A STRAIGHTFORWARD BREAKDOWN OF HOW TO CREATE A LUXURY WEDDING BUDGET
As a luxury wedding planner in Niagara, the first question my couples ask me is “How do we determine our wedding budget?” Usually, this question is accompanied by wild eyes and nervous bank accounts. But don’t worry! Lindsay Plank Events is here to provide a simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of how to choose (and stick to!) your wedding budget.
Let’s face it: times are changing, and with them, so are the costs of planning a wedding. Everything is more expensive than it used to be, and your initial expectations for your wedding budget might need to be adjusted. You even need to be careful when Googling wedding budget questions! Many wedding budget articles are outdated, often written over a decade ago, and no longer reflect the current costs or elevated expectations of today’s celebrations.
The modern wedding is no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about the guest experience. The LPE couple strives for a celebration that is immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable for their guests. It’s not about following outdated benchmarks; it’s about investing in what truly matters to you and your guests, ensuring your wedding is as impactful as it is memorable.
That’s why you need a wedding planner who knows the industry and can guide you through the common questions around creating your budget.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Wedding Budget
Step One: Determine Who is Paying
You’d be surprised how many couples skip this important step! Before you decide anything, you need to gather all your information. Will you and your partner be funding the wedding entirely, or will family members—such as your parents, grandparents, or even extended family—be contributing? Having open, honest conversations with everyone involved will give you clarity on what resources are available and help you avoid awkward financial misunderstandings later on.
Keep in mind that if others are contributing to your wedding budget, they may have an opinion on certain details. It is also polite to include their names as hosts on wedding invitations and stationery. Read this blog to learn about important wedding stationery etiquette.
If family members are contributing, it’s a good idea to ask them if they want their contribution to go toward a specific part of the wedding (such as the venue, catering, or attire) or if they’re happy to add to the general budget.
Step Two: Determine Your Guest Count
Are you hoping for a big wedding or a more intimate celebration? Instead of thinking of your wedding budget as one large, overarching number, it’s helpful to think of it as an investment per guest. The more people you invite, the more your wedding will cost in the end. For example, LPE Weddings average $1000.00 CAD per guest.
Even with a smaller guest list, there are non-negotiable fixed costs that won’t change regardless of how many people attend. For instance, your photographer, planner, and other key vendors typically charge the same whether you’re hosting 40 guests or 200. The difference lies in scaling services like catering, bar, rentals, flowers, and decor to match your guest count.
Step Three: Decide Where You Are Getting Married
The location of your wedding plays a big part in determining your budget! Costs can vary greatly depending on whether you’re getting married in Toronto, Niagara, or even on private property. It’s also important to consider if you’re hosting your wedding at an established venue or opting for a tented celebration.
If you’re envisioning a tented wedding, keep in mind that this type of event often costs 2-3 times more than hosting at a traditional venue. Why? Because you’re essentially creating a venue from scratch. This means accounting for the tent itself, as well as essentials like lighting, heating or cooling, restrooms, staff accommodations, and other logistical details. While the per-guest cost may be higher due to these added expenses, the result is a completely bespoke, one-of-a-kind experience tailored to your vision.
To make the most of your budget and ensure your venue aligns with your needs, we highly recommend booking consulting hours with a wedding planner before selecting a venue or finalizing your budget. A planner can help you build a realistic budget, identify what’s most important to you, and find a venue that fits your priorities and price point. There are a variety of options to fit your wedding aesthetic and your wedding budget.
Step Four: Figure Out Your Priorities
Pour a glass of wine and sit down with your partner. What are your highest priorities for your wedding? Some couples want a luxurious plated dinner. Others decide to splurge on live music! Figure out what is important to you, and go from there.
One of the perks of working with a full-service wedding planner is that I can help you balance your budget to accommodate your priorities! For example, if music is a priority, we could invest in a quartet for cocktail hour instead of a full-scale reception band.
I can help you find what to invest in versus what you really need for your wedding. There’s nothing wrong with a standard chair at the ceremony when you have elevated decor to set the mood!
A Good Rule of Thumb for Planning Your Wedding Budget
On average, your venue and catering will use 40% of your budget. Photography and videography can use 10-15%. Wedding planning uses 15-18%.
Why Work With a Full-Service Wedding Planner?
I take a full-service approach to wedding planning, which means I look at all the design elements. I reach beyond just the logistics and into every detail and guest touchpoint. My approach is designed for couples and families who deeply value a planning and design process that is seamless, intentional, and authentically tailored from start to finish.
A luxury wedding isn’t just about the design - it’s about crafting moments that feel effortless yet extraordinary, where every guest feels celebrated, and every detail is purposeful. It’s about delivering excellence, personalization, and a day that reflects not just your love story, but the elevated experience you want to share with those who matter most.
I don’t just help you plan your wedding—I make sure your budget works for you in the most meaningful way. With years of experience, I guide you in prioritizing what matters most, ensuring every dollar is allocated to create the biggest impact.
Your wedding is about intentionality, and my role is to ensure your investment creates a celebration that feels personal, seamless, and truly unforgettable.
Contact me to learn how full-service wedding planning can transform your wedding planning experience!
