How Much of My Budget Should I Really Be Spending on My Venue?

When planning a wedding, one of the most significant expenses you’ll face is the cost of the venue.

The venue sets the tone for your entire event, so it’s natural to want something beautiful and memorable.

But with all the other expenses involved, like catering, photography, and attire, it’s essential to allocate your budget wisely.

So, how much of your budget should you really be spending on your wedding venue?

old historic manor house wedding venue — IMAGE: @**BIRCHEVENTDESIGN**

The Geneneral wedding venue spend

A commonly recommended guideline is to allocate 40% to 50% of your total wedding budget to the venue.

This percentage typically includes the venue rental fee and may also cover in-house catering, basic decor, and sometimes even furniture like tables and chairs.

For example, if your total wedding budget is 30,000, you should aim to spend between 12,000 and 15,000 on the venue.

This range allows you to manage the remaining budget for other critical elements like food, attire, photography, entertainment, and floral arrangements.

Break Down of a Wedding Budget

When planning a wedding budget, it’s essential to consider how your total costs will be divided among various expenses.

This ensures that every aspect of your big day is covered without overspending in any single area.

This is a rough guide as what you prioritise and different choice you make, like a dry hire venue, can make a bug difference in the split.

Head to our budget wedding blog post for a more in-depth guide.

Expense Category	Percentage of Budget
Venue (including catering, rentals, decor)	40%
Photography/Videography	15%
Attire (dress, suit, accessories)	10%
Entertainment (band, DJ)	10%
Flowers and Decor	10%
Invitations and Stationery	3%
Transportation	3%
Miscellaneous/Buffer	9%

What to Consider When Budgeting for Your Venue

While the 40% to 50% guideline is helpful, several factors can influence how much you should allocate to your venue:

Inclusions in the Venue Package:

Catering:

If your venue offers in-house catering, this can account for a significant portion of the venue budget.

Venues that provide catering might justify spending closer to 50% of your budget on the venue since this cost also covers food and drink.

Decor and Furniture:

Some venues include essential decor items, lighting, and furniture in their packages, which can save you money and reduce the need for outside rentals.

This could make it more reasonable to allocate a larger portion of your budget to the venue.

Venue Type and Location

High-Demand Locations:

If you’re getting married in a high-demand area like a major city or a popular destination, venue prices will naturally be higher, potentially pushing your venue costs above 50% of your budget.

Non-Traditional Venues:

On the other hand, choosing a non-traditional or off-season venue can allow you to spend less on the space and allocate more to other areas like entertainment or decor.

Guest Count:

The number of guests you’re planning to invite can significantly impact your venue budget.

Larger venues that accommodate more guests usually cost more, both in rental fees and catering expenses.

If your guest list is extensive, you might need to allocate more of your budget to ensure you have enough space and food for everyone.

The Total Wedding Experience:

Consider what’s most important to you.

If the venue’s ambiance and setting are key to your vision, it might make sense to invest more here and find ways to save in other areas, like opting for a simpler menu or DIY decor.

Adjusting the Budget Based on Priorities

Remember that every wedding is different, and your budget should reflect your priorities.

If the venue is the most critical part of your day, it’s okay to allocate a bit more to secure the perfect spot.

However, if other aspects, like a top-notch photographer or a live band, are more important to you, you might decide to spend a little less on the venue and more on those elements.

percentage of budget for wedding venue

In summary, while the guideline of spending 40% to 50% of your budget on the venue is a good starting point.

The exact percentage should be adjusted based on what the venue package includes, the location, your guest count, and your overall wedding priorities.

Carefully consider what’s most important to you and allocate your budget in a way that reflects your vision for your big day.

Ultimately, the right balance will ensure that you get the venue you want without sacrificing the other elements that will make your wedding day truly special.