How to Plan Your Wedding Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also come with its fair share of stress, especially when it comes to setting a budget. Weddings can range from intimate backyard celebrations to grand ballroom affairs, and the costs can vary just as widely. Without a clear plan, it’s easy for expenses to spiral out of control.

The good news? With some strategy, you can plan a wedding that fits your budget while still creating the day you’ve always dreamed of. The key is to start backwards: first, decide how much you want to spend overall, and then break it down into categories. This approach helps you stay realistic, keeps you from overspending, and ensures that your money goes toward the things that matter most to you.

Step 1: Start with Your Total Budget

Before you book a venue, try on dresses, or taste test cake samples, sit down with your partner and agree on a number that feels comfortable. Think about how much you’ve saved, how much family might contribute, and how much you’re realistically willing to spend.

This number is your anchor. Every decision from here on out should tie back to it. For example, if you want to spend no more than $25,000, every choice, venue, guest list, entertainment, should align with that figure.

Step 2: Break It Down by Percentage

Not every couple has the same priorities, but a common starting point for dividing your wedding budget looks like this:

• Venue & Catering: 40–50%

• Photography & Videography: 10–15%

• Music (DJ or Band): 5–10%

• Flowers & Décor: 10%

• Attire, Hair & Makeup: 5–10%

• Other Expenses & Miscellaneous: 10%

These percentages aren’t set in stone. If photos and video are your top priority, you might push that to 20%. If flowers aren’t as important to you, you could scale that down. Think of this as a flexible framework rather than a strict rule.

Step 3: Understand How Guest Count Affects Costs

If there’s one factor that can make or break your budget, it’s your guest count. Every additional guest means more food, drinks, tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, and place settings.

For example:

• A catered meal at $70 per person for 50 guests is $3,500.

• The same meal for 150 guests jumps to $10,500.

That’s a $7,000 difference, just from inviting 100 more people.

Your venue size also depends on guest count, which can bump you into a more expensive rental category. Even “small” costs like invitations or favors multiply quickly with larger numbers.

If you’re trying to save, trimming your guest list is one of the most effective ways to make a big difference.

Step 4: Identify Your Priorities

Every couple has different non-negotiables. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of breathtaking photos, or maybe you care more about hosting an unforgettable dinner. The important thing is to pick your top two or three priorities and focus your budget there.

For example:

• If photos are #1, hire the best photographer you can afford and cut back on décor.

• If food and drinks are most important, invest in quality catering and trim the guest list to make it work.

• If entertainment is a priority, consider live music and scale back on extras like favors or programs.

This way, the parts of your wedding that mean the most to you will shine, and you won’t feel like you compromised on the things that truly matter.

Step 5: Use DIY Strategically

DIY projects are a popular way to save money while adding a personal touch. Some great DIY options include:

• Designing and printing your own invitations or signage

• Crafting simple centerpieces (like greenery, candles, or collected bottles)

• Creating wedding favors, such as homemade jams or candles

• Building a photo booth backdrop

That said, be realistic. DIY can take more time, energy, and even money than expected. For example, buying fresh flowers for DIY arrangements can add stress right before the wedding. Focus on DIY projects that feel fun, not overwhelming.

Step 6: Sample Budget Breakdowns

To help you picture how this works, here’s how you might break down different wedding budgets using the percentage method:

$15,000 Wedding Budget

• Venue & Catering: $7,500 (50%)

• Photography & Videography: $1,800 (12%)

• Music (DJ): $900 (6%)

• Flowers & Décor: $1,500 (10%)

• Attire, Hair & Makeup: $1,200 (8%)

• Other Expenses: $2,100 (14%)

$30,000 Wedding Budget

• Venue & Catering: $12,000 (40%)

• Photography & Videography: $4,500 (15%)

• Music (Band): $2,400 (8%)

• Flowers & Décor: $3,000 (10%)

• Attire, Hair & Makeup: $2,400 (8%)

• Other Expenses: $5,700 (19%)

$50,000 Wedding Budget

• Venue & Catering: $20,000 (40%)

• Photography & Videography: $6,500 (13%)

• Music (Live Band): $4,500 (9%)

• Flowers & Décor: $5,000 (10%)

• Attire, Hair & Makeup: $3,500 (7%)

• Other Expenses: $10,000 (20%)

These are just examples, but they show how the percentages apply across different budgets.

Step 7: Leave Room for Surprises

Even with the best planning, unexpected expenses pop up. A last-minute rental, overtime charges for vendors, or forgotten details (like gratuities) can creep in. Try to leave 5–10% of your budget unallocated as a cushion. You’ll thank yourself later.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding budget isn’t about restricting you. It’s about making sure your spending reflects your values as a couple. By starting with your total number, dividing it by percentage, keeping an eye on your guest count, and DIY-ing where it makes sense, you can create a day that’s beautiful, personal, and stress-free.

Most importantly, remember that the “perfect” wedding isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

The Timeless Charm of Rustic Wedding Venues

When couples begin planning their wedding day, one of the first and most important decisions they face is choosing the right venue. The venue sets the tone, frames the memories, and creates the backdrop for one of the most meaningful days of their lives. For many, rustic wedding venues stand out as the perfect blend of beauty, authenticity, and comfort. These spaces hold a special magic, inviting couples and their loved ones to celebrate in an environment that feels at once timeless and deeply personal.

So, what is it about rustic wedding venues that makes them so special? The answer is layered—woven from the natural beauty of the setting, the atmosphere of warmth and intimacy, and the freedom they provide for couples to create a wedding day that truly reflects who they are.

A Backdrop Crafted by Nature

One of the defining features of a rustic wedding venue is its connection to nature. Whether nestled among towering trees, perched on the edge of a meadow, or set beside a quiet stream, rustic venues allow couples to exchange vows surrounded by the natural world. There is something undeniably grounding about speaking your promises under open skies, with the sound of birds in the distance or water gently flowing nearby.

In a world where so much of our lives are fast-paced and digital, being immersed in nature on such an important day brings a sense of calm and presence. Couples often find that they don’t need to add much décor in a rustic setting—the venue itself becomes the decoration. A canopy of trees forms a natural cathedral. A weathered wooden barn becomes both backdrop and symbol, reminding us of the beauty in history and imperfection. A quiet pond reflects not only the sky but the beginning of a new chapter.

An Atmosphere of Warmth and Relaxation

Rustic wedding venues also stand out for their atmosphere. Unlike grand ballrooms or formal banquet halls, rustic spaces invite people to relax and truly enjoy themselves. Guests don’t feel the pressure of rigid formality—they can laugh freely, breathe in the fresh air, and connect more deeply with one another.

This relaxed energy often carries over to the couple, too. Weddings can be stressful, but in a rustic environment, the focus naturally shifts away from perfection and toward connection. The creak of a barn door, the glow of string lights, or the simple joy of dancing under the stars remind everyone what the day is really about: celebrating love.

The charm of rustic venues lies in their imperfections. The weathered wood, the uneven stone, the soft sounds of the outdoors—these details create a setting that feels real. It’s this authenticity that gives rustic weddings their special magic.

A Venue Full of Character and Story

Every rustic wedding venue has a story, and that history becomes part of each wedding held there. A barn that once housed animals now shelters love and laughter. A field that has seen countless sunsets now witnesses a new beginning. Even natural elements—an ancient tree, a winding stream, or a still pond—carry their own stories, passed down through time.

This sense of story and character is something couples can’t find in a newly built hall or hotel ballroom. Rustic venues aren’t just spaces; they are living places with layers of memory and meaning. When couples say “I do” in such a setting, they are adding their story to something larger, something enduring.

Endless Opportunities for Personalization

One of the joys of rustic venues is their versatility. They provide a canvas that can be simple, elegant, whimsical, or romantic—depending on how couples choose to style their day.

Some couples lean into the rustic charm with wildflower arrangements, mason jar centerpieces, and wooden signage. Others combine the rustic setting with elegant touches like flowing linens, crystal chandeliers, and candlelight to create a contrast that feels both natural and refined. The beauty of rustic venues is that they allow for both—and everything in between.

Because the surroundings are already so beautiful, couples don’t have to do much to make the venue shine. A few personal touches often go a long way. And unlike more prescriptive spaces, rustic venues don’t come with a strict set of rules about what décor “works.” Instead, they give couples the freedom to create something that feels authentic to them.

Picture-Perfect Moments

Photography is one of the most important ways couples preserve the memories of their wedding day, and rustic venues provide endless opportunities for stunning photos. The play of sunlight through tree branches, the glow of lanterns or string lights at dusk, and the open skies at sunset all create dreamy backdrops.

There’s also a wonderful variety in rustic settings—each nook and cranny offers a different mood. A quiet path through the woods can feel intimate and romantic. A wide-open field can feel joyful and expansive. A pond, stream, or old wooden structure adds texture and story to the photos. For couples who value beautiful photography, rustic venues are a dream.

A Celebration That Feels Like Home

Perhaps the most special thing about rustic wedding venues is the way they make people feel. They carry a warmth that feels like home—welcoming, comfortable, and filled with heart. For many couples, that sense of belonging is what makes the day truly memorable.

A rustic wedding isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating an atmosphere where guests feel cared for and where the couple can be fully present. The relaxed energy of the setting encourages connection—between families, between friends, and most importantly, between the couple themselves.

Lost Pond: A Rustic Venue with a Heart

At Lost Pond, we’ve seen firsthand how rustic settings create unforgettable moments. Nestled in nature, our venue is framed by the sound of a stream cascading gently into a pond. A lone elm tree stands tall and proud, providing a natural gathering place for ceremonies.

Our reception space carries its own rustic charm, with two small silos that have been lovingly repurposed—one as a bar and the other as a dance floor. The combination of history, creativity, and nature makes every celebration here unique. When the retractable awning opens, the night sky becomes part of the celebration, connecting guests to the beauty of the land around them.

We believe that what makes a rustic wedding venue truly special isn’t just its beauty, but the feeling it creates. At Lost Pond, couples and their guests are invited to celebrate in a place that feels warm, authentic, and timeless.

A Timeless Choice for Lasting Memories

Rustic wedding venues will always hold a unique place in the world of weddings. They remind us that beauty doesn’t need to be complicated, that love feels strongest in places where we can slow down and connect, and that a wedding is about more than a day—it’s about creating memories woven into a landscape that will last for generations.

For couples seeking something meaningful, welcoming, and unforgettable, a rustic wedding venue is more than a location. It’s a reflection of the love being celebrated—simple, genuine, and enduring.