A typical split
This is the split behind Bridewell's “Suggest a split” and the free budget calculator, shown for a $30,000 total.
| Category | Share | Of $30,000 | Usually covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | 22% | $6,600 | Venue rental |
| Catering | 22% | $6,600 | Catering, Wedding cake |
| Photo & Video | 12% | $3,600 | Photographer, Videographer |
| Attire | 8% | $2,400 | Wedding dress, Suit / tuxedo |
| Flowers | 8% | $2,400 | Floral arrangements |
| Music & Entertainment | 7% | $2,100 | DJ / Band |
| Decor | 6% | $1,800 | Decor & rentals |
| Stationery | 3% | $900 | Invitations & stationery |
| Hair & Beauty | 3% | $900 | Hair & makeup |
| Transport | 3% | $900 | Transportation |
| Rings | 3% | $900 | Wedding rings |
| Gifts & Favors | 2% | $600 | Favors & gifts |
The shares add up to a little under 100% on purpose: the honeymoon and anything else are yours to decide, and the remaining 1% is a start for them.
Move money to what matters
The split is a starting point, not a rule. If photos matter most to you, take from decor (6%) and stationery (3%) to raise photography above 12%. If you're a big group of food lovers, catering can grow while flowers shrink. Change one line, then rebalance the rest so the total stays the same.
Agree on your top three priorities first; they decide which lines grow and which shrink.
Costs that are easy to forget
- Service charges, gratuities and VAT or sales tax on top of quotes.
- Delivery, setup and collection fees for rentals, flowers and decor.
- Overtime for the venue, photographer or band if the day runs long.
- Alterations, shoes and accessories on top of the outfits themselves.
- Postage for save-the-dates, invitations and thank-you cards.
- Meals for vendors who work through dinner.
- Marriage paperwork and its fees.
Where saving goes furthest
- The guest count: every guest costs a meal, a drink, a chair and a share of the stationery.
- The day and the season: Fridays, Sundays and quieter months often cost less for the same venue.
- A venue with catering and furniture included saves separate bookings and delivery fees.
- Seasonal, local flowers, and decorations that can move from the ceremony to the reception.