I still remember the moment my husband and I began wedding planning. We were so excited, full of big ideas, and completely unprepared for the sticker shock that hit us. Everything seemed to cost more than we expected, and, as fresh college grads who were the oldest of big families, we were committed to paying for it ourselves. We knew we wanted to make smart financial decisions that wouldn’t leave us drowning in stress before we even said, “I do.”
Looking back, I wish someone had told me these five financial secrets before we started booking vendors. If you’re newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed by the cost of having the wedding you want, these tips will help you plan with confidence and peace of mind. Consider this the big sister advice you didn’t know you needed for wedding planning! 😉
1. Your Guest List Controls Your Budget More Than You Think
When you have a solid wedding budget, it’s tempting to think you can invite everyone you want without worrying too much about the cost per head. But even at a higher price point, guest count determines so much—venue size, catering, rentals, staffing, and even the overall guest experience.
My advice for the bride wanting an elevated experience: Consider a more intimate guest list. A wedding with 120 guests at a nicer venue with a delicious menu will feel more luxurious than a 200-person wedding where you have to make compromises. Think about quality over quantity! Besides, a more intimate wedding will give you time to be more intentional with the people who do come instead of feeling rushed trying to say hi and thank everyone.
2. Hidden Costs Add Up Quickly While Wedding Planning
Even when you have a decent wedding budget, those “small” extra costs can add up fast—vendor service fees, gratuities, delivery charges, lighting upgrades, and even extended event timing. For example, we quickly realized that a 24% service charge on a $30,000 catering bill would be a significant extra expense we hadn’t even considered.
My advice to avoid surprises: Ask vendors for an all-inclusive quote upfront. Many luxury venues and full-service planners are transparent about this, but you should always double-check to ensure you’re seeing the full picture before signing contracts! Get the math in writing.
3. Open a Travel Credit Card and Put Wedding Deposits on It
One of the best financial moves we made was opening a travel credit card (we chose Delta Skymiles, but Capital One Venture is another great option) and we put all our wedding deposits on it. Since wedding expenses add up quickly, we were able to hit the sign-up bonus in no time—and that covered the flights for our honeymoon to St. Lucia completely! We had a specific resort we wanted to stay at, but there are places where you can redeem those reward miles and completely pay off your entire stay, too. This is one of my favorite hacks from our wedding.
My advice for how to maximize rewards: Look for a card with a generous sign-up bonus and perks that align with your travel plans. Make sure to pay it off in full each month so you don’t rack up interest charges. This strategy turned what felt like a financial burden into a way to save on our first big adventure as a married couple!
4. Luxury Comes From Thoughtful Design, Not Just Expensive Details
A high-budget wedding doesn’t mean you need to say yes to every Pinterest trend or splurge on every little upgrade. I promise you, the most elegant weddings are the ones where every element feels intentional personal. Instead of spending on trendy decor that will be outdated in a year, invest in timeless design choices that matter to you!
My advice for how to prioritize: Choose high-impact statement pieces that set the tone—like statement floral installations, elegant tablescapes, and personal touches (like hand-folded paper cranes). Work with a planner or designer to curate a look that feels bespoke rather than cluttered with too many details.
5. An Investment Mindset Pays Off in the Long Run
Weddings are expensive, and it’s tempting to look for the cheapest options wherever possible. But some things—like photography and videography—are truly an investment. Long after the flowers have wilted and the cake is eaten, your photos and video will be the way you remember your day and what you’re able to show your children and grandchildren. Your wedding photos will be what hangs on the walls in the home you two build together!
My advice for what’s worth investing in: Prioritize vendors whose work will last beyond the wedding day. It’s important to meet with those you trust to tell your story before you hire them – creative people need a good rapport with people to create beautiful art with them. You spend a lot of time with the media team on your wedding day, and it’s essential that you feel comfortable with them!!
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but making informed financial decisions will set you up for success! Having a larger budget doesn’t mean you have to spend carelessly—it means you have the ability to be intentional, maximize value, and create a wedding that feels truly reflective of you and your spouse to be. By making smart financial choices, you’ll have a wedding that’s both stunning and a wise investment in your future memories.
If you liked this article, you’ll probably love working with me (Nicole) as your wedding photographer! I specialize in capturing timeless, elegant weddings with an eye for all the meaningful details that make your day unforgettable. Let’s chat about how I can document your wedding beautifully—reach out here!
