue in Tennessee is what you dream about, build your budget around that and trim elsewhere. Some couples skip videography to afford a live band. Others trade a four-course dinner for a taco bar and late-night snacks.
There’s no wrong answer. Just be honest about your values.
Step 4: Understand What’s Included at Your Venue
Here’s where things can get a little tricky, but it’s also where your venue choice really matters.
Some venues are all-inclusive, meaning they bundle things like tables, chairs, linens, and even food. Others are more DIY, where you’ll need to rent everything separately.
At our barn and lakefront wedding venue, for example, we include a lot of the essentials (tables, chairs, prep kitchen, onsite accommodations), which means couples don’t have to juggle a million rental vendors. But some other venues charge separately for those items—so you have to read the fine print.
Wedding Venue Budget Tip: Always ask: What’s included in your base price? Then compare that to other venues. You might find that what looks “cheaper” at first will cost more in the end once you add it all up.
Step 5: Budget for the Whole Weekend (If You’re Hosting One)
More and more couples are turning their weddings into weekend events and we love that. Especially if you’re hosting at a venue like ours with onsite accommodations and space for rehearsal dinners, brunches, bonfires, or lake day hangs.
If that’s part of your plan, make sure to build it into your budget:
Saturday wedding day (venue, food, drinks, décor)
Sunday farewell brunch
Lodging for yourselves and family
Activities or extras (like welcome bags or transportation)
Pro tip? Guests love it, and it makes your wedding feel like a retreat, not just a single day. But just be sure you plan for it in advance.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs
There are always a few sneaky expenses that catch couples off guard. Here’s a quick list of things to budget for:
Gratuities and tips for vendors
Marriage license and officiant fees
Taxes and service fees (especially on catering and rentals)
Postage for invitations
Permits (if needed for outdoor weddings)
Vendor meals
Last-minute extras (like umbrellas, signage, or a second dress)
We recommend setting aside at least 5–10% of your budget for these things, just to be safe.
Step 7: Use a Tracker
There are tons of free wedding budget spreadsheets and apps out there. Choose one and stick with it. Update it every time you get a quote or make a payment.
Not only will it help you stay on track, but it also helps prevent overspending caused by “tiny” purchases that add up fast.
If spreadsheets aren’t your thing, designate one of you as the budget tracker—or ask your planner (if you have one) to keep you updated regularly.
Final Thoughts: Your Budget Is the Foundation
Here’s what we tell couples all the time: Your wedding budget doesn’t define your love, your worth, or your day. It’s just a tool to help you celebrate responsibly and without regret.
Whether you’re planning a $10K lakeside wedding with your closest friends or a $50K weekend celebration with a full guest list, the most important part is that your day reflects you.
Setting a realistic wedding budget means you get to spend intentionally, avoid stress, and focus on what matters most, marrying your favorite person.
Planning a Wedding in Tennessee?
If you’re looking for a Tennessee wedding venue that offers natural beauty, flexibility, and real value, we’d love to show you around. With onsite accommodations , a barn, a lake view, and space for multi-day celebrations, we help couples bring their vision to life, without blowing the budget.
Reach out to schedule a tour or chat about available dates. Tour here! Find us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and tiktok for more wedding planning tips! We think you’ll feel the magic the moment you arrive.