You’re engaged — now what? While it might not sound as glamorous as shopping for your dream dress, setting a wedding budget is one of the first things you should do as an engaged couple.

Your budget will determine everything: your venue, your menu, your decorations, even your wedding date. But with rising expenses and economic uncertainties, many couples are looking for ways to trim costs and plan their dream day on a dime. Keep reading to learn how some couples are approaching their wedding day finances. 

Wedding Budget Breakdown

According to data from The Knot, the average wedding in the United States costs $35,000. The top five expenses include:

  • Venue ($12,800)
  • Live band ($4,300)
  • Photographer ($2,900)
  • Florist ($2,800)
  • Alcohol ($2,800)

Together, these five categories account for nearly two-thirds of the average wedding budget! Let’s break down these expenses to see how you might save money or splurge on each. 

How to Save Money on Your Wedding Venue

As the backdrop to your big day, your wedding venue is typically the largest expense in your budget. 

Save: Choose a weekday ceremony instead of a Saturday celebration. Or, opt for a micro wedding at a non-traditional venue like your favorite restaurant or local bookstore.

Splurge: Go big or go home with a destination wedding that’s part party, part vacation.

Outdoor wedding ceremony set up
Photo by James Bold

Finding an Affordable Live Band 

Booking a live band for your wedding reception is a surefire way to have a good time — but for a pretty penny.

Save: Similar to your venue, you’ll save money by booking during off-peak days. You can also book a live band for a few hours and then switch to a pre-made playlist to close out the night. Win-win!

Splurge: Hire a cover band of your favorite rock group and turn the dance floor into your own personal concert. 

Tips for Saving on a Wedding Photographer

Keep the memory of your wedding day alive with photos and videos you’ll have forever.

Save: Hire a photographer for the ceremony and cocktail hour. During the reception, give your guests disposable cameras and capture candid footage from every angle. 

Splurge: In addition to a photographer, hire a videographer or day-of content creator to shoot behind-the-scenes footage for social media and more. 

Photographer taking photos of a bride and groom outside
Photo by Mariah Krafft

Wedding Flowers on a Budget

Florals for a wedding? Groundbreaking — and expensive! Try these alternatives instead. 

Save: Use fake flowers made out of paper, wood, or LEGOs. If you’re committed to real flowers, repurpose your bridal bouquets as centerpieces to trim costs at your reception.

Splurge: Go beyond bouquets and boutonnieres with floral arches and aisles. You might also add flowers on the back of guests’ chairs to brighten up your reception. 

Flower bouquet tied to a post
Photo by Rob Sarmiento

How to Spend Less on Alcohol for Your Wedding

While wedding guests love an open bar, there’s not always room in the budget for unlimited alcohol. 

Save: Hop on the mocktail train and offer alcohol-free cocktails. With so many non-alcoholic options these days, your guests will hardly know the difference! Or, if you live near a Costco or Sam’s Club, buy liquor in bulk and save big. 

Splurge: Turn the bar into an experience with a mobile bar cart or champagne wall. Big bourbon fan? Turn a corner of your reception into a bourbon and cigar room for a fun surprise your guests will love. 

Bar sign
Photo by Kevin Waltz

Next Steps 

Whether you’re saving or splurging, Eventective is here to help you manage every step of the process. Use our Wedding Budget Worksheet to keep track of expenses and plan the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.