Every wedding budget has its limits — but that doesn’t mean you have to settle.
Do you invest in a show-stopping venue or splurge on next-level guest entertainment?
Should you prioritize breathtaking photography or elevate the dining experience?
The key isn’t spending less—it’s spending where it stuns.
With the average U.S. wedding costing $33,000, couples are rethinking where their budget delivers the biggest impact. Some details create lasting memories, while others may not be worth the price tag.
At Zion Springs, we’ve helped countless couples make budget decisions that align with their vision—without unnecessary stress.
This wedding budget breakdown covers every major expense—from venues and catering to photography, décor, and entertainment—so you can confidently decide where to splurge, where to scale back, and how to create a wedding that feels effortlessly iconic.
Wedding Budget Priorities: Spend vs. Save Tips
Some wedding choices are splurge-worthy, while others let you save without hesitation. Let’s break it all down so you can plan your day like a pro—without the stress, just smart decisions.
Most couples dedicate the largest portions of their budget to a few major categories. Understanding where your money makes the biggest impact helps you prioritize with confidence.
Here’s a breakdown of the six biggest wedding budget categories—ranked by average spending percentages—to help you decide where to focus your budget:
- Venue
- Catering
- Photography and Videography
- Décor and Flowers
- Bar/Drinks
- Guest Experience
1. Wedding Venues: Choosing the Best Setting for Your Budget
When you start planning your wedding, picking a venue is one of the biggest choices you’ll make. With venues often taking up 40% of your budget, it’s a decision worth extra thought. Whether you value convenience or creative flexibility, the choice between traditional and scenic venues comes down to what feels right for you.
Splurge: Traditional Venues
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, polished experience with minimal stress, these venues have you covered. With in-house services like catering, décor, and coordination, they make it easy to sit back and enjoy the day without juggling a million details.
- Ballrooms
- Historic Estates
- Country Clubs
Save: Scenic and Creative Venues
If natural beauty is more your style, scenic or creative venues offer breathtaking backdrops without the hefty price tag. Just keep in mind that these spaces may require extra planning for things like rentals and permits, which can sneak up on your budget.
- National Parks
- Beachfront Locations
- Vineyards or Breweries
Example: A sunset ceremony on the beach, followed by a seafood dinner under string lights, gave one couple a dreamy, laid-back atmosphere their guests couldn’t stop talking about.
2. Wedding Catering: Ways to Balance Experience & Cost
Catering has the power to shape your wedding, from the first toast to the last bite. With around 30% of your budget allocated to it, your menu is one of the most impactful decisions of the day.
Splurge: Elevated Dining Experiences
If you want your meal to double as a centerpiece of your celebration, elevated dining options can leave a lasting impression:
- Plated Multi-Course Meals
- Wine-Paired Menus
- Custom Culinary Creations
Example: A three-course dinner with wine pairings and a curated dessert bar added a touch of refinement to one couple’s black-tie celebration.
Save: Casual, Crowd-Pleasing Options
Whether you prefer an elegant plated dinner or a more interactive dining experience like food trucks, your catering choice shapes the guest experience as much as the budget.
- Buffet-Style Dining
- Family-Style Meals
- Food Trucks
Example: A fleet of food trucks serving street tacos and craft ice cream created an Instagram-worthy dining experience.
3. Photography & Videography: Smart Approaches to Capturing Your Day
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but your wedding photos and videos are priceless. With about 10% of your budget for capturing your big day, you can choose timeless, cinematic artistry or embrace candid, guest-driven snapshots.
Splurge: Full-Day Professional Coverage
When storytelling and cinematic artistry are your top priorities, invest in professional coverage where every moment is captured beautifully.
- Cinematic Highlight Reels
- Drone Footage
- Livestreaming
Real-Life Example: One couple incorporated drone footage to capture sweeping aerial views of their outdoor ceremony—adding dramatic flair to their ‘End of Night’ video reveal.
Save: Candid and Selective Options
For couples who prioritize candid moments, guest-generated content can add an authentic perspective alongside professional coverage.
- Diy Guest Content:
- Amateur Videography
- Partial Professional Packages
4. Wedding Décor & Flowers: What’s Worth the Investment?
Décor and flowers typically account for 10% of your wedding budget and are one of the most impactful ways to define your wedding’s look. From dramatic floral installations to ambient lighting and personal touches like bouquets and boutonniers, every detail works together.
Splurge: High-Impact Décor
Eye-catching décor adds drama and elegance to your day, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.
- Floral Arches or Cascading Greenery
- Custom Lighting Designs
- Bouquet: Peonies or Orchids
Save: Minimalist and Multi-Use Details
For couples who love bold florals, large-scale arrangements can create drama, while others may prefer refined, minimalist decor that lets other details shine.
- Potted Plants or Greenery Runners
- Repurposed Ceremony Flowers
- Bouquet: Wildflowers or Classic Roses
Pro Tip: Choose flowers in season for the freshest, most affordable arrangements, and consider reusable décor for sustainability and savings.
| Michelle & Darin: “We chose a venue that included coordination and décor savings. It saved us thousands and gave us more time to enjoy the day with our loved ones. At Zion Springs, the built-in charm of the venue meant we didn’t need to spend on elaborate floral arrangements or extra décor. It was beautiful as is.” |
5. Wedding Bar & Drinks: How to Raise a Toast That Fits Your Celebration
Sips, toasts, and unforgettable moments—whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back night with craft beers or a signature cocktail that wows. With bar service typically accounting for 5% of your budget, it’s a chance to serve up something that speaks to your celebration.
Splurge: Open Bar with Custom Enhancements
For couples who want a polished, all-encompassing bar experience, an open bar with added touches provides variety and sophistication:
- Full-Service Open Bar
- Signature Cocktails
- Interactive Cocktail Stations
Example: One couple delighted their guests with a champagne tower, adding elegance to the evening and stunning photo opportunities.
Save: Simplified Yet Thoughtful Options
Streamlined options focus on quality over quantity, creating a stylish bar experience while keeping costs in check.
- Byo Alcohol
- Beer and Wine Focus
- Cocktail Hour Specialty Drinks
Example: A winter wedding featured spiked cider and mulled wine, adding seasonal warmth without the expense of a full-service bar.
| Haley & Charlie, who celebrated their wedding at Zion Springs, found a budget-friendly yet personalized approach to bar options. ‘Being able to bring our own alcohol eliminated corkage fees and gave us full control over what we served, saving us thousands without compromising on guest experience.’ |
6. Guest Experience: Creative Ways to Make It Unforgettable
When it comes to your guests, small touches can go a long way in making them feel special—without stretching your budget too far. Whether you’re entertaining guests with something bold or surprising them with meaningful touches, this part of your wedding makes everyone feel part of the celebration.
Splurge: Interactive Entertainment
For couples who want their guests to rave about the celebration, engaging and unique experiences keep the energy alive and create standout moments.
- Live Performers
- Fireworks Displays
- Photo Booths
Save: Thoughtful Personalization
Small touches can leave a lasting impression for couples who value meaningful gestures without a hefty price tag.
- Polaroid guest books
- Custom playlists
- Lawn Games
Pro Tip: Ask your guests to share song requests when they RSVP, then surprise them by playing their favorites throughout the night.
| For some couples, the biggest priority isn’t just the wedding day—it’s the entire experience. DJ & Corey felt the difference with an all-inclusive venue: “We wanted an all-inclusive venue so we could enjoy more than just one night. Having everything taken care of at Zion Springs gave us the chance to focus on celebrating and connecting with our guests, without worrying about logistics. The entire experience was priceless.” |
Your Next Steps for a Perfect Wedding Budget
Planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? Tailoring your budget to fit your day is easier than you think. Whether you want something simple or a more elaborate affair, the goal is to create a day that feels right for you and your partner.
If convenience and simplicity are important, all-inclusive venues or full-service catering might suit your needs best. If personalization and flexibility matter more, consider options like customizable venues or creative videography.
| Big impact, no regrets. Spend where it stuns. As Haley & Charlie shared: “A longer engagement allowed us to save for what mattered most and skip unnecessary extras. At Zion Springs, the flexibility in planning gave us the time and space to focus on details that were meaningful to us, while staying within our budget.” |
To guide your decision-making, ask yourself:
- Which details will we look back on and cherish the most?
- Are there areas where we can simplify without sacrificing the experience?
- How can we make this celebration feel personal and authentic?
Every decision—splurge or save—comes together to shape a wedding that feels effortless and intentional.
Looking for more guidance to plan your dream wedding? Visit our Answers & Advice page or explore why Zion Springs is the perfect Virginia destination wedding venue.
