How to Divide a Wedding Budget Without Going Mad

So you know how much you can spend on your wedding.
But how exactly do you divide that number?

This post breaks it down simply — based on what couples in Ireland actually spend, and how to get the most value for what matters most to you.

Start with the big picture

Whether you’re working with €10K or €80K, the percentage breakdowns tend to stay the same — it’s the scale that shifts.

But before you start allocating euro signs to each category, get clear on this:
What are your wedding priorities?

A typical wedding budget breakdown in Ireland

These are the ballpark ranges I see most often in real weddings:

• Venue & Food – 45–50%
  (Hire fee, catering, bar, service)

• Photography & Videography – 10–12%

• Flowers & Decor – 8–10%
  (Bouquets, ceremony, tables, candles, rentals)

• Clothing & Beauty – 8–10%
  (Outfits, hair, makeup, accessories)

• Entertainment – 6–8%
  (DJ, band, ceremony musicians)

• Stationery & Signage – 2–3%

• Transport – 1–2%

• Planning or Coordination – 5–10%
  (Planner, partial planning, on-the-day coordinator)

• Contingency Fund – 5%
  (Unexpected costs always come up)

The 50% rule: don’t skip this

Do not spend more than 50% of your total budget on venue and food.

It’s tempting to lock in your dream venue right away. But if it swallows half your budget (or more), you’ll struggle to pay for everything else — and that’s when couples start cutting things they actually care about.

Before you book anything, map it out.

Flex based on your priorities

Those percentages are a great starting point — but they’re not rules.

Make the numbers fit your version of a great wedding:

• Want a designer dress? Spend more on attire, less on flowers.

• Need a packed dance floor all night? Prioritise entertainment.

• Hate DIY? Budget for setup support or an on-the-day coordinator.

Use tools to stay on track

Going over budget by €100 here and €300 there adds up fast.
That’s why the 🛠️ Budget & Vendor Planning Spreadsheet is designed to:

• Compare quotes to actual spend

• Show where you’re under or over

• Track payments and balances

• Help you reallocate funds when priorities shift

Final thought: be flexible, not flawless

There’s no perfect formula — just a smart approach:

→ Know what matters most
→ Spend in line with those values
→ Leave wiggle room for the unknown

That’s how you avoid stress and regret — and actually enjoy the planning process.

💬 Related: What Your Wedding Budget Really Gets You in Ireland
🛠️ Digital product: Budget & Vendor Planning Spreadsheet