Wedding Budget: how to Allocate it (and Avoid Going into the Red)
Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting experiences… but also one of the most expensive. Without careful attention, costs can spiral out of control and turn joy into anxiety. That’s why intelligently allocating your budget is the first step toward a serene and mindful wedding.
Where to Start? The Overall Budget
The first question is: how much can we (and want to) spend in total? The average budget for a wedding in Italy in 2025 ranges between €20,000 and €35,000 for about 100 guests, but this figure can vary greatly depending on the location, number of guests, and style of the event.
Tip: Have a Couple’s Meeting. Together, Establish a Maximum Amount and an Extra Margin (E.G., +10%) to Use Only in Case of Emergencies or Unexpected Expenses.
The Main Wedding Budget Categories
Once you’ve set the total, the most important moment arrives: dividing expenses by category. Here’s a realistic and balanced breakdown, perfect for couples who want to keep everything under control:
1. Catering and Venue: 40-45%
This is the most important item. The food, wine, and beauty of the location are what guests will remember most. At Al Burnec, for example, we offer complete packages that include in-house catering, table settings, and personalized environments: a great help for optimizing costs.
2. Bride and Groom Attire and Accessories: 10-15%
Clothes, shoes, makeup, hairstyling, and small touch-ups. If you’re looking to save, there are ateliers that offer outlet collections or dress rentals.
3. Photos and Video: 8-10%
An investment that lasts over time. It’s better to choose professionals who know how to capture the truth of the moment, without forced poses.
4. Music and Entertainment: 5-7%
DJ, band, children’s entertainment, or interactive corners. Music is the emotional heart of the celebration: don’t underestimate it.
5. Decorations and Flowers: 7-10%
These depend on the chosen style. If you opt for seasonal decorations (like those we often suggest at Al Burnec), you can save a lot.
6. Invitations, Favors, and Stationery: 3-5%
A small budget well used can bring great satisfaction. Green and digital solutions are also very popular today.
7. Wedding Planner: 5-7%
Many think it’s a luxury, but it often helps save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.
8. Transportation, Accommodations, and Various Extras: 5-10%
Cars for the couple, nights at a farmhouse, babysitters, insurance. It’s better to keep a cushion for everything that doesn’t fall under the main categories.
How to Track Expenses (without Going Crazy)
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Create a shared Excel spreadsheet with all items and quotes.
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Use colors to indicate what has already been paid, what’s missing, and changes during the process.
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Don’t forget to compare 2-3 vendors for each category before deciding.
An Extra Tip? Choose a Venue that Simplifies Things
At Al Burnec, for example, we handle catering, table settings, beverages, and decorations internally, and we offer a network of trusted vendors. This reduces the number of external vendors to manage, but most importantly: it reduces unexpected issues.
We have experience with weddings of all types, from intimate ceremonies to receptions with over 120 guests. And we know how to adapt each proposal to the couple’s real needs.
Everything under Control, without Sacrificing the Magic
Managing a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the dream. It means making it real and sustainable, without it becoming a burden.
And if you want help from those who do it every day with passion, Al Burnec is the right place to start.