Budgeting for a wedding often starts with a mixture of excitement and perplexity for first-time brides. It can be difficult to understand venue deposits, dress fittings, or even hair trials when there are hidden fees associated with each choice. If you’re not using a very effective checklist, what may begin as a Pinterest board can quickly turn into a spreadsheet of spiraling numbers.
The price of weddings has significantly gone up in recent years. The Knot’s 2025 survey indicates that the average wedding now costs more than $33,000. This has nothing to do with couples suddenly becoming extravagant. The reason for this is that vendor prices, guest comfort, and expectations have all changed dramatically. First-time brides are especially prone to overspending—not due to negligence, but rather to unfamiliarity.
Wedding Budget Categories for First-Time Brides
| Category | Average % of Budget | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Catering | 35% | Includes food, drinks, space rental, and service fees |
| Photography & Videography | 10% | Captures lasting memories—important for storytelling and sharing |
| Wedding Planner | 12% | Guides decision-making, prevents costly errors, and handles logistics |
| Attire & Beauty | 5% | Dress, alterations, shoes, hair, makeup, accessories |
| Florals & Decor | 10% | Flowers, installations, centerpieces, furniture rentals |
| Music & Entertainment | 5% | DJ, live band, ceremony musicians, lighting, sound equipment |
| Stationery & Signage | 5% | Save-the-dates, invites, calligraphy, printed materials |
| Transportation | 5% | Guest shuttles, bridal cars, party bus |
| Cake & Desserts | 3% | Tiered cakes, dessert bars, delivery, tasting fees |
| Favors & Gifts | 2% | Guest keepsakes, bridal party gifts, welcome baskets |
| Emergency Fund & Tips | 8% | Gratuities, surprise expenses, weather backup plans |
The stress is greatly decreased by segmenting the budget into manageable parts. Give the venue, food, and entertainment top priority. These are the features that visitors remember the most. Even the most exquisitely designed ceremony will be remembered for its soggy appetizers or half-empty dance floor, according to wedding planner Beth Helmstetter. Her suggestions are in line with a larger movement that emphasizes experiences over beauty.
The largest portion—an average of 35%—is consumed by the venue and catering. This covers not only the actual venue but also the food, beverages, wait staff, and occasionally even the tables and linens. It’s very simple to get sucked into a sleek rooftop or rustic barn without considering how much your budget will hold after minimums for catering and rentals are taken into account. Here, celebrity weddings frequently create irrational expectations. Even though Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Italian villa event was spectacular, big budgets and a talented planner are needed to run the logistical machine.
When weighed against the time, headaches, and mistakes avoided, hiring a planner may seem like a luxury, but it is actually quite inexpensive for first-time brides. In addition to making decisions, a planner’s duties also include anticipating possible problems, renegotiating agreements, and making sure your money is spent wisely. A remarkably similar sentiment is frequently expressed by first-time brides: they wish they had enlisted assistance sooner.
At 10% of the budget, photography and videography provide more than just pictures. They act as emotional moorings—moments that will never fade. As many contemporary brides are aware, these photos end up being the focal points of wedding blogs, Instagram feeds, and albums. Prior to the big day, hiring the right team early guarantees availability and fosters trust.
Next are clothes, appearance, and all the other details that are rarely featured in viral wedding reels. Consider dresses for the day after brunch, sophisticated shoes that don’t strain your arches, speciality underwear you didn’t realize you’d need, and rehearsal dinner attire. Even famous people like Meghan Markle and Hailey Bieber, who seem to have no trouble organizing their weddings, had numerous wardrobe changes and full glam squads. It can be both thrilling and intimidating for regular brides to plan their outfits for events other than the main ceremony.
Approximately 10% of the total budget goes toward décor and flowers. Their visual and instantaneous impact turns ordinary spaces into romantic settings. They aren’t all made equal, though. Oversized centerpieces or hanging installations can be stunning but extremely expensive. To save money, many brides are now choosing silk flowers, reusable décor, or floral subscriptions. Celebrities like Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who are renowned for putting sincerity above spectacle and celebrating with more intimate, small details, are serving as models for others.
Depending on the location, transportation may only account for 5% of the budget, but it becomes crucial. Shuttles or valet services may be necessary for guests’ convenience, remote areas, or constrained city parking. The logistical costs frequently surprise brides, particularly if the vision includes a party bus, vintage car, or limousine. Making reservations in advance, combining services, or choosing locations that include parking can all be very effective ways to save money.
The cake is symbolic, photographed, and (ideally) consumed, making it more than just a dessert. It may seem insignificant at only 3% of the budget, but elaborately designed cakes can cost up to $1,500. Couples now have a way to combine tradition and variety thanks to the popularity of dessert bars and mini cakes. Brides who prefer taste and customization over imposing fondant sculptures are adopting this especially creative trend.
Usually, calligraphy, signage, and invitations account for around 5% of the total. Even today, some couples spend a lot of money on personalized suites with silk ribbon accents and letterpress printing. Others use digital platforms for save-the-dates and RSVPs. It’s interesting to note that a lot of brides choose a hybrid approach, which consists of printed invitations and an extremely educational wedding website. This method is particularly helpful when visitors are on the road or need comprehensive lodging information.
Although they might not seem like much, welcome gifts and favors help to create a good first impression. You can create a thoughtful signature moment with just 2% of your budget. Consider locally sourced treats, personalized cookies, or hand-poured candles. Giving your favorite coffee blend from the café where you met, for example, can make these tokens feel especially personal when connected to your shared story. It’s surprising how powerful simplicity can be.
Finally, it’s important to remember to include an emergency fund and tips. At least 8% of your total should be set aside. This guards against last-minute rentals, late vendor fees, and even weather-related cancellations. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is the importance of flexibility and contingency plans. The difference that makes all the difference could be a power generator, an extra tent, or a different vendor.
In the industry, weddings are now viewed as emotional narratives that are meticulously planned and profoundly significant, rather than merely events. Particularly first-time brides are urged to see their wedding as an investment in creating memories rather than in perfection. It is completely possible to throw an amazing celebration without regretting the cost if you are strategic, realistic, and creatively adaptable.
