Sample result
A sample start: 12 months out, 100 guests
Wedding next September, about 100 guests, total budget $30,000. Where do we start?
Budget split (a starting point you can adjust)
| Category | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Venue, food and drink | 45% | $13,500 |
| Photography and video | 12% | $3,600 |
| Attire and beauty | 8% | $2,400 |
| Flowers and decor | 8% | $2,400 |
| Music and entertainment | 7% | $2,100 |
| Stationery, favours and gifts | 5% | $1,500 |
| Everything else, including rings and transport | 5% | $1,500 |
| Buffer for surprises | 10% | $3,000 |
Book first (12–10 months out)
- Venue: it fixes your date and drives most other choices.
- Photographer: the good ones book up early.
- A draft guest list: the number shapes the venue and the budget.