Planning a wedding is an exciting time in your life, filled with dreams of the perfect day. Behind the romance and expectations lie the practical aspect that every couple must face – the budget. At Casa Real, we believe that budgeting shouldn’t be stressful, but rather a step toward realizing your wedding day vision.

Here’s how to approach your wedding finances with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Your Budget: The Blueprint of Your Wedding

Start by having an open conversation with your partner about what you both envision for your wedding. Are there things you can’t live without at your wedding? Do you not care so much about one aspect? Having a ranked list of priorities helps you both have clarity when making decisions.

Use these categories as a helpful guide:

Venue/Location

Flowers

Food & Beverages

Lighting

Photography

Videography

Rentals/Decor

Attire (Wedding Dress, Suit, Etc.)

Dessert

DJ or Band

Fun Extras (Live Painter, Photo Booth, Etc.)

Favors/Guest Extras (Hotel Room Baskets, Bathroom Amenities at the Venue, Etc.)

These categories are a start. Add to them as you think of new things. You can get as nuanced as you like with what is important to you. The more you think about it ahead of time, the more you will feel prepared to make decisions as they come up.

Creating Impact: What Matters To You

In looking at your priority list, think about what makes the most impact for your wedding and purchase accordingly. You know yourself, your friends and your family better than any vendor. Do you want a high impact room? – go for lighting to transform a space. Do you want a fairytale wedding? – flowers are the way to go. Do you want fun? – an open bar and DJ will let your guests dance the night away. What do you want guests to be talking about when they leave that night? What do you want them to remember?

Initial Budgeting: Be Flexible

Articles published regarding the average wedding cost are highly deceptive. If you live in a metropolitan area (like the San Francisco Bay Area), expect to pay more than what is published on places like The Knot or WeddingWire. This is because their numbers are averages for the entire United States.

You should expect to pay roughly 60%-80% of your wedding budget on a venue, food, and beverages. These are the main components of any wedding. However, this is just a standard and budgets will vary based on your personal wedding day vision. Stay flexible at first with your budget when looking at venues and caterers. Your priorities should be your guiding light in finding out what is important to the both of you – and how much it will cost.

Transparent Pricing: No Surprises

At Casa Real, we offer transparent pricing packages that lay out the costs upfront. We also have a variety of packages to suit a range of budgets, ensuring that you can select the best wedding date for your financial plan. Look for these factors in all the venues and caterers you visit.

We also understand that every couple is unique, and so is their budget. Want to splurge on the food but save on the decor? No problem. We can suggest what will get you the most value for your money. Always remember to ask for an itemized invoice prior to committing to any vendor’s services. This way you will get the most accurate estimate of their services, taxes, and any other fees included.

The Big Day: Celebrating Without Financial Worry

When the big day arrives, you should be focused on celebrating your love, not worrying about the bills. Choose vendors you trust – their quality, vision, and cost. Choosing a venue like Casa Real is one step toward achieving the wedding of your dreams, without the nightmare of unexpected expenses. Partner with vendors to achieve your dream wedding that is as financially comfortable as it is unforgettable.