Wedding Budget Guide: How to Create a Realistic Wedding Budget
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life, but setting a wedding budget can quickly become overwhelming. With the average U.S. wedding costing over $30,000, many couples experience sticker shock when they start getting quotes from vendors. What seems like a “budget” option to one couple might be a “splurge” to another—so how do you decide where to save and where to invest?
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve gathered expert insights from Kitsap County wedding vendors to help you navigate your budget, avoid surprises, and make informed choices that reflect your priorities. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a more intimate affair, this guide will give you the confidence to create a wedding budget that works for you. Let’s dive in!
Setting Realistic Wedding Budget Expectations
One of the biggest challenges couples face when planning a wedding is setting a realistic budget. While national wedding cost averages hover around $30,000, weddings in Kitsap County can vary widely depending on venue, guest count, and vendor choices. Compared to major metropolitan areas like Seattle, Kitsap couples may find more affordable options, but it’s still important to budget wisely to avoid unexpected costs.
Understanding Wedding Budget Breakdown
A great way to start planning is by breaking your budget into categories. While every couple’s priorities differ, here’s a general guideline for how wedding costs are typically allocated:
- Venue (25-35%) – The location sets the stage for your celebration and is often a significant portion of the budget.
- Catering (15-20%) – Food and drinks for your guests are a major part of the experience.
- Photography & Videography (10-15%) – Capturing your memories is a key investment.
- Attire & Beauty (5-10%) – Includes wedding attire, hair, and makeup.
- Entertainment (5-10%) – DJ, band, or live music to keep the celebration going.
- Floral & Décor (5-10%) – Bouquets, centerpieces, and venue styling.
- Planning & Coordination (5-10%) – Wedding planners can help manage details and stress.
- Bakery & Cake Design (2-5%) – A stunning and delicious wedding cake or dessert spread.
- Bartending Services (2-5%) – Professional bartenders to serve drinks safely and efficiently.
- Stationery (2-5%) – Invitations, save-the-dates, and signage.
- Miscellaneous (5-10%) – Transportation, favors, and unexpected costs.
By understanding how wedding costs break down and adjusting your budget based on your unique vision, you’ll be able to make informed financial decisions that align with your priorities while working with trusted local vendors.
The Wedding Budget Matrix
One of the best ways to make the most of your wedding budget is to focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. Enter priority mapping—a simple way to decide where to invest, where to save, and where to cut costs.
Instead of following a one-size-fits-all budget, use the Wedding Budget Matrix below to categorize each wedding expense based on its importance to you and its cost. This method ensures your budget reflects your values and helps you avoid overspending on things that don’t matter as much.
How to Use This Framework
List all your wedding expenses – Everything from photography to florals to favors.
Rank each item by priority – Ask yourselves: “Will this make or break our wedding experience?”
Place each item in the matrix – If it’s both high-priority and high-cost, it’s a splurge worth making. If it’s low-priority and expensive, it might be time to cut it.
Adjust your budget accordingly – Focus spending where it matters and free up funds for meaningful details.
By using the Wedding Budget Matrix, you’ll have a clear decision-making tool to help you confidently allocate your budget—ensuring your wedding reflects what’s truly important to you.
Local Vendor Insights - Where to Save vs. Splurge
When it comes to setting a realistic wedding budget, the details matter. While general budgeting guidelines are helpful, getting advice directly from local Kitsap County wedding vendors can provide real-world insight into where your money will have the most impact.
In this section, I’ve gathered expert tips from wedding professionals across various industries—including photography, catering, bartending, florals, wedding planning, cake design, and beauty services—to help you decide where to splurge and where to save. These vendors have shared their expertise on budget-friendly options, premium upgrades, and the biggest pricing misconceptions in their field.
By learning from the experts, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that align with your wedding priorities, ensuring every dollar you spend brings value to your big day.
Bakery & Cake Design - Bella Bella Bakery
Proudly serving Kitsap County since 2009, Bella Bella Bakery opened its first retail bakery shop in Silverdale in 2011. Their dedication to freshness is evident in their daily practice of baking cupcakes from scratch every morning Wednesday through Sunday. The bakery offers special menus and items for holidays, as well as substantial discounts on official military events such as promotion ceremonies and khaki balls. Customers can enjoy gluten-free and vegan cupcake options every day in their Silverdale shop. With nearly 20 years of experience in the baking and wedding industry, along with a team of skilled employees, Bella Bella Bakery has established itself as a trusted source for wedding desserts that balance quality, taste, and visual appeal. As couples plan their wedding budgets, understanding the various dessert options available can help them make informed decisions about their special day’s sweet finale.
Pricing Overview
Bella Bella Bakery offers tiered options to accommodate various wedding budgets:
- Budget-Friendly: Elegantly decorated mini cupcakes and other mini dessert items served from a dessert table, providing beautiful options without custom decoration costs. For couples who wish to include a cake-cutting ceremony, a small single-tier personal cake with simple decorations is available.
- Mid-Tier: A two-tier cutting cake complemented by dessert table items. At this budget level, decorative elements for both the cake and mini desserts can be customized to match the wedding’s colors or theme. This tier also allows for a greater assortment of dessert options for guests to enjoy.
- Luxury: As Ben explains, “As a high-end custom dessert bakery, the possibilities are limited only by a customer’s budget. The bigger the budget, the more we’re able to bring the customer’s dreams and imagination into delicious edible reality. We’re not afraid of any challenge, so if the customer wants to get wild and can afford it, let’s get wild!”
Smart Ways to Save
- Focus on the desserts themselves rather than elaborate display equipment. Ben notes that “most guests won’t remember if the dishware and food display equipment were fancy or not, and you can get serviceable options inexpensively on Amazon if you need to save a little money.”
- Choose a small cutting cake paired with mini desserts rather than a large multi-tier cake to reduce costs while still maintaining the traditional cake-cutting moment.
- Use florals (either live or faux) provided by your florist to enhance cake decorations without additional bakery charges.
Where to Splurge
- Invest in the quality of your wedding desserts. Ben emphasizes that “all aspects of food at a wedding – including dessert – are a splurge area. Everyone remembers when a meal was wonderful, especially in the company of family and good friends (both old and new), and they’ll remember just as easily if it was a disappointment.”
- Consider the delivery and setup service package. “In addition to the desserts and any rental equipment contracted through us, our delivery and setup service ensures that the desserts will arrive stress-free to the destination and will be unpackaged with care and professionally displayed on-site,” explains Ben. This service includes an on-site quality guarantee with repair tools if needed.
Expert Advice
Many couples may not fully appreciate the time required for professional dessert decoration. “Even simple decorative elements can sometimes be very time-consuming if only because of the precision needed, and with labor costs as they are, decoration labor time is the biggest cost point (and therefore price driver) of any high-end dessert,” Ben explains.
To protect your wedding dessert budget, Ben offers this unique tip: “If you want to be absolutely certain that the vendor you most value will be sure to have the share of your budget you feel they’re worth, ask to give them a bigger deposit than may be required up front. This ensures that the funds are already out of your hands and can’t accidentally be reallocated elsewhere, and since the paid amount is a deposit, all excess would be refunded to the customer when the final balance is later determined.”
To explore Bella Bella Bakery’s wedding dessert options or schedule a tasting, visit their Silverdale location or head to their website.
Bartending Services - Kitsap Bartending Services
Kitsap Bartending Services is the premier mobile bar provider in the region, bringing over 15 years of experience in the Bar and Liquid Catering Industry. Their network of licensed, professional bartenders ensures top-tier service, earning them recognition in PNW Wedding Magazine and Seattle Bride Magazine, along with multiple Couple’s Choice Awards. They provide a seamless, well-planned bar experience, offering all necessary equipment, setup, licensing, and alcohol liability insurance. With their expertise in navigating Washington State regulations requiring hosts to provide alcohol for private events, they’re ready to help couples make informed decisions about their bar service investments.
Pricing Overview
Kitsap Bartending Services offers various service tiers to accommodate different budgets:
- Budget-Friendly (starting at $1,000): Stand-alone Beer and Wine Services for weddings with fewer than 125 guests start around $1,000. This provides the essentials while keeping costs manageable.
- Mid-Tier (starting at $1,300): Stand-alone Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Services for weddings with fewer than 100 guests begin around $1,300, offering a more diverse selection of drink options.
- Luxury: Premium options include Multiple Bartenders for larger events, The Bustender service, Glassware add-ons, Bar Upgrades, and dedicated Servers to enhance the guest experience.
Smart Ways to Save
- Focus on well-designed Signature Cocktails with a simple beer and wine selection (2-4 options of each) instead of offering a full bar.
- Consider Beer and Wine Services only (no cocktails) for significant savings.
- Ask about Small Event Discounts for gatherings with fewer than 40 guests.
“Something that will cut your cost significantly is well-thought-out Signature Cocktails that offer some variety along with a simple beer and wine list (2-4 of each), instead of offering a full bar and trying to compete with the selections at a restaurant,” advises Bryan.
Where to Splurge
- Invest in true glassware when possible for a more elegant experience, better photos, and less waste.
- Consider adding a Server/Busser to help clear tables, pass wine during dinner, and provide dedicated attention to the couple throughout the event.
“Splurge on true glassware when possible. Less waste, better photos, and more elegant,” Bryan recommends. “Also, consider adding a Server/Busser to help clear tables, pass wine during dinner, and a dedicated person to check on you throughout the event.”
Expert Advice
Many couples are unaware of the extensive preparation and insurance costs that go into professional bartending services. “Alcohol Liability insurance (on top of general liability) costs a LOT of money, and [is] a good percentage of bartending rates, and it is required to have for a legitimate mobile bar business to protect from any accidents due to alcohol,” explains Bryan.
Additionally, there’s significant behind-the-scenes work involved. “It takes around 2-hours to set up the bar and clean it all up – and that doesn’t include the hours it takes to pack all the supplies, store the supplies, and clean it all after each event.”
When planning your bar service budget, consider these factors and the peace of mind that comes with hiring licensed professionals who carry proper insurance and bring years of experience to your celebration.
To learn more about their services, visit Kitsap Bartending Services on their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Beauty Services - GG Beauty
G&G Beauty specializes in enhancing each bride’s natural beauty on their wedding day. Led by Gem Masikat & Gel Cabeling, the company celebrates individuality across all hair types, ethnicities, and styles. With over 10 years in the industry and having served more than 400 brides, their highly trained team provides exceptional customer service and stunning results. Their commitment to excellence has earned them nominations for Best of PNW, Best of Kitsap, and Community Choice Awards, with features in Washington Wedding Day and Seattle Bride. Here’s what they had to say about your wedding beauty budget:
Pricing Overview
G&G Beauty offers tiered pricing options to accommodate different budgets:
- Budget-Friendly ($680+ for bridal packages): Team member services include bridal hair and makeup with trial run at $680, bridesmaid hair and makeup at $245, bridal hair bundle with trial run at $330, bridal hair day-of at $220, bridal makeup bundle with trial run at $350, and bridal makeup day-of at $250.
- Luxury ($800+ for bridal packages): Services with owners Gel and Gem include bridal hair and makeup with trial run starting at $800, bridesmaid hair and makeup at $280, bridal hair bundle with trial run at $400, bridal hair day-of at $300, bridal makeup bundle with trial run at $400, and bridal makeup day-of at $300.
“Our pricing is based off our expertise, our years of education, as well as the training we give to our team members,” explains Gem. “All of our team is trained under us with over 10 years in the industry & serving over 400 brides. We provide exceptional customer service as well as amazing results.”
Smart Ways to Save
- Opt for hair services without accessories or hairpieces.
- Choose partial makeup application (eyes only) instead of full-face makeup if you prefer a lighter look.
- Ask about special discounts available at wedding shows where G&G Beauty participates.
“You can save on hair accessories & hair pieces,” advises Gem. “For makeup, you can opt to do just eyes instead of full face if you don’t want a full makeup look.”
Where to Splurge
- Invest in extensions to achieve your dream length and volume.
- Consider airbrush makeup for a lightweight feel with full coverage that’s smudge-proof, budge-proof, and waterproof.
“Extensions are definitely worth the splurge to achieve the look and length of your dreams,” says Gem. “Airbrush is a fantastic option for clients who want foundation and full coverage without feeling like they’re wearing makeup.”
Expert Advice
Finding the right artist who can create your desired look is crucial. “Make sure you pick an artist that reflects the work you want,” Gem emphasizes. “There is an artist for everyone and not every artist can replicate a specific look, so if you do have a look in mind please make sure your artist can replicate it for you.”
When setting your beauty budget, consider the experience and expertise behind the service. G&G Beauty’s team brings years of professional training and hundreds of successful bridal experiences, ensuring you’ll look and feel your best on your wedding day.
To see their portfolio of work, follow G&G Beauty on Instagram at @gem_the_stylist, @makeupbygel_, and @bandbsalonboutique.
Catering - Crescent Moon Catering
Crescent Moon Catering is renowned for its eco-conscious approach to wedding catering. Led by Chef Anna Gordon, who brings over 20 years of global culinary experience, the company specializes in fresh, locally sources, and sustainable ingredients to create extraordinary, customized menus. From intimate gathers to grand celebrations, Crescent Moon Catering tailors each dish to reflect a couple’s unique vision while delivering an unforgettable dining experience. They have some great insights for your budget planning:
Pricing Overview
Crescent Moon Catering provides flexible pricing to fit a variety of budgets:
Budget-Friendly ($25–$50 per person): Build Your Own Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, and popular appetizers like their award-winning Hot Artichoke and Cheese Dip. Drop-off or pick-up catering on disposables is also an option for smaller weddings (under 50 guests).
Mid-Tier ($30–$60 per person): Full buffets with enhanced appetizers and entrées, including red wine-braised, grass-fed beef tri-tip and slow-cooked pork shoulder in a pear vanilla base. Includes china rentals for a polished look.
Luxury ($60–$150 per person): Family-style or plated meals, interactive carving stations, and live chef-on-site experiences. High-end options include grass-fed beef roulade with fontina and chimichurri and PNW Seafood Paella prepared tableside.
“At Crescent Moon Catering, we are a fully customizable caterer, allowing you to mix and match menu options to create a dining experience that fits your vision and budget,” Chef Anna explains. “We work closely with you to understand the menu items and flavors you’re looking for, and the budget you want to stay within. From there, we help you craft a menu that maximizes your budget while still delivering a personalized, unforgettable dining experience.”
Smart Ways to Save
Opt for drop-off or pick-up catering instead of full-service.
Choose budget-friendly buffet options over plated meals.
Use quality disposables instead of renting china and glassware.
Where to Splurge
Invest in high-quality, locally sourced ingredients for a memorable dining experience.
Upgrade to a live chef-on-site experience for an interactive, high-end touch.
Consider a plated or family-style dinner for a more elegant feel.
“We are committed to using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, which can drive up costs, but the flavor and quality are what set us apart,” says Chef Anna. “[The meal is] the one element of your event that guests will remember long after the celebration”
Expert Advice
Many couples assume buffets are always cheaper than plated meals, but that isn’t always the case. “A plated meal can sometimes be more cost-effective because you can control portion sizes,” Chef Anna notes.
Focus on what’s important to you and the guest experience when setting your catering budget. Chef Anna urges you to, “spend your money on what’s truly important to you, and don’t be afraid to invest in the areas that will make your day feel authentic to who you are as a couple.” A well-fed guest is a happy guest, and quality food will always leave a lasting impression.
To explore more menu options, visit Crescent Moon Catering’s website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Photography - Essence of Us Photography
Hi! I’m Madi of Essence of Us Photography and the author of this article. I’m an experienced wedding photographer based in Kitsap County and specialize in capturing authentic, timeless moments that truly reflect each couple’s unique love story. With over five years of dedicated experience transforming my creative passion into a thriving business, I personally handle every aspect of the photography experience—from the first inquiry to the final gallery delivery. A true artist at heart with a passion for creativity, I approach each wedding with the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. When it comes to preserving your special moments, my true-to-color editing style ensures your memories remain timeless while you focus on enjoying your celebration. Let’s dive in and talk about planning your budget for wedding photography:
Pricing Overview
At Essence of Us Photography, I offer customizable packages to accommodate various wedding day needs:
- Budget-Friendly ($2,680): The essentials package includes 6 hours of coverage with a single photographer, ideal for couples needing minimal coverage of their wedding day.
- Mid-Tier ($3,000-$4,000): These customizable options provide more comprehensive coverage, such as 7 hours with two photographers or 8 hours with one photographer. These packages are perfect for couples who want more than just the basics without going all out.
- Luxury (Premium add-ons): For couples wanting every detail preserved, luxury options include bridal boudoir sessions, bridal sessions (perfect for makeup trial days), rehearsal dinner coverage, heirloom albums, multi-day coverage, and upgraded engagement sessions.
My customizable packages allow couples to find just the right amount of coverage for their wedding day. When working within a specific budget, I like to ask couples about their must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-needs. Then, we can build a package together based on that information and what they have room for in their budget.
Smart Ways to Save
- Prioritize coverage of key moments rather than full-day coverage (ceremony, family portraits, and first hour of reception).
- Ask about payment plans or installment options to make budgeting more manageable.
- We’ll work together on planning an efficient timeline to optimize your package time.
Wedding photography is an investment, but there are strategic ways to manage costs without sacrificing quality. Many couples find that focusing their coverage on the ceremony and formal portraits while capturing just the beginning of the reception provides the essential memories while keeping costs down. Additionally, being flexible with your wedding date—considering weekdays or off-peak seasons—can often lead to savings while still securing a high-quality photographer.
Where to Splurge
- Invest in a photographer whose style and personality resonates with you—this person will be with you throughout your entire wedding day.
- Consider coverage of the entire wedding experience beyond just the day itself (engagement sessions, rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch).
- Opt for second shooter coverage to ensure no special moments are missed.
- Include high-quality physical albums or prints that will stand the test of time.
- Invest in quality photography and be wary of photographers with unusually low prices compared to the market average.
When it comes to wedding photography, most couples only focus on day-of coverage. While I agree that this is the most classic and essential coverage of the wedding process, I hate to see other special moments get overlooked. It’s why I often urge couples to think about this process as an entire chapter of their relationship and not just a one-day event.
Expert Advice
Remember that your wedding photos are one of the only tangible items you’ll have after your celebration ends — it’s why a lot of couples choose to splurge on quality photographers. Keep in mind, when photographers offer prices significantly below market rates, there’s often a reason—whether it’s inexperience, using outdated equipment, or cutting corners on editing time. Your wedding happens once, and quality photography ensures you’ll be able to relive those precious moments for decades to come. This is one area where investing in established talent truly pays dividends in the memories you’ll cherish forever.
When selecting a photographer, I recommend taking the time to thoroughly research and meet with potential vendors. By meeting your vendors, you get a chance to experience a bit of their personality and hear about their methods before committing your hard-earned money to their services. Make sure they’re a good fit for you. For photography specifically, make sure to ask to see 1-2 full wedding galleries. What you see on social media is the best-of-the-best of their work and might not be an accurate indicator of what to expect from the entire gallery.
To see my portfolio and learn more about my personalized approach to wedding photography, visit the Essence of Us Photography website or follow me on Instagram.
Planning/Florist - Vividly Yours Co.
Vividly Yours Co serves as a one-stop destination for Wedding planning, Design and Florals. With 15 years of combined customer service experience, Sierra LaValle and Brittney Casey take pride in creating unforgettable moments for couples on their special day. Their professional, fun, and easy-going team is dedicated to meticulous planning and intentional design, ensuring each wedding day is both seamless and uniquely tailored to the couple’s vision. Based in Kitsap, their comprehensive services help transform wedding dreams into reality with attention to every detail. With their expertise in both planning and floral design, they offer customizable options to fit diverse needs and budgets while guiding couples through the complex wedding planning process.
Pricing Overview
Vividly Yours Co offers highly customizable services to accommodate various budgets:
- Budget-Friendly: Completely customizable services with custom quotes for couples needing assistance with specific aspects of their wedding, such as comprehensive timelines, vendor vetting/organization, or partial coordination.
- Mid-Tier ($2500-$3,500): Day-of coordination or partial planning services that provide more comprehensive support while still maintaining budget flexibility.
- Luxury: Full floral design packages where “the sky is the limit,” featuring custom statement installations that elevate any event to luxury status. These premium options allow for truly spectacular and personalized wedding aesthetics.
Smart Ways to Save
- Focus on elegant simplicity with basic greenery and white flowers for a timeless look that keeps the budget under control.
- Consider booking partial coordination instead of full planning if you have time to handle some planning aspects yourself.
- Take advantage of vendor referral discounts that Vividly Yours Co offers through their partnerships with other local vendors.
“If you’re really looking to stick to a budget don’t under estimate the elegance of basic greenery with white flowers. It’s an easy way to keep budget under control by going with a simple timeless look,” advise Sierra and Brittney.
- Focus on elegant simplicity with basic greenery and white flowers for a timeless look that keeps the budget under control.
- Consider booking partial coordination instead of full planning if you have time to handle some planning aspects yourself.
- Take advantage of vendor referral discounts that Vividly Yours Co offers through their partnerships with other local vendors.
“If you’re really looking to stick to a budget don’t under estimate the elegance of basic greenery with white flowers. It’s an easy way to keep budget under control by going with a simple timeless look,” advise Sierra and Brittney.
Where to Splurge
- Day-of coordination is considered essential by the Vividly Yours team to ensure a stress-free wedding day.
- Custom floral installations create memorable focal points that transform your venue.
“Hands down day of coordination is a must. We see a lot of couples look at this aspect as a place to save money by taking care of it themselves day of but do yourselves a favor and let someone else handle all the heavy lifting, grab a mimosa and enjoy the most special day of your life, we insist,” the team emphasizes.
Expert Advice
Many couples underestimate the time investment involved in wedding planning and may experience sticker shock when first looking at planning packages. “A couple will spend on average 200-300 hours planning their wedding,” explain Sierra and Brittney. “In addition booking a planner also brings to the table industry connections with other vendors and experience in budgeting.”
When calculating the value of professional planning services, consider not just the day-of support but also the hundreds of hours saved, industry connections leveraged, and budget optimization expertise gained. Couples who book both planning/coordination and floral services with Vividly Yours Co can benefit from package discounts that help maximize their overall wedding budget.
To learn more about their customizable services, visit Vividly Yours Co’s website.
Bringing Your Wedding Budget to Life
Creating a realistic wedding budget isn’t just about spreadsheets and numbers—it’s about making intentional choices that reflect what matters most to you as a couple. As you’ve seen from our local Kitsap County vendors, there are beautiful options at every price point, and the key is prioritizing what will create the most meaningful experience for your celebration. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the vendors featured in this guide are ready to help bring your vision to life while respecting your budget. And when it comes to preserving these carefully planned moments, I’d love to be the one who tells your unique love story through photography. Your wedding day unfolds just once, but with the right photographer, those memories can last a lifetime.
Ready to discuss how we can capture your special day within your budget? Reach out to Essence of Us Photography today, and let’s create a custom photography package that aligns perfectly with your vision and priorities. Your love story deserves to be beautifully documented—let’s make it happen together.