What i've learned about wedding budgets

After years of filming weddings, I can confidently say this: budgeting isn’t just a planning task, it’s the foundation of your whole planning experience.

We’ve worked with so many incredible couples, and while each wedding is wildly different in style, size, and vibe, one thing is always true: how a couple manages their budget directly affects how they feel on their wedding day. Not the final Pinterest board. Not the favors. The budget.

Here’s the thing, most couples have never planned an event of this size before. So it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when those first numbers start rolling in. But I’ve seen the difference between a couple that sets intentional priorities early and one that just... starts booking and hopes it works out later. One leads to a smoother, happier planning process. The other often leads to stress, regret, and hard choices too late in the game.

I’m not here to tell you how much to spend or where to splurge. But what I do want to share, especially as a wedding vendor for over 7 years, is that your budget should reflect your values. If your dream is to throw the party of a lifetime, spend the night on the dance floor, and relive every second through an epic film and emotional photos… then build your budget around that. If you don’t care about custom signage but want an unforgettable ceremony backdrop, shift your spending that way.

When couples come to us after they’ve blown most of their budget without factoring in photo or video, it’s hard. Because we know how much those memories will mean once the cake is gone and the flowers have faded. And while we do our best to offer flexible options, we’ve also seen how painful it can be for couples who have to cut coverage or settle for less than what they hoped for.

I’ve also seen the other side... couples who booked us early, communicated their priorities, and felt fully supported the entire time. They weren’t stressed. They didn’t question their choices. And they now have films they cry happy tears watching years later.

Here’s what I’ll say if you’re just starting out:

✨ Budgeting isn’t about limiting your dreams, it’s about protecting them.

✨ Vendors like us are happy to talk early and honestly. Even if you’re still in the dreaming phase.

✨ And when you lead with your values, your budget becomes a tool not a burden.

Let’s make room for what matters most.You deserve to look back on your wedding day and feel nothing but joy.

If you're in the early stages of wedding planning, let’s talk. We’d love to help you navigate your priorities and create a custom photo + video plan that fits your vision and your budget. Reach out today →