Wedding Budgeting 101: How to Plan the Perfect Oklahoma Wedding Day Without Breaking the Bank

Planning a wedding is exciting, but managing the costs can be overwhelming. A well-structured budget is essential for ensuring your special day is beautiful and memorable without financial stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and sticking to your wedding budget.

Step 1: Determine Your Total Budget

Before you start booking vendors or shopping for your attire, determine how much you can realistically spend. Consider contributions from parents, family, or savings. Be transparent with everyone involved to avoid surprises.

Step 2: Prioritize Key Expenses

Decide which elements of your wedding matter most to you. Some couples focus heavily on food and entertainment, while others prioritize stunning photography or floral designs. Allocate more funds to these key areas.

Step 3: Break Down the Budget

On average nationwide, wedding expenses break down like this:

• Venue and Catering (40-50%)

• Photography and Videography (10-15%)

• Attire and Accessories (5-10%)

• Flowers and Decor (10-15%)

• Entertainment (5-10%)

• Stationery (2-5%)

• Favors and Gifts (2-3%)

• Unexpected Costs (5-10%)

 Step 4: Track Your Spending

Use budget tracking tools or spreadsheets to monitor your expenses. Apps like Mint or Zola can simplify tracking and alert you to overspending trends.

Step 5: Plan for Hidden Costs

Unexpected expenses are common, so be prepared. Some often-overlooked costs include:

• Gratuities for vendors

• Marriage license fees

• Dress alterations

• Delivery and setup fees

Step 6: Explore Cost-Saving Tips

• Choose an Off-Peak Date: Venues often offer discounts for weekday or off-season weddings.

• DIY Where Possible: Handmade centerpieces or invitations can reduce costs.

• Limit the Guest List: Smaller guest counts reduce catering, rental, and venue costs.

Step 7: Consider Alternative Options

Consider faux flowers or digital invitations which can cut costs without compromising style. Many couples are opting to forego wedding favors. Guests forget to take them. If you are determined to give favors, consider having a photo booth. Your guests have a fun photo to take with them and a reminder of a wonderful evening.

Step 8: Stick to the Plan

Establishing a clear budget from the start will help you avoid impulsive spending. Regularly revisit your plan to stay on track.

Words from The Ranch

At The Ranch at Woodward Wedding Venue, we asked several brides about their budgets. Those who shared with us averaged the following costs:

·       Venue 15%

·       Food (reception meal, cake, place settings) 15%

·       Entertainment (DJ, photobooth) 8%

·       Photography 15%

·       Attire (wedding dress, alterations, groom’s outfit, attendants, accessories) 22%

·       Bridal bouquet, bouquets, boutonnieres 3 %

·       Decorations (ceremony and reception décor) 5%

·       Stationery 1%

·       Officiant 1%

·       Bar (bartenders, alcohol and accessories, security) 13%

·       Unexpected (gratuities, marriage license, gifts) 2%

Ways many of The Ranch’s couples suggest lowering costs:

·       use faux flowers

·       eliminate favors

·       forgo tuxes/suits and opt for boots, jeans, and a button-down shirt that groomsmen can wear again

·       order bridesmaids’ dresses online

·       have a dry wedding (no alcohol)

·       hire a decorator – you won’t need to purchase décor, store it, keep track of it, then attempt to resell it after the wedding

·       opt for a small ceremony with a cake only reception

·       opt for an elopement

Final Thoughts

Creating a wedding budget might seem daunting, but with clear priorities and smart planning, you can design a magical day without financial stress. Remember, your wedding should reflect your love story—not your wallet size.