Wedding Budget Checklist
Keep your wedding spending under control with a simple wedding budget checklist. Use this template to track estimates, actual costs, and payments for every major category — from venue and catering to attire and décor.
Use this template
Start a wedding budget checklist from this template, then plug in your own numbers and mark items as booked and paid.
You can tailor each item to your priorities and budget. Pro plans help you save, reuse, and export this checklist.
Wedding Budget Checklist Preview
This template focuses on budget categories rather than specific vendors. Add your estimate, actual cost, and notes for each line item.
Venue & rentals
- • Ceremony venue fee
- • Reception venue fee
- • Tables, chairs, linens, and dishware rentals
- • Tent, lighting, and climate control (if needed)
Food & beverage
- • Catering (per person or package)
- • Bar package / drinks
- • Wedding cake or dessert table
- • Cake cutting or corkage fees
Photography & video
- • Photographer package
- • Second shooter (if separate)
- • Videographer package
- • Engagement session (optional)
Attire & beauty
- • Wedding dress / suit or tux
- • Alterations and fittings
- • Shoes and accessories
- • Hair and makeup (trial + day-of)
Décor & flowers
- • Bouquets and boutonnieres
- • Ceremony floral arrangements
- • Centerpieces and table décor
- • Candles, signage, and other décor details
Music & entertainment
- • Ceremony music (live or recorded)
- • DJ or band for reception
- • Sound system and microphones
Extras & buffer
- • Stationery (invitations, programs, thank-you cards)
- • Transportation for couple / guests
- • Tips and gratuities for vendors
- • Contingency fund (recommended buffer)
Why a wedding budget checklist matters
It’s easy for wedding costs to creep up — a small upgrade here, a last-minute rental there. Without a clear budget checklist, you can lose track of what you’ve already committed to and what’s still flexible.
A written budget checklist keeps your priorities and numbers in one place. You can see trade-offs, adjust categories, and make decisions confidently.
Pro tips for using this budget checklist
- • Add a “priority” label (high / medium / low) next to each category.
- • Track deposits, remaining balances, and due dates as separate items.
- • Include taxes, service charges, and gratuities in your estimates.
- • Update your checklist after each contract is signed or payment is made.
Wedding Budget Checklist FAQ
How detailed should my budget checklist be?
It’s up to you. Some couples just track major categories, while others list every line item. Start broad and add detail where it’s useful for your planning style.
What if I don’t know my exact numbers yet?
Start with rough estimates and update them as you get quotes. The goal is to see which categories are flexible and which are locked in.
Can this checklist help with post-wedding budgeting?
Yes. Many couples use this as a record of what they spent, then adapt the template for future events or large projects.
Ready to organize your wedding budget?
Start with this template, then plug in your own numbers and track spending as you book vendors.
About this template
This wedding budget checklist template breaks your spending into clear categories so you can see where your money is going at a glance.
Customize categories, add your own, or remove anything that doesn’t apply to your wedding.
Save, edit & export with Pro
- Save your wedding budget checklist
- Update it as quotes and contracts change
- Export a PDF for planning meetings