6 Simple Steps to Setting a Wedding Budget

Your wedding day is coming, and the emotions don't know how to behave. One minute you're smiling at the sky, the next you're wondering if you should start practising your signature as a married person. It's exciting, overwhelming and beautiful all at once.

But here's the not-so-romantic part. Weddings cost money. Real money. And stories of couples starting marriage in debt are everywhere. You don't want to join that club. Fortunately, you don't have to.

If you want a memorable, meaningful wedding that doesn't swallow your savings, it all begins with one skill: budgeting. Here are six simple steps to create a realistic wedding budget you can actually stick to.

Step 1: Count Your Cash

Before booking a venue or DM'ing vendors, figure out what you truly have to work with. There are three main sources.

1. Your combined savings

No, this is not the time to empty your accounts. You still need an emergency cushion of about three months of living expenses. Rent, groceries, fuel, medical surprises, life... all of that must remain untouched. Once you subtract your emergency buffer, the remainder is your actual wedding money.

2. Your monthly income

After handling non-negotiables like rent and groceries, set aside a consistent percentage—20 percent is a solid minimum. Treat this as a commitment, not "leftover change." A wedding is a project. Projects need structure, not vibes.

3. Possible contributions from family and friends

Uri kuAssumer kuti uchabatsirwa nehama here? Chimbomira.
Don't build a wedding budget around promises, pledges or "ndichakubatsira" energy. People mean well, but reality often humbles them. If they help, wonderful. If they don't, your budget should still stand firm.

Step 2: Count the Cost

"Who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it?"

A wedding budget only works when you know what things actually cost.

Research everything. Talk to vendors. Compare prices. Gather quotations.

Create a spreadsheet with three columns: Estimated, Quoted and Actual.

• Estimated: Rough prices based on research in your area.
• Quoted: Vendor quotations.
• Actual: What you finally pay.

This keeps you organised, honest and aware of what's coming your way.

Step 3: Expect the Unexpected

If weddings were movies, the unexpected would be the plot twist. Something always pops up.

Does your wedding involve transporting parents, in-laws, the bridal team and Uncle who always runs late? Have backup cars.

Is it a destination wedding? Vendors may add costs for fuel or accommodation.

Are you buying ingredients for the caterer? Add a small emergency buffer.

Add an Extra column in your budget to capture these little surprises. A tiny cushion can save you a massive headache.

Step 4: Avoid Debt

"The borrower is slave to the lender."

If you can't afford it, don't force it. Cut it, scale it down or find an alternative.

Debt has ruined many beautiful honeymoons, and not the metaphorical kind. You want your first months of marriage to feel peaceful, not like you're both sprinting from debt collectors in slow motion.

A wedding is about your union, not impressing guests who will forget half the décor by the time they fall asleep.

Protect your peace. Avoid debt completely.

Step 5: Reduce the Expenses

If your numbers are starting to look like a horror movie, breathe. There are plenty of ways to save without sacrificing beauty.

Choose a more affordable venue

Venues take a big chunk of the budget. Look at alternative spaces like gardens, private homes or new locations with lower rates. Your photographer can suggest places that look stunning on camera without draining your finances.

Trim the guest list

This one saves money instantly. More guests equal more food, more chairs, more drama. Be firm. Use RSVPs with deadlines. Let go of guilt. Live streaming is a great option for those who can't be invited.

Wed off peak

June weddings? Beautiful. November weddings? If you're not superstitious, why not. Off peak months usually come with better prices and more negotiating power.

One venue for everything

Having the ceremony and reception at one place saves fuel, coordination and time. If the venue offers accommodation, even better.

Use fewer service providers

Bundle your services. If your photographer offers videography and drone coverage, take the package. If your DJ has lights and screens, grab that too. Fewer vendors equal smoother coordination and better pricing.

Step 6: Prioritize

"Make sure of the more important things."

Your budget should reflect what truly matters to you as a couple. Break everything down:

• Guest list
• Venue and catering
• Photography and videography
• Entertainment
• Logistics and labour

Put essentials first. Everything else follows.