Your wedding venue is one of the first and most important vendors you book – it sets the tone for the entire rest of the wedding, as well as your wedding date. There’s a lot to consider when choosing your venue, but cost is definitely a factor that comes to mind. One key detail when planning your wedding to avoid going over budget is to keep in mind the typical budget allocations. Across all your categories such as catering, venue, florals, photography, planner, etc. there are recommended percentages.
Why do these budget allocations matter?
Imagine your $30,000 wedding budget, where 40-50% (about $12,000 to $15,000) is typically allocated to venue and catering. If you book a venue for $13,000 and catering for $8,000—together taking up 70% of your budget—you’re left with just $9,000 (30%) for everything else: photography, attire, flowers, entertainment, and more. This overspend early on could force you to cut back on key details or stretch your budget uncomfortably.
By following percentage benchmarks—like 10-15% for photography or 8-10% for flowers—you can balance spending across categories from the start. These allocations help you stay on track and avoid tough compromises later.
Want a quicker way to calculate your budget proportions? Sign up for Tulle Together, a wedding budgeting tool designed to help you make smarter spending choices. We already picked the best wedding budget percentages – simply put in your potential budget, and see how it distributes across categories! You can also project your total wedding cost, review our database of venue pricing PDFs, compare vendors side by side, and get into the details of all your wedding costs. Sign up here!
What is a typical allocation for a wedding venue?
For a wedding venue, the typical budget allocation is 20% – or when combined with catering, 40-50%. Below, you can see the recommended budget allocation for venue and catering across popular wedding & financial resources, including The Knot, Zola, Investopedia, and WSJ. You can view all category allocations here!
Venue Budget Allocations (sometimes combined with venue)
| Source | Percentage |
|---|---|
| The Knot | 37% |
| Zola | 24% |
| Investopedia | 20% |
| Brides | 17.5% |
| Minted | 15% |
| Here Comes the Guide | 18% |
| Southern Bride | 6% |
| Wedding Wire | 16.6% (Combined venue, rentals, and catering at 50%) |
| WSJ | 30% |
| Wedding Spot | 23% |
Food & Beverage Budget Allocations (sometimes combined with venue)
| Source | Percentage |
|---|---|
| The Knot | 28% |
| Zola | 18% |
| Investopedia | 20% |
| Brides | 17.5% |
| Minted | 15% |
| Here Comes the Guide | 26% |
| Southern Bride | 35% |
| Wedding Wire | 16.6% (Combined venue, rentals, and catering at 50%) |
| WSJ | 23% |
| Wedding Spot | 23% |
Aside from the budget allocation, what else should you keep in mind when booking your venue?
Pros and cons of an all-inclusive venue vs. a venue that only comes with the space (raw space)
All Inclusive Venues
While you may get sticker shock when first comparing an all inclusive venue to a space only venue, don’t be deceived. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but opting for an all-inclusive venue can simplify the process and alleviate stress in many ways. These venues offer a comprehensive package that includes everything from catering to décor, making it easier for couples to bring their dream wedding to life and often times coming to an overall lower cost than if you had priced each venue independently.
Pros:
- Convenience: All-inclusive venues streamline the planning process by offering a comprehensive range of services, including catering, décor, rentals, and coordination. Couples can save time and reduce stress by having everything organized under one roof. Helpful Tip: When touring all-inclusive venues, ask about the specific services included in the package and inquire about any customization options available within their offerings.
- Cost-Effective: Bundling services together in an all-inclusive package can often lead to cost savings compared to sourcing each service individually. Venues may offer package deals or discounts for combining multiple services, making it more budget-friendly for couples. Helpful Tip: Before signing a contract with an all-inclusive venue, compare the overall cost with what it would be to book each service separately to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
- Professional Expertise: All-inclusive venues typically have experienced event planners and vendors on-site, ensuring seamless execution and attention to detail on the wedding day. Couples can benefit from the expertise and guidance of professionals who specialize in wedding coordination and execution. Helpful Tip: Take advantage of the venue’s in-house event coordinator or planner to help you navigate the planning process, make decisions, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Venue with Space Only (Raw Space)
For couples who crave creativity and flexibility in their wedding planning journey, venues that offer space only provide the perfect canvas for bringing their vision to life. From rustic barns to chic urban lofts, these venues allow couples to customize every detail of their special day. While it may be tempting to think you’re getting a deal, keep in mind there’s a LOT you’re taking on coordinating yourself with these venues and often times you don’t have them price advantages of bundling. You often have complete freedom to bring your vision to life with a blank slate of a venue, but do your research ahead of time and don’t assume these venues will automatically equate to a cheaper wedding.
Pros:
- Flexibility and Creativity: Venues that provide space only offer couples greater freedom to personalize every aspect of their wedding, from décor and catering to entertainment and vendors. Couples have the flexibility to bring in their preferred vendors and design a wedding that reflects their unique style and vision. Helpful Tip: When selecting a venue with space only, inquire about any restrictions or guidelines regarding vendors, décor, and setup to ensure compatibility with your wedding vision.
- Cost Control: By sourcing services independently, couples have more control over their budget and can prioritize spending on elements that matter most to them. They can allocate funds based on their preferences and opt for more affordable options for certain services while splurging on others. Helpful Tip: Create a detailed budget outlining your priorities and allocate funds accordingly. Focus on allocating a larger portion of your budget to the elements that are most important to you and look for cost-saving opportunities in other areas.
- Unique Options: Choosing a venue with space only opens up a wider range of unique and unconventional venue options, such as private estates, art galleries, and outdoor locations. Couples can explore non-traditional venues that reflect their personalities and create a memorable backdrop for their wedding. Helpful Tip: Think outside the box when considering venue options and explore unconventional spaces that align with your vision. Don’t be afraid to get creative and embrace unique venues that offer a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests.
Ultimately, the decision between an all-inclusive venue and a venue with space only depends on your preferences, budget, and desired level of involvement in the planning process. Consider what aspects of wedding planning are most important to you and choose the option that best aligns with your vision for your special day – the same goes for the amount of budget you should allocate for your venue!
Want a quicker way to calculate your budget proportions? Sign up for Tulle Together, a wedding budgeting tool designed to help you make smarter spending choices. We already picked the best wedding budget percentages – simply put in your potential budget, and see how it distributes across categories! You can also project your total wedding cost, review our database of venue pricing PDFs, compare vendors side by side, and get into the details of all your wedding costs. Sign up here!
