Wedding Budget: Where to Splurge & Where to save
When it comes to wedding planning, few topics cause more stress than the budget. You want a day that feels magical, beautiful, and uniquely yours—but with rising costs and endless inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, it can be hard to know where to focus your spending.
Here’s the good news: not every element of your wedding needs to break the bank. With some intentionality and smart planning, you can create a truly unforgettable celebration by knowing where to splurge—and where to save.
We’re breaking down the areas we believe make the biggest impact when you invest a little more—and a few where you can easily cut back without sacrificing the experience.
Where to Splurge
1. Your Wedding Dress: It’s More Than Just a Dress
Your wedding dress is one of the most personal and emotional purchases you’ll make. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it makes you feel. On a day when all eyes are on you (including your photographer’s lens!), feeling beautiful, confident, and comfortable is everything.
Whether you’ve had a vision since childhood or you’re exploring styles for the first time, investing in a high-quality gown that fits and flatters you is worth every penny. This is your moment—don’t settle.
Tip: Factor in tailoring from the beginning. Even the perfect dress usually needs a few custom adjustments to fit like a dream.
2. Your Florals: Set the Mood, Tell Your Story
As a florist, I may be a little biased—but there’s a reason flowers are one of the top areas couples say they’re glad they splurged on.
Floral design is what transforms your venue from a blank space into a storybook. It sets the mood, ties together your color palette, and brings movement, texture, and life to every moment—your walk down the aisle, your dinner tables, your bridal portraits.
Whether you’re envisioning a romantic garden feel, something modern and architectural, or soft, timeless neutrals, thoughtful floral design pulls your entire vision together. Plus, it’s often one of the most photographed details of the day—so why not make it unforgettable?
Bonus: Unlike many items in your budget, florals impact every part of the day: the ceremony, the reception, the photos… even how guests experience the space.
3. A Day-Of Coordinator: Peace of Mind is Priceless
If you’re not hiring a full-service planner, a day-of (or month-of) coordinator is one of the best investments you can make.
They take the stress off your plate by managing the timeline, coordinating vendors, handling last-minute issues, and making sure everything flows behind the scenes. You won’t be fielding questions about table layouts or tracking down a missing boutonniere—and neither will your mom or maid of honor.
The result? You actually enjoy your wedding day. You’re free to soak it all in, knowing someone experienced and capable has your back.
Where to Save
1. Decor: Rent Instead of Buy
Buying all your own wedding decor might sound like a way to save money, but it often ends up costing more than expected—not to mention the time and stress of finding, storing, transporting, and reselling everything afterward.
Rental companies offer curated collections of candles, vases, signage, table numbers, lounge furniture, and more. It’s an easy, sustainable, and cost-effective way to get a beautiful, cohesive look without the hassle.
Pro Tip: Many florists and planners also offer rentals or styling items—ask what’s available before you shop!
2. Favors: Not as Essential as You Think
We’ve all seen the cute favors left behind on guest tables at the end of the night. While the idea is thoughtful, most guests don’t expect or need a wedding favor—especially after a delicious meal, an open bar, and a slice of cake.
If you want to offer something, keep it simple and meaningful: a small treat, a handwritten note, or a donation in your guests’ honor. But don’t feel like you have to include favors just because it’s tradition.
Save your budget for details guests will truly remember—like the food, music, or floral ambiance.
3. Dessert: Sweet Doesn’t Have to Mean Fancy
While traditional tiered wedding cakes can be beautiful, they also come with a hefty price tag. If cake isn’t your top priority, consider more affordable (but equally fun and delicious!) alternatives like:
A simple one-tier cutting cake plus a dessert bar
Cupcakes or donuts with a pretty display
Cookies from a beloved local bakery
Your guests will still get their sugar fix, and you’ll have more room in your budget for things that matter more to you.
Final Thoughts: Spend Where It Counts
Weddings are deeply personal—and your budget should reflect your values, not just what tradition says you "should" do. Splurge on the things that bring you joy and make the day feel special. Save on the things that won’t matter in the long run.
When you invest in the right areas—like a dress that makes you glow, flowers that bring your vision to life, and a coordinator who gives you peace of mind—you’re setting the stage for a day that feels as good as it looks.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s meaning. And that’s always worth the investment.
Want help making the most of your floral budget? I'd love to help you create a wedding day that feels beautifully you. Contact us here or follow along on Instagram for inspiration and planning tips!
Talk soon,
Nicole
