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2023 couples have been engaged for on average 2 years – longer than any generation before. Through the years, they’ve been overloaded with inspiration from the constant stream of their social media feeds, not to mention the 10-plus weddings couples say they’ve attended, on average, over the past two years alone.

With so much noise, it’d be easy for these couples to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and to some degree they are. But these couples are also enjoying the wedding planning process. Here’s a look at what Gen Z, Millennials, and Zillennials ranked as their favorite parts of wedding planning, according to [Zola’s 2023 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023). 

## Couples' Favorite Wedding Planning Moments Ranked

### 1. Getting Engaged <a id="engaged"> </a>
Whether it was an over-the-top romantic gesture or an intimate moment, 39.57% of couples say getting engaged has been their favorite part of wedding planning. It makes sense, too—it’s the kickoff to the main event.

### 2. Feeling Done With All of the Planning <a id="lives"> </a>
Whether they hired a planner or did all the planning themselves, 29.43% of couples were happy when the planning stage was over—they considered the milestone a huge stress reliever. What’s more, it was an exciting time, since all that remained ahead was the fun of walking down the aisle, tying the knot, and celebrating with your loved ones.

### 3. Saying “Yes” to Wedding Attire
Saying “yes” to the dress—and the entire wedding party attire, for that matter—is a sigh of relief for most couples. It’s stressful looking for the perfect attire to complement the wedding theme and venue, not to mention there are pictures to think about. 31.23% of Zillennials were relieved once they found the perfect wedding attire. Gen Z was right behind them with 30.96% of couples agreeing. 

### 4. The Engagement Photoshoot
Engagement photos are a rite of passage before sailing into the rest of the pre-wedding festivities. While the session isn’t a must do, the resulting photos are something to cherish forever, so for 31.67% of Gen Z couples, it ranks high on their list of the best parts of wedding planning; only 22.14% of Millennial couples agreed.

### 5. Sharing the News With Family & Friends
It’s exciting to share your engagement news with your loved ones, whether it’s in person, via text, or even social media. Couples even get creative with how they announce the news.

### 6. Food Tasting
For about 15.82% of  couples, food tasting is one of the most fun and memorable parts of the whole wedding planning process. A wedding tasting is when couples taste the menu items with the caterer for the reception, and it’s usually done weeks or even months ahead of time to allow for adjustments for the finalized menu.

### 7. Choosing the Venue
Destination wedding, beach wedding, farm wedding, or even a ballroom wedding, no matter the location, choosing a venue is a fun part of wedding planning. The venue is the backdrop for the entire wedding day, from the budget to the wedding attire.

### 8. Picking Out Wedding Decor (Flowers, Balloons, Etc.)
Weddings are all about highlighting who you are as a couple and your personal style. 16.37% of Gen Z couples thought this was the best part of wedding planning, while 11.21% of Millennials, and 14.44% of Zillennials agreed that picking out and/or designing the wedding decor is something they enjoyed.

### 9. Practicing the First Dance
The first dance is your premiere as a married couple, so practicing ahead of time will help you shine. Some opt for dance lessons, others choose to practice at home, but no matter how you plan to two step, the first dance allows you to kick off the reception and open the dance floor to your guests. For 12.02% of all couples, this is one of the best parts of wedding planning.

### 10. Getting the Marriage License
Things start to feel really real once you have the official marriage license in hand. It’s a must-have before the wedding. Depending upon the state you live in, couples only have a couple of months to get married after obtaining the license.

### 11. Creating a Playlist
Every couple’s wedding soundtrack is different, and that’s where the fun comes in. From up-tempo songs to romantic ballads, you get to be the DJ. 13.91% of Zillennials were ready to get the party started by creating the playlist, while 7.83% of Gen Z couples said this task was the best part of wedding planning. 

### 12. Cake/Dessert Tasting
Cake and dessert tasting is a little more involved than just spending a couple hours eating cake and combining frosting and cake to create the perfect accent to your wedding day. You’ll need to be able to provide logistics, budget, and even the appearance of the cake. Will there be a dessert table? What kinds of desserts will you put there? Some couples love this part of the process, but in the survey, only a total of 7.95% of couples enjoyed this part of the planning. 

### 13. Designing Save-the-Dates or Invites
Designing the stationary is another way to show off your style as a couple. Save-the-dates are less formal than wedding invitations and don’t have to match each other or the wedding theme. They go out early enough that you can change your design when it comes to the wedding invitations. 7.79% of couples surveyed said this was one of the best parts of wedding planning. 

### 14. Putting Invites in the Mail
Once the envelopes are stuffed, addressed, and posted, your wedding invites are ready to be sent out. Putting them in the mail will give you and your future spouse peace of mind once your invites start their journey to guests' mailboxes.

### 15. Registering
Brainstorming unique wedding registry gifts as a couple can be one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process. It’s where you find gifts to start your new life together, and you can create your registry right here on [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry). 

### 16. Getting the First RSVP
You’ve mailed out the invitations, now it’s a waiting game until the RSVPs start rolling in. Receiving the first RSVP can be exciting, and 6.80% of couples surveyed said this was one of the best parts of the wedding planning process.

### 17. Creating a Wedding Website
Deciding what should go on your wedding website can be a fun part of the wedding planning process. Consider adding all the wedding details guests may call you about, like accommodations, dress code, directions, registry, and more. A custom wedding website allows you to include everything you couldn’t put on the save-the-date or wedding invitations. You can create a custom wedding website right here on [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) within minutes. You can even add photos, share your registry, and let guests RSVP online. 

### 18. Picking a Date
Availability of your venue can determine if you get your dream wedding date, but when you finally nail down the date, the wedding planning ball starts rolling faster. 5.32% of couples say picking the wedding date is the best part of the wedding planning process. Some couples pick dates that are symbolic, others pick a date that a venue has available. 

### 19. Practicing the First Kiss
You don’t want an awkward moment after you’ve said your vows in front of everyone. Just like you would practice your first dance, practice the first kiss to avoid any fumbling or bumping heads when the moment comes. 

### 20. Posting About the News on Social Media
It’s exciting to share your engagement news with thousands of your social media friends, but only 3.36% of couples thought that sharing the news on social media was one of the best parts of wedding planning. 

### 21. Getting the First Wedding Gift
Receiving the first wedding gift is an exciting prelude to the wedding day, but only 2.74% of couples found this to be the part of the wedding planning process. 

### 22. A Special Cultural Moment
Whether it’s sticking to the traditional something borrowed or incorporating a cultural moment like jumping the broom, this moment is bound to have a special place in your heart and the memories you’ll cherish forever. 

### 23. Creating a Budget <a id="budget"> </a>
How much can you comfortably afford to spend? Money can be a tension trigger, so it’s important to have that honest and open conversation about everything from the wedding size, number of invited guests, catering, and more. This was the least favorite thing for couples—only .99% found it as the best part of the wedding planning process. 

Couples love the start of the journey—“getting engaged” is the overwhelmingly favored wedding moment for couples of all ages. Next on the list? Being done with all of the planning. But that doesn’t mean there’s not moments of fun to be had along the way. Couples are learning that planning a wedding is about more than just the wedding day. From picking out a venue to choosing attire, there are many days along the way that couples can enjoy.

The Best Parts of Wedding Planning, According to Real Couples

Ways to Celebrate All Your Wedding Planning Milestones

Wondering if They're "The One?" Here’s How 2023 Engaged Couples in Knew

Wondering if They're "The One?" Here’s How 2023 Engaged Couples Knew

The First Look Report 2023

Everyone That Can (and Should) Help You Plan Your Wedding

Everyone That Can Help You Plan Your Wedding

*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* 

But no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises.

This week, a couple from __Fremont, CA__ share how they pulled off their __$60,000 wedding__.

Need to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?  Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.

## Quick Hits

*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*

### About the Couple 
__Fields of Work:__ Marketing & Nursing  
__Ages:__ 28 & 32   
__Location:__ Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)

### About the Wedding  
__Wedding Date:__ 5/22/2022   
__Wedding Location:__ San Jose, CA   
__Venue Type:__ Rooftop + Indoor Banquet Room for both ceremony and reception  
__Number of Wedding Guests:__ 110  
__Wedding Style:__ Romantic, Minimal Rapunzel-esque (Is that even a thing? Us brides will say anything to be non-traditional haha).    

### Budget Overview
__Original Wedding Budget:__ $30,000  
__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $60,000    
__Payment Breakdown:__ Bride and Groom: $47,500 | Groom's Family: $5,000 | Bride's Family: $7,500   
__How did you keep track?:__ Mainly spreadsheets   

## Wedding Budget Breakdown

*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*

### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)
__Original budget:__  $5,000  
__Actual spend:__ $10,000   
__What we got:__ This included the event space, chairs and tables.

### 2. [Catering](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)
__Original budget:__  $5,000  
__Actual spend:__ $10,000    
__What we got:__ We got passed appetizers, a served buffet, and desserts. This price also accounted for servers and staff, set up and tear down.

### 3. [Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)
__Original budget:__ $5,000   
__Actual spend:__ $5,000     
__What we got:__ We opted for an open bar, including beer, wine, spirits, liquors, shots, and up to 4 signature drinks but we only chose two. Also included in this price is all the barware. 

### 4. Couple’s Attire 
__Original budget__: $2,500  
__Actual spend:__ $4,000   
__What we got:__  My dress, veil, jewelry, and shoes, as well as the groom's suit, tie and pocket square. 

### 5. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)
__Original budget:__ $2,500  
__Actual spend:__ $4,700   
__What we got:__ This included arrangements at the end of a few aisles, a small flower installation on top of the fireplace for the ceremony, bud vase arrangements for guest tables, the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, corsages, and bouttoniers for groom + party.

### 6. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)
__Original budget:__ $2,000  
__Actual spend:__ $3,000   
__What we got:__ This cost was for the DJ and a photo booth. 

### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) & [Videography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)
__Original budget:__ $3,500    
__Actual spend:__ $2,700  
__What we got:__ This included photography for the entire event. We opted out of having a videographer.

### 8. [Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)
__Original budget:__ $250  
__Actual spend:__ $400   
__What we got:__ This includes the cost of our save the dates and wedding invitations.

### 9. Wedding Bands
__Original budget:__ $2,000  
__Actual spend:__ $3,500  
__What we got:__ This was the cost for both our bands.

### 10. Other Expenses
__Original budget:__ $500  
__Actual spend:__ $575  
__What we got:__ Our officiant.

![0515 Zola Budget Diaries May EA](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/155EtRrTFMEeE2y2y55jUJ/420445d7ef6404a8f4c8837287180923/0515_Zola_Budget_Diaries_May_EA.jpg)

*Note: Individual figures may not total the overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*

## Wedding Budget Questions

*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*

### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?

We didn't want to accept outside help at first, so we decided on a number we knew we could both realistically afford.

### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?

We tried our hardest to stick to it, but it became apparent that in the San Francisco Bay Area, we weren't going to be able to get anything we wanted within our budget.

### Top Three Priorities:

1. Decor/Signage   
2. Food + Bar 
3. Flowers  

I had a very specific vision in my head and I knew most of it could be achieved with vibrant florals and the right signage/decor. Food.+ Drinks were another big priority because we wanted our guest to feel well taken care of.

### Bottom Three Priorities: 

We knew we wouldn't want videography. We never even entertained it. All of our friends watch it once when it because available and then again on their anniversaries, but then not much more than that. Our guests gave us tons of iphone footage that we loved so we stand by our decision! 

We didn't really care on spending much more on smaller things too - like favors. We just made them ourselves (freshly spun cotton candy for everyone to take home in a cute package). 

The groom didn't care too much about dropping dollars on a DJ but the bride is a dancer and considered this a huge priority. 

### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?

I hired a partial planner who acted more as a coordinator at the end of the day, but she was ABSOLUTELY VALUABLE. Money well spent! I consider it as a wedding gift to myself because her taking care of things like scheduling/timelines/tipping at the end of the night saved me so much time and energy.

### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? 

The main budgeting challenge we faced was aligning on what number "felt right". For example, the Groom is a big foodie but I didn't really care - and I cared a lot about finding the best DJ we could find while the Groom didn't care. Figuring out where to put our spend was always the hardest part for us. 

### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?

We had to plan a much smaller scale wedding (overall) than we had hoped for. We would have loved to have our guest list be closer to about 160 but had to trim it down to 110.

### What did you add that resulted in you [going over your budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gone-over-budget-what-to-do)?

We added signage and decor pieces (Candles + Table Runners + Guest Book). Little things that you really don't think would add up, but do. Make-up and hair was wayyy more expensive than I thought it was going to be too. 

### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?

1. Teeth Whitening 
2. Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties 
3. Rayban Bridesmaid + Groomsmen Gifts 
4. Massage Gift Cards as a parental gift  
5. Trial Run for Hair + Make-up 
6. Wedding Menu Tastings

### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?

We did cut our initial guest list down, which helped tremendously. We also did a few less date nights/postponed trips, etc. 

### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?

Absolutely! We only wanted to have this wedding if it meant we could realistically afford it WITHOUT using credit cards or taking a loan. While we didn't take any financial actions like opening up a joint account, we did have multiple conversations about what the next steps look like post-wedding to be able to still achieve financially obligated goals we have in the future (like finding a bigger place and traveling). 

### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?

Lighting! I think additional lighting would have really lifted up the space and change the 'mood' of it all. 

### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?

Hair and make-up! Both came out to $850 and that was the cheapest quote I could find in my area!

### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?

The venue itself. Everyone really appreciated that the rooftop remain accessible during the reception. We decked it out with games and cocktail tables so guests could get some fresh air while dancing or kiddos could have a space to rest and recharge.

## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)
At Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! 

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*

2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola

Submit Your Wedding Budget Diary

We spent $60K on our San Jose, CA wedding

Couple sitting on steps in wedding attire, with text "The First Look Report 2024"

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?

Composite image of green Le Creuset lidded pot to be added to registry along with other registry suggestions like gift cards, experiences, and cash funds

Top Wedding Registry Ideas + Advice

All the Items That Make Up a Wedding Budget

Wedding Budget Checklist—From Venues and Vendors to Tips and Favors

If you don't know US tennis star [Sloane Stephens](https://www.instagram.com/sloanestephens/) from her US Open win in 2017, her Miami Open win in 2018, or any of her other six titles and many accolades through the years, well, you should certainly know that her new husband pro soccer player Jozy Altidore describes her as "thoughtful, beautiful, and hardworking." And she of him? "Loyal, loving, and generous." 

The couple, childhood friends who reconnected in 2016, were married on New Years Day this year in a private celebration in Miami. And what was the vibe at a wedding for two world-class athletes? “Elegant, classic, private, and fun,” Sloane tells [Zola](https://www.zola.com/). After a nearly two-year engagement (plus, of course, a whole pandemic), she adds that, after all the planning, the thing they were most looking forward to at their wedding was simply “having our family and friends in one place.”

Ahead of the ceremony, Sloane, a personal fan of Zola, gave us an inside look at her planning thought process, [her registry must-adds](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sloane-stephens-shares-zola-wedding-registry-and-invitations), and how her and Jozy managed to balance wedding planning with their busy and often long-distance schedules. 

## First and foremost, how did you want your wedding guests to feel at your wedding?
"Loved!" 

## What were your top three biggest planning priorities?
"In no particular order: an incredible DJ to make sure the dance floor was lit, an amazing photographer who captured us at our best, and thoughtfully communicating COVID testing and vaccination requirements so our guests felt comfortable."

## We love that you take mental health so seriously. What acts of self-care did you prioritize most while planning your wedding?
"Self-care never stops in my world. I intentionally focused on relaxing self-care rituals like long baths, manis annd pedis, and staying hydrated. Something as simple as prioritizing good sleep went a long way in giving me a clear mind to tackle the next day’s to-do list and set of decisions. 

"Throughout my life and career, I’ve found that slow and steady is always the best approach for me." 

## What’s one piece of advice you would share with a busy couple to stay connected while planning? 
"Remember that your wedding is the beginning of a marriage, not the end of a planning process. Focus on your love and the life you’re building together. There will be some details in the planning process that are more important to one of you over the other—that’s OK. Always remember why you’re getting married to this person in the first place."

## What’s your best advice for couples planning together while traveling or long-distance?
"Jozy and I found a communication routine that worked for us and our schedules. We knew when we’re each practicing or competing, and when there were open windows to FaceTime and discuss whatever was going on that day. 

"With wedding planning, we both had particular areas that we were more into that we each took the lead on. For example, Jozy was really excited about the reception and making sure it was a great party, but deferred to me on a lot of the design and aesthetic details. I’ve really enjoyed getting to work with Jozy as a true partner throughout the process."

## What part of your wedding plans were you most excited about?
"We had a few days’ worth of activities planned around the wedding, and you better believe I had a full outfit ready to go for each event!"

## What part of planning suprised you the most? 
"A complete revelation to me during this process was how much some things cost. I absolutely love flowers and think they’re stunning, but wow, I had no idea what goes into them. So I learned a lot at my [first design meeting](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors). And ever since I started planning the wedding, I find myself paying way more attention to the flowers at events I attend."

## Who (or what) has been the most helpful part of wedding planning?
"[The Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916)! I had all the information available at the tip of my finger. I loved getting the notifications every time someone RSVP'd or we received a [registry gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry). If I was speaking with someone and they told me they were coming (or not), it was quick and simple to just update their status [on our Guest List] right away."

## What item do you want most off of your registry?
"We’re in the process of renovating a house, so this registry is coming at the perfect time to start fresh together. We put a lot of entertaining and outdoor-focused items on it, and I can’t wait to have people over to grill and hang out. 

"We're also excited about our [cash registry](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) item, which we've set up as a donation fund to [Hope for Haiti](https://hopeforhaiti.com/) to help expand a school in Haiti, where Jozy’s family is from. We started working on this project last spring before the August earthquake caused significant damage and delays, and it’s important to us to bring it to fruition as soon as possible so more children can have access to education." 

## Tell us your wedding song and why you chose it.
"Spend My Life With You" by Eric Benet. It’s such a beautiful song about love and two people choosing to be together." 

## How will you and Jozy spend your newlywed date nights now?
"We spend long stretches apart for our jobs, so our ideal date night is being total homebodies. We love that downtime together. So we’ll go out for sushi or Korean BBQ, and come home to relax on the couch and catch up on all our shows."

## What are you most looking forward to when the wedding is all said and done?
"My tennis season starts shortly, so I’m looking forward to receiving all the photos and videos back and reliving it all while I’m on the road. 

"Jozy and I have kept our relationship largely off of social media until now, so I think a lot of people will be excited to get this glimpse into our private life."

Here at Zola, we certainly are. Wishing the couple the happiest newlywed life! To see what Sloane and Jozy added to their Zola registry (and what Zola paper they chose!), [head here](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sloane-stephens-shares-zola-wedding-registry-and-invitations). 

No matter where you are in your wedding planning (or where you’re wedding planning from), Zola makes it easy to get and stay inspired ahead of your big day. From your [invitation designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) to your [vendor search](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors), and of course, your [registry picks](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry), we keep everything in one easy-to-use place. Because wedding planning should be fun and we’re here to help you with everything in one place.

Tennis Star Sloane Stephens On Planning Her Dream Wedding: "Focus On Your Love"

Learn from real couples as they break down exactly how they planned and budgeted for their weddings. Find weddings similar to what you're planning and get inspired by these weddings across a varitey of locations and budgets.

__*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* __

But no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises. 

This week, a couple from __Nebraska__ shares how they pulled off their __$10k wedding__.

Need to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?  Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.

## Quick Hits

*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*

### About the Couple 
__Fields of Work:__ Teacher & Mechanic  
__Ages:__ 23 & 24  
__Location:__ Nebraska  
__Combined Salary:__ $65,000  

### About the Wedding
__Wedding Date:__ 6/25/2022   
__Wedding Location:__ Lake Mcconaughy   
__Venue Type:__   
Ceremony - lighthouse over the lake   
Reception - parents' house    
__Wedding Party Members:__ 30    
__Wedding Guests:__ 200  
__Wedding Style:__ Country   

### Budget Overview
__Original Wedding Budget:__ $5,000  
__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $10,000  
__Payment Breakdown:__ Parents-$7,000 Myself and my spouse-$3,000  
__How did you keep track?:__ Spreadsheet  
__How did you pay for your wedding?:__ Parents and as a couple   

## Wedding Budget Breakdown

*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*

### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)
__Orginal budget:__ $100  
__Actual spend:__ $2,100  
__What we got:__ Had to pay $100 to use the lighthouse at the lake. Decor was $2000. Since we used my parents' house and the lighthouse we had to rent all decor including tables, chairs, everything.

### 2. [Catering](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)
__Orginal budget:__  $2,000  
__Actual spend:__  $3,800  
__What we got:__ This included all tableware rolls, chicken, chicken fried steak, salad, a vegetarian option, iced tea, water, two bartenders, and two serving staff.

### 3. [Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)
__Orginal budget:__ $1,000  
__Actual spend:__ $1,000  
__What we got:__ We had a semi-open bar with three specialty drinks and two kegs. The kegs we got from a caterer and bought liquor and mixers from Costco. 

### 4. Couple’s Attire 
__Orginal budget:__ $1,000  
__Actual spend:__ $1,500  
__What we got:__ I got a new dress and veil and cowboy boots and my husband got a new pair of jeans as well as some new cowboy boots. 

### 5. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)
__Orginal budget:__  $100  
__Actual spend:__ $100   
__What we got:__ We got fake flowers from our decor place and my bouquet and my husband's boutonniere was made as a wedding gift from a family friend. 

### 6. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)
__Orginal budget:__ $500  
__Actual spend:__ $600  
__What we got:__ DJ was $500 he was very young but had all the equipment and did a great job. I tipped him $100. In addition to this, we had a Photo Booth included with decor and yard games that friends and family brought. 

### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) & [Videography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)
__Orginal budget:__  $2,000  
__Actual spend:__ $2,800  
__What we got:__ We had to get a photographer from Colorado but she had a second shooter and was there all day to take getting ready pictures until about 9 pm. 

### 8. [Paper ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)
__Orginal budget:__ $100  
__Actual spend:__ $200  
__What we got:__ Got pretty affordable designs from Zola and had them pre-addressed. Had to pay for stamps. 

### 9. Wedding Bands
__What we got:__ I actually don’t know what my wedding band cost it was not a part of our budget as my husband bought it with my engagement ring. His was $400. 

### 10. Other Expenses 
__Orginal budget:__ $100  
__Actual spend:__ $100  
__What we got:__ Our officiant. Our family friend who is a pastor married us and we gave him a gift card. 

*Note: Individual figures may not total overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*

![WBD 1 - $10k, 200-guest wedding in Nebraska](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6YuHtrkOkKxaep6KOXhIks/67ccf6ce70dc12d244307d9d16f22a14/WBD_1_-__10k__200-guest_wedding_in_Nebraska.jpg)

## Wedding Budget Questions

*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*

### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?

My parents told me what they could afford. 

### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?

I tried to stick to it but realized my parents had not had a wedding for 25 years. 

### Top Three Priorities:

1. __Decor__ - so I could fancy up the barn 
2. __My dress__ - so I could look and feel great on my wedding day 
3. __Photographer__ - my pictures look amazing and so fancy even though our wedding was in a barn  
4. Bonus: __Open bar__ - so my family would show up lol. 

### Bottom Three Priorities: 

1. __Florals__ - Fake floral looks just as good 
2. __DJ__ - as long as they had the equipment I didn’t really care if they just played a Spotify playlist 
3. __Venue__ - I knew I wanted to do it at my parents' house since it overlooks the lake and is free 

### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?

Yes - I had a friend from high school who has since started her own business. She was amazing. Since we had the event at my parents' house we had to start from scratch. She set up all my tables, decor, Photo Booth, and ceremony sight and I overall just felt a lot less stressed knowing she was taking care of everything since I didn’t have a venue coordinator.

### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? 

As a teacher, I don’t make much so we had to really decide how much we as a couple could spend. Most of my budget went towards my makeup person, my bridesmaid gifts since I had 13, and giving gift cards to my friends and family who helped out 

### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?

A fully open bar. 

### What did you add that resulted in you [going over your budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gone-over-budget-what-to-do)?

A makeup artist for me and my maid of honor, a day of coordinator. 

### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?

We did a photo booth and mason jars with stickers on them with our names and wedding date (those were also our party favors).

### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding? 

We had a huge wedding with 200 people, so the fact that we kept it so low is impressive. The biggest expense was the venue and florals for most people so that is why we chose my parents' house and to rent fake florals. 

### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?

No we did not. 

### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?

Honestly, I got everything I wanted on my wedding day. 

### What wedding expenses surprised you the most?

Photography for sure. 

### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?

My parents-in-law rented out an entire restaurant for our rehearsal dinner since we had an out-of-town wedding. It was the pre-wedding. 

### Any other details you want to share?

Money was tight for sure but we still had a beautiful wedding and I am lucky I had friends and family to help me out with several things like officiant, hair, makeup, desserts and wedding cake, and venue. Everyone really came together for us and provided services as a wedding gift. 

## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)

At Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! 

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*

How we saved on a $10k, 200-guest wedding in Nebraska

__*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* __

But no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises. 

This week, a couple from __Davenport, Iowa __ shares how they pulled off their __$265k Chicago wedding__.

Need to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?  Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.

## Quick Hits

*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*

### About the Couple  
__Fields of Work:__ Education & Automotives  
__Ages:__ 25 & 26  
__Location:__ Davenport, Iowa  
__Combined Salary:__ $140,000  

### About the Wedding
__Wedding Date:__ 7/16/2022  
__Wedding Location:__ Chicago, Illinois  
__Venue Type:__   
Ceremony - St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church   
Reception - Field Museum of Natural History  
__Wedding Party Members:__ 5 bridesmaids, 4 junior bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen, 2 flower girls, 2 ring bearers, 4 ushers, 1 stefana (crown) bearer   
__Wedding Style:__ Black Tie, Traditional, Elegant  

### Budget Overview
__Original Wedding Budget:__ $200,000  
__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $265,000  
__Payment Breakdown:__ Bride's parents covered 100% of the wedding costs including dress, tuxes, reception, ceremony, etc. Groom's parents covered 100% of the costs for the rehearsal dinner.   
__How did you keep track?:__ Spreadsheet designed by wedding planner (google sheets).  
__How did you pay for your wedding?:__ Parents support.  

## Wedding Budget Breakdown

*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*

### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)
__Original budget:__ $32,000 for Field Museum Stanley Hall  
__Actual spend:__ $32,000  
__What we got:__ Included room rental, some tables (others provided by design company), premium bar package with additional specialty alcohol, staffing, security, and open museum exhibits

### 2. [Catering](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)
__Original budget:__ $50,000  
__Actual spend:__ $56,000  
__What we got:__ On-site staffing, bartenders, all rentals, 9 passed hors d'ouevres, plated course meal, late night snacks, coffee and tea station, and all vendor meals. 

### 3. [Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)
__Original budget:__ Included in venue and catering costs.

### Couple’s Attire 
__Original budget:__ None  
__Actual spend:__ $13,475  
__What we got:__ Bride's Dress, Veil, and specialty bow for dress: $11,000, Brides shoes: $475. Groom's custom and personalized tux and shoes: $2,000. 

### 5. [Florals and Decor](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)
__Original budget:__ $30,000  
__Actual spend:__ $61,000  
__What we got:__ Included all bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, table florals (low and high top), church florals, specialty marble tables, all table decor including candles, linens, specialty tableware, 2 lounge seating areas, specialty escort display with custom 1965 black mustang car cutout with florals (then utilized for the photo-booth backdrop), bar backs, specialty bars, unlimited design proposals and customization, and floor planning.

### 6. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)
__Original budget:__ $10,000  
__Actual spend:__ $14,500  
__What we got:__ Included 6-hour coverage for an 11-piece band and DJ for cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. 

### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) & [Videography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)
__Original budget:__ None  
__Actual spend:__ $16,500  
__What we got:__ Photography $11,500 - full-day coverage (10 am-midnight) and second photographer, as well as included engagement photos. Videographer  $5,000 - included 12-hour coverage, 2 videographers, drone footage, 3-minute instrumental song highlight mini-video, 7-minute instrumental and song choice highlight video with speeches and artistic shots, ful-length day edited video with ceremony, grand entrances, speeches, and important dances, and all raw footage. 

### 8. [Paper ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)
__Original budget:__ None  
__Actual spend:__ $7,800  
__What we got:__ Included save the dates, invitations and response cards, postage, all wedding day signage, table numbers, menus, bar menus, and thank you notes.   

### 9. Wedding Bands
__Original budget:__ None - not included in overall wedding budget  
__Actual spend:__ $3,700  
__What we got:__ Bride's band - $3,200 Groom's band - $500  

### 10. Other Expenses
__Original budget:__ None  
__Actual spend:__ $2,000  
__What we got:__ Church costs, priest fees, organist fees, church planner fees, etc.  

*Note: Individual figures may not total overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*

![WBD 5 -$265k Greek wedding in Chicago, IL](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4ExpKniuzAjxOL7q6igK00/ce282d632d013acdc38e7521347ae11c/WBD_5_-_265k_Greek_wedding_in_Chicago__IL.jpg)

## Wedding Budget Questions

*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*

### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?

My parents decided upon the original wedding budget as a starting point. I am the only daughter in my immediate family and the eldest cousin, so this was all very new to us. We knew a Chicago Greek wedding would be more expensive, so we chose 200,000 as a starting point and knew that some items might be pricier or even cheaper than expected.

### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?

The budget mostly fell to the wayside as planning got underway. We would have a budget for something in mind, and then once we began planning things out, it would expand from there. Oftentimes, we would want to include more than what we had originally budgeted for, and going over budget allowed us to include the things we really wanted for our wedding day. 

### How did you track your wedding budget? 

We utilized a personalized google sheet created by our wedding planner. This tracked all deposits, due dates, and contracts. 

### Top Three Priorities:

Top 3 priorities went to the venue, food, and decor. Our venue, the Field Museum, was the highlight of our wedding day, and we wanted guests to have a grand experience. This meant creating a space that perfectly accented the museum and our personalities. I come from a major foodie family so there was also NO way we were skimping on food or drinks. 

### Bottom Three Priorities: 

I do not think anything really hit a "bottom priority" list for us. I found that we were really thoughtful about each element of our day. From the decor all the way to custom chocolates and welcome bags for guests. We even had custom paper towels made for the bathrooms. Each detail was gone through with a fine tooth comb and for some elements, it was less about the money and more about the experience for guests or for ourselves as a couple. 

### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?

We hired a full wedding planner right away and it was the BEST decision we made. She truly made our vision as a couple comes to life and is the reason that wedding planning was so exciting at each step of the way and not stressful in any way, shape, or form. I believe for the cost of her and her team, we gained access to the best vendors in Chicago and the expertise that you cannot find on the internet alone. 

There are aspects of your wedding day that you simply do not think about and it was incredible to have a team of people taking care of all the small details so that me, my husband, our bridal party, and my parents could enjoy each moment and not have to worry about a single thing. 

### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? 

I feel extremely thankful to say that we personally did not face challenges in budgeting for the wedding. As a couple, we were incredibly thankful to my parents for covering all the wedding costs. 

### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?

Nothing was cut out. 

### What did you add that resulted in you [going over your budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gone-over-budget-what-to-do)?

Our over-budget expenses were due to adding additional decor and floral elements, adding entree options and additional hors d'ouevres, including customized drinks, providing all transportation for guests to and from wedding locations, paying for suites for the bridal party at the hotel, hair, and makeup for all bridal party members including groomsmen. 

### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?

We included numerous extras that we did not initially plan for. This included:

1. Custom tuxes for the groom and fathers (which included customized liners)
2. Customized cocktail, dessert, and late-night snack napkins, 
3. Custom paper towels for the bathroom, 
4. An audio phone guest book, 
5. Welcome bags and snacks, 
6. Antique Rolls Royce getaway car, 
7. Custom website domain, 
8. Glow wands for the grand exit, 
9. And custom monogrammed pillows for our loveseat at the reception 

### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?

Truthfully, we did not do much to actively cut costs for our wedding. Our thought process was that we wanted to give all the people we loved so much an incredible weekend in Chicago and an amazing wedding experience. We wanted to alleviate costs for our guests and show them how much we cared so this meant providing transportation and covering room costs for the bridal party and many family members.  

### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?

My husband and I were thankful to have kept our finances completely separate from our wedding budget thanks to my parents and his parents covering everything for the wedding. This allowed us to focus on our financial well-being as a couple and prepare for what we wanted in the future 

### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?

Nothing in particular comes to mind. 

### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?

I was most surprised by the costs of staffing that were needed for catering, floral, decor, and the venue. I do not think this was something I would have thought of when originally budgeting for those elements. I think it is important to remember that staffing costs, taxes, tips, vendor meals, and other smaller expenses add up quickly. Sometimes the proposed cost of something looks way different after all those other costs are added on top. For a city wedding, these types of charges became very familiar to us throughout the process. It is just the price of doing business. 

### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?

Unsure if this counts, but I paid for my junior prom dress to be altered into a shorter dress for our rehearsal. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and that dress was his favorite that I wore to a dance. It was a fun and sentimental nod to our past. 

### Any other details you want to share?

I am not naive to know that money directly allowed me to have the wedding of my dreams and create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. However, at the end of the day it is important to recognize that whatever money may buy for your wedding, the focus should remain on the couple, their story, their love and this new season of life they are about to enter. Our marriage is not our wedding day and we value the day itself, but know that even without such a grand and beautiful day, our wedding would still be perfect. 

## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)

At Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! 

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*

How we planned a $265k Greek wedding in Chicago, IL 

__*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* __

But no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises. 

This week, a couple from __Trenton, NJ__ share how they pulled off their __$25k Morrisville, PA wedding__.

Need to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?  Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.

## Quick Hits

*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*

### About the Couple 
__Fields of Work:__ Coaching & Retail  
__Ages:__ 39 & 47  
__Location:__ Trenton, NJ  

### About the Wedding
__Wedding Date:__ 8/26/2022  
__Wedding Location:__ The Falls Banquet in Morrisville, PA  
__Venue Type:__ All-Inclusive - both ceremony and reception on-site  
__Wedding Party Members:__ 10  
__Wedding Style:__ White and Cream attire for guests / Caribbean (monstera leaf) decor.   

### Budget Overview
__Original Wedding Budget:__ $15,000  
__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $25,000  
__Payment Breakdown:__ Groom $15k and Bride $10k  
__How did you keep track?:__ Spreadsheet downloaded from the internet for ideas then personal spreadsheet after.  
__How did you pay for your wedding?:__ As a couple  

## Wedding Budget Breakdown

*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*

### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)
__Original budget:__ $10,000  
__Actual spend:__ $16,000   
__What we got:__ Venue, food for cocktail and reception, open bar, dj, basic florals, basic photography, photo booth, day of coordinator). 

### 2. [Catering](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)
__Original budget:__  Included in venue price.

### 3. [Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)
__Original budget:__ Included in venue price.

### 4. Couple’s Attire 
__Original budget__: $3,000  
__Actual spend:__ $5,000  
__What we got:__ Tux , Wedding Dress, shoes - approx pricing.  

### 5. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)
__Original budget:__ $120 on top of what was included in the venue  
__Actual spend:__ $800  
__What we got:__ Bride and bridesmaids bouquets, additional centerpiece florals, corsages, boutonnières, florals on the wedding arch.  

### 6. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)
__Original budget:__ Included in venue price

### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) & [Videography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)
__Original budget:__ None  
__Actual spend:__ $1,750 on top of what was included in the venue.  
__What we got:__ Included + 4 hours of photography and 10 hours total of videography and photography.  

### 8. [Paper ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)
__Original budget:__  $1,300  
__Actual spend:__ $1,450  

### 9. Wedding Bands
__Original budget:__  $1,300  
__Actual spend:__ $1,450  

### 10. Other Expenses
__Original budget:__ $50  
__Actual spend:__ $200  

*Note: Individual figures may not total the overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*

![WBD 4 -$25k Morrisville, PA Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7DgvcUAIeKiohOlbk9MLTf/6c0692cf9c0562b4d4b3fd70cead7648/WBD_4_-_25k_Morrisville__PA_Wedding.jpg)

## Wedding Budget Questions
*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*

### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?

What we thought was reasonable and what we could afford without taking on debt. 

### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?

We tried to stick to the budget but we both wanted more than the original budget could cover - it was the little ancillary spending here and there that added up (ex bridal party gifts, little ways to make guests feel special like a toiletry bar in the bathrooms, cultural elements). 

### Top Three Priorities:

1. The venue 
2. The photography/videography 
3. The wedding gown and the groom's tux 

### Bottom Three Priorities: 

I was not going to spend a ton on florals - we spent more than originally expected but I was not going to spend thousands of dollars on flowers that would die in a few days. 

### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?

We did not hire a planner because most of the basics were taken care of in the venue package. However, I watched a lot of youtube videos and I learned about what I wasn't aware of to cover my bases and ask questions. Using the vendors included in my package was helpful and made the day of timeline/coordination much simpler. 

### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? 

We had to limit our guest list - I would have invited way more people if the budget could accommodate it. I tried going a few over but couldn't do more than 7 or 8 people.

### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?

We wanted our last name in big letters to take pictures in front of and had to cut that but thankfully that was extra - and we added so many other things - we were blessed not to have to cut much. 

### What did you add that resulted in you [going over your budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gone-over-budget-what-to-do)?

1. A violin player and singer  
2. A sweets table  
3. Extra florals 
4. Jamaican wedding cake for guests to take home 
5. Wedding favors 
6. An extra skirt for the wedding gown that I didn't even wear but couldn't return 
7. Pajamas, slippers, and robes for gorgeous bridal party pictures 
8. A limo 
9. A hotel suite for the night before the wedding and wedding night 
10. And hair stylist on site for the day a steel drummer for cocktail hour 

All of this elevated the day.

### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?

A personal trainer for a few months, the overskirt mentioned above, the violinist. 

### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?

1. Cut the guest list and say no to plus ones. 
2. Choosing an all-inclusive venue and starting with a relatively low budget, to begin with. 
3. Having an anchor of $100-150 per person in mind already. 
4. Using Zola and buying paper products when sales were running.
5. Using Canva or Etsy to find designs and create/edit my day of programs, small posters for his and her signature drinks, and seating chart - and staples for printing.
6. Etsy sales for custom bridal party robes and wedding favors.
7. Family member officiant.
8. Saying yes to family members who offered to pay for things like the rehearsal dinner.

### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?

Yes, thankfully we have the house already and could have used the funds to invest differently but we are older so we made the joint decision to go in on the wedding.  

As a bride, I did succumb to societal pressures and Pinterest images, delaying gratification by just going to the justice of the peace for example, and using the funds to start a business.  I thought we could manage. I kinda let the debt get higher than I anticipated - we ended up way over the original budget.  

We did open a joint savings account for wedding expenses. We did not make firm financial goals (ex retirement) and have not yet created a will and are unsure of how to merge our finances just and haven't done so just yet. 

### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?

No, we overspent. 

All of it added details were extra thoughtful touches - there are things I probably shouldn’t have spent on - like 2nd robes for bridesmaids - things I waited too long to return to amazon, or the overskirt for my dress that I couldn't return/stop once ordered - I will try to sell it but have yet to post it.

### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?

I was surprised to hear about a day of coordinator fee of $5-10k. We did not end up going that route. I heard about florals for $8k from a friend who was also getting married - __honestly, we overspent in general but I think almost everything we spent on was reasonably priced.__ Everyone was fair or worked with us to give us a deal.  We were blessed and our wedding looked like double what we spent on it. 

### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?

I just had to have a steel drummer to add a Caribbean vibe because we couldn't do a destination wedding - thankfully friends offered to pay for it so we didn't have to come out of pocket for it I was sooo grateful for this and returned the favor by covering an hour of the 360 photo booth at their wedding. __It was worth every penny and he was the highlight of the evening!__ Everyone remembers that and it set the tone for the evening. 

### Any other details you want to share?

Even though we spent the money on 1 day vs paying down the mortgage or starting a business, actually planning the wedding helped because it prompted things like premarital counseling. It was worth bringing our family together in a way that they may never come together especially due to the pandemic, it was worth that great feeling of accomplishment and seeing my vision come to life, it was worth celebrating ourselves in that way now vs years down the line - we didn't want to be frivolous but life is short - who knows what would happen if we put the "big wedding" off for some later time.

I am glad we didn't blow the entire bank and even though we did overspend on a lot of little extras - we were still thoughtful in the process to find a cheaper price for things - we tried to ball on a budget. We are rebuilding our financial position with more intensity now.

## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)

At Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! 

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*

How we pulled off our $25k Morrisville, PA Wedding 

*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* 

But no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises.

This week, a couple from __Santa Clara, CA__  shared how they pulled off their __$31,175__ wedding in __Livermore, CA__.

Need to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?  Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.

## Quick Hits

*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*

### About the Couple 
__Fields of Work:__ Higher Education Comms and Pro Sports PR  
__Ages:__ Both 29   
__Location:__ Santa Clara, CA

### About the Wedding  
__Wedding Date:__ 9/10/2022   
__Wedding Location:__ Livermore, CA   
__Venue Type:__ Small resort  
__Wedding Party Members:__ 6  
__Number of Wedding Guests:__ 80  
__Wedding Style:__ A semi-formal wedding in California wine country.    

### Budget Overview
__Original Wedding Budget:__ $45,000  
__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $31,175    
__Payment Breakdown:__ Groom's family contributed $20,000 | Bride's family contributed $20,000 | We contributed $5000  

## Wedding Budget Breakdown

*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*

### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)
__Original budget:__  $9,000  
__Actual spend:__ $8,519.30   
__What we got:__ This included space rental, operations and wedding coordinator, tablecloths, napkins, tables, and chairs.

### 2. [Catering + Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)
__Original budget:__ $13,050  
__Actual spend:__ $10,699.77    
__What we got:__ A buffet dinner, including 2 proteins, salad, bread, vegetables, and 2 sides. This also covered wine and beer, flatware and silverware, and the labor of catering staff.

### 3. Couple’s Attire 
__Original budget__: $3,150  
__Actual spend:__ $1,918.24   
__What we got:__  This included the cost of renting the groom's tux and the bride's dress alterations which were paid for by her grandmother as a gift.

### 4. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)
__Original budget:__ $3,600  
__Actual spend:__ $1,829.07   
__What we got:__ This included the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces, floral splashes for signage, two ground arrangements, and the olive branch decor for the cake. We used a lot of greenery, roses, thistle, ranunculus, anemone, larkspur, and delphinium in the arrangements and in the bouquets.

### 5. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)
__Original budget:__ $3,600  
__Actual spend:__ $1,795   
__What we got:__ We hired a DJ and got one party light for the reception.

### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers)
__Original budget:__ $4,500    
__Actual spend:__ $3,197  
__What we got:__ The cost included the photographer and a second shooter, an engagement session, digital photos, and a wedding album. Our photographer had a few different wedding packages to choose from, and the one we chose fit our budget and what we wanted for our wedding day photography coverage. 

### 8. [Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)
__Original budget:__ $900  
__Actual spend:__ $234   
__What we got:__ [Eastwick Vines](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/f276de10-0fb8-45f1-9902-5fcbe41fd19d) invitations and envelopes from Zola. We also used Zola's [digital save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/a4bbc7ab-8d0e-4985-b2ad-0b199d420c0b) with the same designs to save money.

### 9. Wedding Bands
__Original budget:__ N/A  
__Actual spend:__ $2,981.76  

![0809 AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-InLine](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3k8KxX0wPoY1GjqPFiuRn2/912c60d46c61c34cb660b4ca5eb01bfd/0809_AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-InLine.jpg)

*Note: Individual figures may not total the overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*

## Wedding Budget Questions

*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*

### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?

We did a lot of research on what weddings typically cost in the area we were looking at getting married. Once we picked our venue, we let the cost of the venue and catering inform how much we would budget for the rest of our vendors, while also staying within our set budget. 

### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?

We set our initial budget with the goal of having some cash saved for an amazing honeymoon and eventually a new home. It turned out we actually set it a bit higher than we needed and were able to save even more than we expected. Plus we were lucky to find vendors within our budget that were willing to work with us. Everything just fell into place nicely. 

### Top Three Priorities:

Our venue, photography, and hair/makeup were top for our budget priorities.

### Bottom Three Priorities: 

Before getting married we knew we didn't really want a videographer so we opted not to get one. We also wanted to save a bit on invitations so we used [Zola’s digital save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/a4bbc7ab-8d0e-4985-b2ad-0b199d420c0b) and kept it simple with our [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/f276de10-0fb8-45f1-9902-5fcbe41fd19d) (also from Zola).

### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?

We hired the wedding coordinator that worked at our venue and have no regrets! I tell EVERYONE that they need to at least consider hiring a day-of coordinator. She was absolutely amazing and would work with her and the venue again in a heartbeat.

### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? 

Our ceremony and reception space were both at the same venue. The venue was a small resort, so part of the agreement with them was that we were required to rent all 10 guest rooms at the venue the night of the wedding. 

We talked at length about this because the total cost, with the inclusion of renting all 10 guest rooms the night of the wedding, was more than we had budgeted for. We didn't at first see eye to eye about whether we would ask our family and wedding party to pay for the rooms, if we would pay for them, or if we would split the cost. But because the venue was exactly what we wanted, we decided to do it anyway and found other ways to save and make up for what we were spending on the venue. It worked out in the end! 

### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?

We didn't really need to cut anything out to stick to our budget but I did make the decision to try and keep the flower budget as low as I could while still getting what I wanted. I liked that our florist had ideas for how we could save money or reuse certain arrangements from the ceremony, for the reception. We also did not elect to make linens or chair/table upgrades. We just picked from what was included in the cost of our venue. 

### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?

We decided to buy very nice bottles of wine to drink on our 1st, 2nd, 5th, 10th, and 15th wedding anniversaries, and have our guests sign those in lieu of a traditional guest book. We also supplemented our bar with some wine from a winery we went to when we got engaged. 

We also initially thought we wouldn't do favors but our venue has olives they press into olive oil and sell, so we purchased 80 small bottles of olive oil and they put a custom label on them. They were a hit!

### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?

We had initially invited many more guests than those who came. This helped a lot with getting some money back that we had planned to spend. It was also a big help that my grandmother paid for my wedding dress and alterations. We also created our own signage and table numbers, rented a cake stand instead of buying one, and borrowed a card box from the venue instead of buying one.

Mostly I think I got lucky in that I was able to find a florist who was a prefered vendor with my venue, who was very reasonably priced while doing an amazing job (we got so many compliments). I didn't have a super specific vision in mind, aside from color and how I wanted my florals to compliment the natural beauty of my venue, so I think based on my budget, our florist was probably able to make flower suggestions that would fit within my budget. 

### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?

Yes! We both received money from our parents as a wedding gift that helped cover the cost of the wedding while still having money left over. We planned to reserve some of that money for our honeymoon. While we were planning, my husband also set up a high-interest savings account that we put the rest of the money in for a future house. 

### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?

I think I could have spent more on flowers if I had wanted to, but I have no regrets. We wouldn’t do anything differently.

### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?

Venue and rentals. I was surprised to find out how much venues cost to rent out space once we started inquiring.

### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?

Not particularly weird or out of the box, but I am so happy we went with our venue. The best part was that when you rent the space, the space is entirely your wedding for the entire weekend. I loved that it was just our party and it meant the staff could focus on us. I also am so happy we chose a venue that handled all setup and take down, and we were able to stay there the night of.

### Any other details you want to share?

I think it's important to outline a budget, come to a consensus on what money is coming from where, and how much of your budget you are spending on which vendor/category. It really helped that we had a shared spreadsheet and were already open about expenses. For a lot of couples, their wedding may be the first time they have conversations around money. It's awkward at first but if you're open to each other's thoughts and ideas, you'll be better for it!

## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)
At Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! 

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*

How we saved on our $31K wedding in Livermore, CA

Your complete guide to wedding planning from start to finish. Get practical advice and insider tips for planning your dream wedding from staying within your budget to creating your gift registry to all the little details in between saying "Yes!" and "I do". Find answers to all your wedding planning questions here.

Wedding Planning 101: Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding

Learn how to create a wedding budget that works for you. Find practical advice and expert tips on how to stay within your budget while creating the wedding you want.

Nothing can dull your excitement at planning your wedding right now. Until you start telling family and friends. And they start dropping those scary figures on you.

Prices for weddings might be on the up, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when  walking down the aisle with your other half. So, how much does a wedding cost in 2024? We’ve got you, complete with a full breakdown of state-by-state and expense-by-expense average wedding costs.

Want to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.

## How much do weddings cost in 2024? <a id="cost"> </a>

The [average wedding expense](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) for couples getting married in 2024 totals around $33,000, up slightly from $29,000 in 2023. The most expensive state to get married in is Rhode Island with an average cost of $49,207. The cheapest state to get married in is Alaska with an average cost of $14,444.

## How expensive are weddings really? <a id="expensive"> </a>

Estimating the average cost of a wedding is both art and science. It’s important to keep in mind that average wedding costs are just that — averages. While helpful, a wedding budget doesn’t need to follow any set amount. While some people spend $100,000 on a wedding and the average is $33,000, plenty of couples spend $10,000 or even $5,000 or less.

Average wedding costs vary for several reasons: the number of guests, location, day of the week, and even the seasonality of food served and flowers displayed. It helps to picture the day and think about what matters most to the two of you. Think of the wedding budget in pieces and priorities, rather than imagining the whole thing at once.

You don’t have to spend at the high end of the range. 

## Which wedding expenses cost the most? <a id="expenses"> </a>

On average, the most expensive wedding expenses are the wedding venue ($6,500–$12,000), the catering ($6,500–$10,000), the band or DJ ($2,000–$7,000), and the photographer ($3,500–$6,500). The cheapest wedding expenses tend to be the cake, the ceremony music, and the hair and makeup services.

###  Average wedding cost per service in 2024

Once you nail down the major requirements — where, when, and who — you’re ready to start talking to [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and decide how much to spend on each service. Your vendors can help you make budget-conscious decisions, such as selecting food and flowers that are in season or recycling ceremony decor for the reception. 

While you might not be able to splurge on every [checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) item, what’s important is that your wedding still feels like a reflection of your relationship and future together.

To help you and your soon-to-be spouse plan ahead, here are the national average wedding expenses for services in 2024, based on a total budget of around $33,000 and a guest list of 100 people:

### How much does a wedding cost, expense by expense?

- Wedding venue: $6,500-$12,000

- Catering: $6,500-$10,000 

- Band or DJ: $2,000-$7000

- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750

- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500

- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000

- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000

- Transportation: $700–$1,200

- Cake: $600–$900

- Ceremony music: $500–$800

- Hair and makeup: $550–$850

## Average wedding cost by state in 2024 <a id="state"> </a>

Here’s a complete breakdown of more than 4,000 couples and their projected average spending on [weddings in 2024 by state](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-budget-diaries).

![Avg. Cost by State v2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/sW6vqPrYXnmOpf7gX0ZpS/83018538ea7e07b0e1180bcb0eda95c3/Avg._Cost_by_State__1_.png)

## What does the average wedding cost by number of guests? <a id="guests"> </a>

Zeroing in on your [estimated number of guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding) and the size of your wedding party early on in the wedding planning process helps when evaluating everything from venue size to catering.

If you’re unsure how many people you'll invite, our team found the average wedding guest list in 2024 is 145 people, and about 75% of guests usually RSVP yes.

This is a good starting point for budget conversations if you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to the cost of weddings. Have open and honest discussions with vendors about how your guest count may impact the pricing of their services, such as how the price of fifteen table centerpieces might 
differ from the price of ten. 

Some wedding cost line items, like photography, are less dependent on guest count and more on other factors, such as services provided and time. But other line items, such as catering and decor, are greatly impacted by the size of the wedding.

Vendors are there to support you and help you get the information you need to make decisions, after all!

As with all things, the average cost per person for a wedding has a lot of variables. But we can derive some [data](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/2024-wedding-trends-zolas-first-look-report-data-deep-dive) based on the size of your guest list.

### Average wedding cost by guest size in 2024

- 500+ guests: $54,500

- 200-300 guests: $42,751

- 150–200 guests: $41,286

- 100–150 guests: $33,957

- 75–100 guests: $24,769

- 50–75 guests: $20,581

- 30-50 guests: $18,768

- 10-30 guests: $17,048

- Fewer than 10 guests: $11,667

## Average wedding cost in the largest metro areas <a id="metro"> </a>

Yes, big-city weddings often come with higher price tags than weddings in rural areas. Still, for the possible tradeoff of some budget items, you can get the urban sophistication of a New York City, Houston, Phoenix, or other metro area wedding. 

Metro areas are also travel hubs, meaning they’re accessible and offer cheaper flights and accommodations than remote locations. It’s all about what matters to you.

You’ll have to balance out your wants with your needs of sticking to a budget and [reducing the guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-guest-list).

### How much do weddings cost on average in 2024, in the largest American metros?

![Avg. Cost by Metro Area (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4MkuyZg2iI6HOD1I9CZWIj/e89b0270a1eb5b00eae2dba241eda470/Avg._Cost_by_Metro_Area__1_.png)

## How couples are paying for their weddings <a id="couples"> </a>

The most important thing to remember is that an amazing wedding can happen on any budget, and along with your team of vendors, Zola is here to guide you along every part of the journey. And there is more than one way to pay for a wedding. Today, the majority of couples contribute to their wedding expenses in some way, and we’ve found that in 2024:

- 31.95% will utilize credit cards
- 50.37% have saved for years to prepare
- 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs

So remember that, although the average budget for weddings may seem pretty high, there are many ways to finance your big day!

### 6 ways to save money on your wedding

With so many considerations, it helps to start with a wedding budget breakdown. Here you’ll decide what you want to spend in specific categories or what dollar amount you’d earmark for expenditures. To help get you started, we’ve got six tips to help save money on your big day.

1. Zola’s budget tool

Couples told us they wanted an easy way to track their budget… so we created one! It’s simple to use. In [Zola’s wedding budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), enter your maximum budget and how much you plan to spend on everything from your venue to your videographer. Our handy tool helps you keep tabs on your spending, get payment reminders, and see expert tips on budgeting.

2. Decide what’s most important

Every couple's “dream” vision is different. For most, the priority is having all of their loved ones in attendance, and often other details fall into place. Sit down as partners and decide on the top three must-haves and go from there, whether it be a live band, top-shelf open bar, videographer, or an unforgettable meal. There are no wrong answers.

3. Explore Zola’s wedding planning tools and expert advice guides

Explore the rest of our [Expert Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) articles covering even more tips and tricks on everything from wedding dresses to honeymoon planning to gift registry. After prioritizing the essential pieces of your big day, search Zola for [wedding vendors and venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search) based on price and other factors.

4. Send digital save-the-dates

Sending digital save-the-dates is an easy way to save. Zola’s [digital save-the-dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop) are completely free! If the cost of the average wedding looks a little scary, remember there are lots of little ways like this to save money.

5. Thrift wedding attire

Upcycling and thrifting have become second nature for many people in their everyday lives, but shopping secondhand is also a great way to save on wedding attire and decor. After all, doesn’t everyone need to find their perfect [something borrowed](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-something-borrowed-ideas)?

In fact, we found that 19% of today’s couples upcycle to avoid excessive spending on tuxedos, wedding dresses, other white outfits, wedding party attire, and more.

6. Include cash funds in your registry

The vast majority of couples today — over 80% — add [personalized cash funds](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) to their registry. And, like we mentioned above, 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs. Not only does this help the happy couple start their life together, but it also helps them afford other major expenses — the dream home, a home renovation, or a future family.

__Let Zola take the stress out of wedding planning__

Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and budget stress shouldn't take away from that. The average wedding cost breakdown figures above are averages, and planning your big day comes down to prioritization and must-haves.

For budget tools and everything else you need for your big day, Zola is here to help. Start by checking out our full suite of free wedding planning tools.

When you’re enjoying being [newly engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/relationship-advice/newly-engaged-couples), the last thing you want to think about is your wedding budget. In fact, almost half of all [Zola couples report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) that setting and sticking to a budget was the most stressful part of wedding planning. 

While setting your wedding budget may not be the most exciting item on your planning to-do list, it is an important, if not crucial, first step. Knowing how much you can spend helps you focus your planning and narrows your big-decision options, such as which venue to book or which wedding vendors to hire.

While we can’t promise you a completely stress-free experience leading up to your wedding day, we can help you avoid financial headaches as much as possible by tackling one of the most confusing questions for many couples: how to set your wedding budget.

We’ve got you covered with the average wedding budget, a step-by-step breakdown of average costs for each item, and tips on how to save money on each one. 

## What is a good budget for a wedding?<a id="good"> </a>

The [average wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding#) is $30,000. If that seems high, don’t panic. There are hundreds of ways to whittle that cost down to size. Plus, some people who have micro-weddings spend as little as $500 on their wedding and still enjoy a picture-perfect day. The cost is really up to you.

That said, determining how much to spend on each part of your wedding costs isn’t exactly simple. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost per item based on the $30,000 average wedding budget. Remember, these vary by location and time of year. That said, there are a few straightforward steps you can take to help you get.

You can also scale these figures up or down to fit your finances. For example, if you’re working with a $10k wedding budget, divide each cost below by three. For a $100k wedding, you can triple the costs below (and then some!).

__Expert Advice:__ Easily set and keep track of your wedding budget from anywhere: try Zola’s [free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.

## Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips<a id="tips"> </a>

It’s important to note that wedding expenses and wedding budgets are extremely individual—it’s part of what makes researching all things ‘wedding budget’ so frustrating.

Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).

### Wedding venue: 24% 

While this tends to take up the biggest chunk of your wedding budget, you can save money on your venue a few different ways:

- __Choose off-peak days and times.__ Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings and therefore almost always the most expensive. Consider a Friday evening or Sunday or, if it won’t wreck plans for your nearest and dearest, another weekday. 
- __Consider less popular seasons.__ This depends on where in the world you’re planning on tying the knot. Generally, winter months are more affordable than summer months. 
- __Look for all-inclusive packages.__ Particularly if you’re having a destination wedding, some wedding venues will offer [all-inclusive packages](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons). Generally, this includes food and drink packages which can help save costs on a big expense. 

Find the [perfect wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues) on Zola’s marketplace.

### Catering: 18%

The easiest way to save money on your catering is to opt for a buffet rather than a sit-down meal. You can also look into a morning or afternoon wedding, as brunch, breakfast, or lunch packages tend to be cheaper (and less alcohol-focused!) than late afternoon or evening weddings. Your guest list size will also be a factor. You’ll need more food for a 100-person wedding versus one with only 20. 

Search for a [caterer that fits your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering) on Zola.

### Photography: 7%

We’ll be honest: if there’s one area you shouldn’t skimp on in your wedding budget, it’s your photography. After all, there’s nothing more crushing than looking back at photos from your special day that aren’t up to scratch. However, if you’re looking to cut costs, see if anyone in your personal network can offer a reduced photography fee as a wedding present to you and your partner. 

Find [professional wedding photographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers).

### Videography: 5%

Not every couple includes videography in their wedding budget. If you’re trying to cut costs, leave this one out altogether. Or, see if you can find a student or amateur videographer (as long as you’ve got photography from a pro!)

Seach your area for qualified [videographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers).

### Flowers: 8%

You’ll need to be strategic if you’re hoping to restrict your wedding budget with your flowers. A few of the best ways include choosing seasonal blooms, bulking out your bouquets with greenery and foliage, choosing single-bloom bouquets, and looking for local or wholesale florists. You can also just opt for artificial flowers if you’re on a tight wedding budget. 

[Find florists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) within your budget on our marketplace.

### Entertainment: 9%

Choose a band or DJ rather than both. Or, to cut costs even more, ask someone musically-minded in your network to put together a wedding soundtrack that you can play yourself. If you know you want some kind of live entertainment, limit the hours they’ll play, book far in advance, and consider local artists who won’t have to charge transport fees.  

[Choose a band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) from Zola’s list of vendors.

### Hair and makeup: 2%

One of the best ways to save money on your hair and makeup? Do them yourself or enlist a friend’s help. If you’re looking for pro support, look into beauty schools (students are often super talented and have a great range of tools) or look for mobile stylists. When it comes to the actual work, choose simple styles rather than overly elaborate designs. 

[Find hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) within your budget on Zola.

### Cake and/or dessert: 2%

For starters, opt for something fun like a donut wall or dessert bar rather than a sit-down dessert. Cakes with fewer layers tend to be less expensive than those with multiple tiers. Buttercream is cheaper than fondant, and common flavors are usually cheaper and more accessible than unique ingredients. The “naked cake” trend is another popular way to save money here. 

Search for [cake and dessert bakers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/florida--wedding-cakes-desserts) here. 

![earth-tones](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i7bQrefxYFRUhcym6a3O9/29181c291da8b15aa6b4c73bec64d51b/earth-tones.jpg)

### Officiant: 1%

If you have a close friend or family member who's comfortable speaking in public, you could ask them to officiate your wedding. In many places, they can become ordained online for free or at low cost, although you'll want to check local and state laws first. 

Some couples choose to have a simple civil ceremony at the courthouse or city hall. The fees for these services are usually a fair bit lower than hiring a separate officiant.

### Stationery: 3%

The easiest way to save money on your wedding stationery (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards) is to go digital, and Zola has several [digital wedding stationery options](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop). If that’s not to your taste, opt for standard-size envelopes, print in bulk, design the stationery yourself (check out our popular [DIY wedding invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/afe11498-7506-4d03-b30f-d7a024c91afa)), and use simple designs that don’t require fancy embellishments. 

### Wedding dress, suit, or other attire: 7%

Don’t feel like you have to spend thousands on a wedding outfit. David's Bridal, Lulus, ASOS, and Azazie all offer great options at lower prices. You can also consider renting your [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/fashion-beauty/wedding-dresses) from brands like Rent the Runway. 

When it comes to [accessories](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop-accessories), skip the bridal stores and head straight to your favorite fashion brands. Look for white (or your chosen color) accessories without the wedding mark-up. 

### Wedding planner: 6%

A wedding planner is totally optional. But if you’re prioritizing one in your wedding budget, consider a “day of” or a”‘month of” planner rather than full-service wedding planning. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know when it comes to [choosing a wedding planner in this article](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/questions-to-ask-wedding-planner). 

### Rentals: 5%

You’ve already ticked the budget-friendly box by renting rather than buying certain elements of your wedding. There are rental options for pretty much anything you might need for your wedding besides edible items. From vintage tableware and lounge seating to attire and silk florals, you can rent just about anything nowadays.

### Transportation: 2%

While no one expects you to hop on the bus to your wedding venue, there are still a few easy ways you can cut costs. Instead of renting multiple vehicles, consider using a single, larger vehicle for the bridal party or immediate family. 

Or, if you’ve got friends or family members with stylish cars, ask if you can borrow (or rent) their vehicle for your wedding day. If you have a large group to transport from A to B (like the ceremony venue to the reception), it's worth looking into shuttles rather than paying for individual cars. Check out our article on [wedding transportation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-transportation-101), for more details.

## Things to consider when setting your wedding budget<a id="consider"> </a>

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know regarding saving money on your wedding, cost by cost. But don’t forget the admin side of things, too.  

### 1. Determine who's contributing

Figure out who pays for the wedding and what each person or couple contributes. Many couples pay for the wedding themselves, while some couples’ families cover all or some of the expenses. See our guide on [who pays for the wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-pay-for-wedding#:~:text=As%20is%20often%20seen%20with,wedding%20costs%20on%20their%20own.) for a full breakdown of the best ways to broach the subject of asking for wedding budget contributions.

### 2. Finalize your numbers

Once you know who is chipping in and how much they’ll be adding to the budget, it’s time to finalize your totals. 

To determine your total wedding budget, add together how much each person is contributing. It sounds simple, but there are a few mistakes that some couples make during this stage:

- Assuming that family and/or friends can or will contribute without discussing it with them first.
- Factoring in lines of credit, such as credit cards or loans, rather than creating a budget based on readily available funds like cash, savings, and income. 

__Pro Tip:__ Never acquire more wedding debt than you can repay within a few months.

### 3. Do your research

After you have finalized your totals, we recommend researching typical wedding costs in your wedding location to figure out how much you can expect to spend on vendors specific to your area.

Remember, beautiful weddings are planned on budgets of all sizes every year, so don’t get discouraged if prices are more than you initially expected. 

There is always [room to negotiate](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors).

![local-venues](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6bi7wx5xGOJJCvJcdAguMG/5d7b4e4cbc6b6ff7b686a802dd820b6b/local-venues.jpg)

### 4. Prioritize your spending

Your research should give you a sense of what to expect and will help you set your priorities for your wedding. Sit down with your partner to discuss your visions for the day and what vendors and details are most important to you both. 

For example, if a packed dance floor is one of your goals, consider setting aside a larger portion of your budget for a great live band or DJ. Keep your vision in mind as you plan, and use it as a guide when deciding when to splurge and when to save.

To help set your priorities, here’s a great exercise for you and your partner to do:

*Answer the questions below individually at first, then come together to discuss why you each chose your answers and to reach an agreement on your mutual priorities.*

1. What is my ideal engagement length (1 year, 6 months, etc.)?
2. What is my ideal number of guests?
3. What is my ideal wedding location (city, state, country)?
4. What is my ideal wedding season?
5. What is my ideal wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception environment (indoor, beach, church, etc.)?
6. What is my ideal wedding dress code (black tie, casual, cocktail, etc.)?
7. What is my ideal wedding budget?
8. What is my ideal wedding vibe (laid-back, formal, intimate, etc.)?
9. What is my ideal wedding theme or style (glam, boho, rustic, etc.)?
10. What are three things I want my wedding to include (lots of dancing, great food, beautiful invitations, etc.)?
11. What vendors do I not want to go without (videographer, wedding planner, etc.)?
12. How do I want my guests to feel at the wedding (entertained, loved, excited, etc.)?
13. What details do I want to prioritize for the biggest portions of the wedding budget (wedding flowers such as bouquets and centerpieces, reception venue, etc.)?
14. What details, if any, am I interested in DIYing?
15. Who would be my ideal pick to officiate the wedding?
16. Would I prefer an open or cash bar (or something else)?

## Wedding budget mistakes to avoid<a id="mistakes"> </a>

The following are a handful of budgeting mistakes you should look for as you navigate budget and [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/). Getting ahead of them now means you won’t have to handle them later.

### Setting aside less money than needed

It’s better to save more money than you believe you’ll need than to set aside too little and think you’ll ultimately be okay. Even if you might be, certain expenses can catch you off guard up until and even through your big day. Prepare not just for what’s needed—but that and then some, just in case.

### Spending money without keeping expense records

It becomes difficult to stick to a wedding budget when you aren’t vigilant about tracking expenses. When you agree to an expense or purchase something, put the total spent into your wedding records. Keep this current and reflect often on how much you’ve spent and how much wedding money you have left.

### Not considering the extras in your budget

There are a number of things you might not initially consider when creating your budget, from little things like linens, ceremony programs, and your marriage license to larger items, such as wedding attire, gratuities, and your rehearsal dinner. Up front, take the time to create an exhaustive list of everything you might spend money on (and then some miscellaneous spending room) to avoid overlooking anything. This will save you from having to adjust or overspend later.

### Not saving for emergency purchases

Alongside miscellaneous spending, you need to include an emergency purchases budget amount. This allocated money can be put toward just about anything leading up to your wedding, from forgotten and needed expenses to actual emergencies. Not accounting for this from the beginning can eventually put you in a difficult situation.

### Not using any rewards program you may have access to

If possible, we highly recommend putting expenses on a rewards credit card you’re familiar with and understand. Ideally, you can put charges on this card, immediately pay them off, and then utilize the rewards points towards things like your honeymoon. Doing this from the beginning can save you a significant amount of money on future flights, hotel stays, and other perks specific to your rewards program.

## Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting<a id="calculator"> </a>

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget). In the Zola app, simply tap on “start budgeting.” This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout your wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

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