Planning a wedding is an exciting time in a couple’s life, and it can become stressful without a budget you can keep to. To avoid financial pressure, set a realistic budget and follow it closely. Before you start planning, know how much money you have and how much you are ready to allocate to each service. A detailed spending plan helps you track expenses and keep your wedding budget within your limits.
What type of wedding do you want?
This is probably the first step you took in planning, years ago: you imagined the dress, the suit, the theme, the dominant colours and how many guests you would have. Decide which type of wedding you want.
A spectacular wedding
If you want to make a statement with a superb wedding, these elements make one:
- A wonderful venue, such as a forest, a lush garden or an elegant palace
- Elegant decor, with flowers and ambient lights
- Fine dining food and drinks
- A DJ or a band to keep the atmosphere alive
- A talented photographer to capture the special moments
- A civil or religious ceremony outdoors
- A dance party with friends and family
- A delicious dinner and a spectacular cake
A party where guests’ gifts help you start
A wedding with lower costs, built on a more minimalist style and fewer included services. You may give up themed bars of drinks or sweets and choose more accessible services. For a financial start to life as a couple, the guests’ gifts are welcome.
A party for the two of you and your loved ones
An intimate celebration with the people who matter most: a large house or a charming villa as a venue, quality food and drinks (an elegant dinner or a Sunday brunch), simple but elegant decor and plenty of time with family and friends.
Tips for setting a realistic wedding budget
An important step is to set your priorities. Think about what matters most to you and your partner and make sure those are in the budget. You may want to spend more on food and drink and less on decor or music. Choosing a less popular period also helps: a weekend wedding can cost more than one on a weekday, and a less popular venue or a quieter season can save money. Remember unexpected costs: keep a reserve fund for anything that comes up. If your budget allows, a wedding planner takes every worry away and handles every detail within your budget.
Wedding planners in Romania
- Geta Ungurean: wedding organisation, corporate events, private parties and proposals. “A planner from A to Zen”, offering full organisation services.
- Cosmo Planning: founded by Carina and Vesna, with years of experience in the events industry.
11 ways to keep your wedding budget under control
- Make a detailed spending plan. It shows where you can cut and where to negotiate with suppliers.
- Set priorities. Put the budget on what matters most to you.
- Choose a less popular period. Weekday weddings and quieter seasons cost less.
- Reduce the guest count. Food, drink and other services are usually priced per guest.
- Choose lower-cost options for some services. For example, a DJ instead of a band.
- Think creatively. For example, rent the wedding dress instead of buying it.
- Make your own floral arrangements. It cuts cost and adds a personal touch.
- Choose simple food and drink. A single main dish or basic drinks.
- Hire a DJ or a small band instead of an orchestra.
- Choose a venue with included services. Tables, chairs, tableware and even music can come with it.
- Ask family and friends what they can lend. Tableware, tables or chairs.
How much does a wedding cost in Romania?
As a reference, a wedding with 100 guests in Romania costs about 25,000–40,000 euro. See the full split by category in my wedding planning guide, and a venue comparison in my wedding venues in Romania. You can try scenarios by guest count with my budget calculator (in Romanian): Calculator buget nuntă. The calculator’s golden rules: 50% venue and catering, 30% photo, video, music and outfits, 20% decor, details and reserve; keep a reserve of 10–15%; under 150 euro per guest is modest, 200–350 euro is mid-range and over 350 euro is premium.
In closing
I hope this article helped you form a broader picture of setting a wedding budget and making inspired choices. My advice is to follow what represents you, and it is not that hard to keep to a set budget and still have the wedding you dreamed of. If you have not yet chosen a photographer, I would be glad to be considered. You can browse my wedding galleries, and on request I can show you full galleries from different weddings. I travel in Romania and abroad, and distance is not a problem: we can talk by phone or video call. See my prices or write to me.
FAQ
Răspunsuri scurte la ce mă întreabă cel mai des cuplurile. Dacă nu găsești aici ce cauți, scrie-mi.
Start with the money you have, decide your priorities and give each service a limit. Keep a reserve fund of 10–15% for the unexpected.
The restaurant, menu and drinks, which are paid per person and take about 44% of a typical budget.
A wedding with 100 guests costs about 25,000–40,000 euro, with most of it going to food and drink.
Any other questions? Write to me and I will reply within 2 hours.Let’s talk