Wedding Hive Podcast
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Wedding Hive Podcast
040- How To Spend Smart On Your Wedding And Still Love The Day
We break down the real cost drivers of a wedding and show how to build a budget that reflects your values without the stress. From guest count math to hidden fees, we share practical moves to save smart, stay aligned, and still create a day you love.
• why a budget protects your relationship and future
• three big questions to set direction
• how guest count drives almost every expense
• where the money actually goes by category
• hidden fees and taxes that bust budgets
• setting shared priorities with your partner
• simple ways to save without losing impact
• creating a five to ten percent buffer
• common mistakes to avoid when booking
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Hey Queens, it's Kelsey and Grace with Wedding Hive Hive. Giving you the tea and all the clothes in the wedding world. Let's jump right in. Hey Queens, welcome back to another episode of the Wedding Hive podcast. Kelsey and Grace here today, and today we're talking all things budgeting. Yes, you know this is one of our favorite topics. Today we're gonna understand where money typically goes. We're going to talk about creating a budget that aligns with your values, avoid commonly made money mistakes, and feel confident making spending decisions even when your family is involved. So today is one of our favorite topics. But before we get into that, Grace.
SPEAKER_01:Yes, Kelsey, I need to ask you, how was your weekend in Vegas?
SPEAKER_00:It was so fun. Really? Yes. We had an amazing. So my brother turned 22. We didn't do a Vegas trip for his 21st. So we had to make up for it. And it was so fun because he had had like a year of like being 21. So it's not like we took a baby to Vegas who Yeah, he he was ready.
SPEAKER_01:He's prepped. He knows. He knows what he likes to drink. Correct. He's ready to rumble.
SPEAKER_00:We had an absolute blast. Um, we ended up going to, we did a VIP experience at the Marquee, which is in the Cosmopolitan. Um, it's like an EDM, I think that's what you call it. Uh, like dance club top 40. It was an amazing DJ. Uh the DJ was great, but we were in this uh VIP booth, which I highly recommend. I don't know if I will ever go to Vegas and go in on general admission again. Oh, because we had our own private security. So it was so nice because we were able to dance and have fun. And if people either were like taking our picture or even like try to walk in, like security would kick us out. Psych. And we had our own private restroom. And so security would walk us to our bathroom. I like that's good for safety. And so, yes, I felt so safe, had so much fun, but I got to experience the VIP section with a bridal party. So um, yep, in the booth next to us, there was a bright uh bachelorette party um taking place, and it was obvious as soon as they walked in the door, I went, Oh, there's the bride, because you know, she's in white and all the girls are in matching black, like rompers, so cute. I love that so love the idea of bachelorette parties in Las Vegas. Yes, I'm 100%. I like that. Why not? Vegas never sleeps. So true. If you if you want to go hard, go to Vegas.
SPEAKER_01:Not been to Vegas, and I'm turning 30 this year.
SPEAKER_00:You've never been to Vegas.
SPEAKER_01:No, I went to Vegas once. I always tell everyone the story. I went once for a Justin Bieber concert when I was 16. So it doesn't count because I you, you know, the the my favorite part about being in Vegas when I was there was going to MM World because I was 16, so I haven't gotten yet, and I need to.
SPEAKER_00:I had no idea.
SPEAKER_01:I thought I've told you that. I've never been. Like I've never no, I've never experienced. And we've like tried to go for birthdays and stuff, and we just I don't know, we just never have gone.
SPEAKER_00:Oh my gosh.
SPEAKER_01:I need I need to break my Las Vegas virginity ASAP. So before I start having kids, and then it's gonna be a while until I can make it there.
SPEAKER_00:Correct. Oh my gosh. Vegas can be it can be whatever you make it. For sure.
SPEAKER_01:So I know that's what I've served. I've been trying to tell people because I was thinking maybe going there for my 30th, but now we're more shifting towards like going to New York instead, because I've always wanted to go there, but I feel like people like have been hating on it recently. Vegas, when I would like bring it up, they're like, oh, it's not like how it used to be. But I feel like it's just what you make it, you know.
SPEAKER_00:I agree. The culture has shifted a lot. Yeah. Um, a lot of the um, there's been actually a ton of studies done. A lot of the middle class, uh like nightclubs and areas have closed down because it's targeted more towards the upper class. And as we know in America, the middle class is struggling financially. So they're not spending their money. Also, gambling is can be done like on um like sports bets can be done from your phone. So you no longer have to go to Vegas to gamble. That's true. And there is the shift in culture that is not drinking as much. So Vegas has been hit um because society has shifted with gambling and drinking, but it was a blast. We were there for 24 hours. That is all the time I needed in Vegas. That's what I was doing.
SPEAKER_01:We we did I feel like I would last only 24 hours in Vegas.
SPEAKER_00:That is the time for Vegas. But we took my husband to Vegas for his 30th, um, and we were there for four days. And oh my god.
SPEAKER_01:Um, I would simply pass away.
SPEAKER_00:Well, we didn't do the full Vegas experience every single day. Like we I think we had one night that was like an all-nighter and then the rest of them.
SPEAKER_01:But just chill vibes. Correct. I love that.
SPEAKER_00:It's a lot of fun. But speaking of money in the middle class, yes. You want to get us started on the hot topic of the budget?
SPEAKER_01:Yes. So we're gonna be talking all things wedding budget. Um, so let's kind of start with the big question is why is wedding budgeting so important? That's our whole thing. We know we talk about it a lot, but it's very important when it comes to planning your wedding. Um, just don't think of as a wedding budget isn't about limiting the joy, it's also about protecting, you know, your future. Yeah, if you think about it, money stress is definitely one of the biggest conflicts in relationships. Um, I'll be honest, I've had, you know, those issues in my own relationship. Money is a big issue that can come up. Obviously, weddings are very expensive. Um, and if you think about it besides, you know, buying a house, you know, weddings is often the first major financial decision you're gonna make with your partner. So um, without a budget, if you think about it, costs can sneak up on you, small upgrades turn into big expenses, and suddenly your thousands over what you planned, which we've seen many a times with brides and couples. Um, but also just think about it a budget can give you clarity, control, and confidence when you're making these big purchases and decisions when it comes to your wedding. Um, so think of it as a financial boundary and not a buzzkill.
SPEAKER_00:Ooh, I love that.
SPEAKER_01:I know. We need that. We need financial stability. And my biggest thing is I'm so happy that once we got married, we maybe had like$1,500 in debt from our wedding. Like we made sure everything was paid up front and went into our marriage being like, okay, we're not thousands of dollars in debt.
SPEAKER_00:Yep. So I think that's so smart. Um, also, after you have started talking through kind of that budget or as you're having the conversations, you really want to think about the big picture. So I know that that is a big word because wedding planning can be stressful and there are so many options. Um, but before pricing out venues and scrolling, scrolling Pinterest for all of your great ideas, you need to ask yourself three key questions. Um, first one, how much money do we actually have? I know the answer might not be what you're looking for, but keeping it realistic in how much money is actually in the bank. Um, that includes saving, what's um being given to you from family members, how much are you comfortable spending, and if you're going to borrow any money, if that is through loans or through um like credit cards. So realistically, how much money do you have? Next, you wanted to ask what are your top priorities? Is it your venue, the food, photography, guest experience, the music? You can't splurge on everything. So decide what truly matters. What are your non-negotiables? What is most important to you? Um, and what items can kind of fall to the wayside and not take up so much of a financial burden. And then this is a big one. And I don't think, Grace, tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think people put together, like put two and two together, that your guest count has a significant um it it plays such a huge role.
SPEAKER_01:I think dare I say it is the your guest count literally controls the whole entire wedding. I'm sorry, but it is food, catering. I mean, besides photography and stuff like that, but like cocktails, alcohol, like anything, favors, all the stuff that you're spending on depends on your guest count. Correct. And I think people are like, oh, let's invite 200 people. Well, you're gonna be spending a pretty penny for 200 people.
SPEAKER_00:How many guests you invite affects everything? Literally, um, even down to rentals.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, that's true.
SPEAKER_00:Because you rent chairs or plateware, silverware, napkins, yes, table numbers, like it all your guest count is a huge piece of that um budget. So talk through those three. How much money do we have? What are our top priorities? And how many guests are we inviting? So if you want to save money, reduce that guest list before reducing your standards.
SPEAKER_01:And that's on period. And that's and that's on period. Um, so next thing we're gonna get into is why wedding budgets feel so overwhelming. Um, if you think about it, most couples, I mean, most people have never planned this large of a social event before. I don't know about you, but I think the most I've had at a birthday party is probably 30 people. Um, so if you think about it, this is a large-scale event that most people have never felt um have planned before. So it can be overwhelming. Um, social media, we've talked about Pinterests, they create unrealistic expectations. I'm sorry. All this stuff that you see on Pinterest half the time is yes, in my opinion, great ideas to give you, but it's at celebrity weddings, it's companies staging these kind of things and not paying out of your own pocket. And I'm sure half the time, brides, you have gone to go get signage or you see some cool welcome table, board, whatever, and then you go to budget it and it's insanely expensive. So um just be a reminder of that. Um, prices also can vary from location and vendors um and emotional spending. It's our only wedding, which I do agree on this. If you, you know, at the end of the day, most of us are planning on getting married once. And that can also, though, put a lot of unrealistic expectations on your own self of thinking, oh, this is the one day we're only gonna have, which is true, but at the end of the day, it is one day, so don't give yourself unrealistic, I guess, expectations, you know? Even if it is your one wedding day, I 100% agree and I understand that. Um, so just think about it. There's no right budget, only the right budget for your priorities.
SPEAKER_00:Yep. I love that. Um, and this is so fun. Where does the money really go? Grace, if you think back to your wedding, if you had like one answer, where did where did all the money go?
SPEAKER_01:Um, I mean, I would say like venues a big one. And then besides a venue, obviously, I don't know actually. Probably like signage and decoration because signage is like so expensive.
SPEAKER_00:Yep.
SPEAKER_01:And it's insane.
SPEAKER_00:So breaking down the budget. Most wedding budgets go usually 40 to 50% of the budget goes to venue and catering. That is going to be your largest expense. Um, after that is photo video. You want to think about attire and beauty, flowers and decor, your entity, your entertainment, and then miscellaneous costs. Miscellaneous costs get overseen so many times because those are your invitations, favors, tips, taxes, your marriage license, gratuity. Those things typically get forgotten. And then you get to the week of the wedding and you realize that.
SPEAKER_01:And there's that$2,500 extra bill you have at the end.
SPEAKER_00:Correct. Exactly. Um, so those are kind of where those big breakdowns are gonna be. And one of the biggest mistakes that couples typically make are forgetting those hidden costs. Like I said, gratuity service charges, um, overtime charges, last minute additions. So always ask your venue vendors if this is the final price and if it includes taxes and fees. Another um fee that I just thought of was late night pickup. Some venues require you pick things up, um, but at the end of the day.
SPEAKER_01:Go to one.
SPEAKER_00:And there will be a like after hours pickup fee. So keep those things in mind.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, true. If you do like furniture rentals or, you know, things like that, and then the wedding goes late and you have those late night pickup fees. Something you don't think about. Um, obviously, we've kind of talked about this, but we're gonna go into it a little bit more. Um, priorities. Um, a good example of when you're planning with your partner is maybe make a list of your top three priorities. So each of you writes down your three must-haves. Um, you know, overlap equals splurge, and everything else is simplified. Refrain from budgeting as intentional spending, not restriction. Um, some examples are, you know, is the food and guest experience the most important, your photographer, live band, designs and florals. Um, if you guys want to splurge on an intimate destination venue. So just make sure you and your partner, and I think that's a good ideal too, because then you both are on the same page. You both get to have, you know, it's both your days, even though usually the bride plans the whole wedding. But it is your groom's day as well. So that way you guys are both happy because at the end of the day, you're both spending money and it is your day. So um, both picking out your three must-haves, and that way you don't overspend.
SPEAKER_00:Yep. I think it's important that you don't overspend.
SPEAKER_01:Yes, we don't want that. We don't want debt. We don't when 2026, we're not going to debt. We're paying off our debt and we're gonna be smart about our money.
SPEAKER_00:Correct. So smart ways to save your money. Um, prioritize experience over the aesthetic. Guest remembers great food and music more than they do chair covers. Um, also, you can choose an off-peak date or day. So Fridays and Sundays are usually cheaper, Monday through Thursdays are usually cheaper, Saturdays are usually going to be your most expensive day, or off season months can save you thousands. So depending on your location, check out your off-peak dates or months. Um, you're gonna want to limit customization. Personalizing everything adds up so uh quickly. And it can be the smallest thing to from your menu cards up to um your cocktail napkins. They're customizations will cost you. Um, another thing you can do to save money is reuse and repurpose so your ceremony flowers can become your reception decor and being honest with your vendors, tell them you're on a budget up front. They can offer then offer suggestions for some alternatives. So like Gray Grace said, Um, Pinterest weddings are staged and styled, they are not always realistic or affordable.
SPEAKER_01:Literally. I know, like I said earlier, too, with the customization and um it just it adds up so quick. So if you don't need to customize everything, just don't do it. Um, okay, next we're gonna go into obviously this is you are coming into a marriage, you are a team with your partner. So budgeting as a team. Um, wedding budgeting is also a crash course in communication. Dun dun dun dun, which we love. Communication is obviously key. Um, if you think about it, and something in my own personal life, you know, me and my husband grew up very different in spending habits, and I'm the saver, he's not so much. So um, you know, take this as a time when you're planning and budgeting. Like, you know, talk about communication and how you guys want to spend your money, not only for the wedding, but for your future endeavors in your marriage. Um, think about it, you and your partner have different spending habits, different priorities, different emotional attachments to traditions, which those can add up as well. If you are planning a wedding, um at the end of the day, this is your chance to practice compromise, transparency, and also respect. Um, if different disagreements happen, obviously that's normal. Um, come back to your shared goal, a meaningful wedding, and a stronger marriage is all that matters.
SPEAKER_00:This is your crash course of communication. Yes, literally.
SPEAKER_01:Planning a wedding will, I feel like they always say that like if you can get through planning your wedding or like going on a um international honeymoon, like you you're good.
SPEAKER_00:Your marriage will be gocci.
SPEAKER_01:Your marriage will be good. You can get through literally anything.
SPEAKER_00:Correct. Um, so common mistakes that we see people make with the budget. Um, like we said earlier, not including tax gratuity and service fees in that budget. You want to confirm that that is a total budget. Um, forgetting hidden costs, um, alteration, vendor meals, signage, permits, anything of that nature, you want to double check uh booking your vendors before setting a total budget. You are going to get booking happy and just want to book everyone and make sure that it's actually in the budget so you don't get smacked with a big bill at the end. Um, trying to copy a Pinterest wedding without a Pinterest budget. I'm so sorry to say it, but we all don't have Pinterest budgets. So keep it realistic and not building in a buffer. So it is recommended to build in a five to ten percent buffer of finances that are not going towards anything as a safe um grab if you get to the very end and realize that you need to spend that money. Um, that will help protect you financially and still have a beautiful and amazing wedding day.
SPEAKER_01:I like that last tip a lot with uh like doing that buffer that's outside of what you're spending, because you know, it's there's gonna be stuff that comes up and you don't realize. So to have that buffer so you're not stressed out. Um, so of course, you guys budget, budget, budget. Be smart about your money and what you're doing as you go into wedding planning. Um, remember, your wedding is one day and the marriage is a lifetime. Um, a beautiful wedding doesn't have to come from a bigger budget, it comes from intentional choices. So plan with purpose, um, spend with confidence, and don't let money steal the joy from one of the happiest seasons of your life. Um, and so yeah, if you guys found this episode helpful, be sure to follow, subscribe, go follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and check out our YouTube channel as well. And we will see you guys next week. Bye.