Written By: Joelene Schultheis, Owner of For Every Joccasion

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Wedding planning can feel like diving into an endless ocean of decisions—exciting but overwhelming. But if there’s one thing I always tell my couples when they come to me at the start of their journey, it’s this: start with your budget. Seriously, everything else will flow from there.

Why Budget is Always Step One

Think of your budget as the foundation of your wedding. Without a strong, clear idea of how much you’re working with, it’s impossible to make solid decisions about anything else—whether it’s booking your dream venue, hiring your favorite photographer, or deciding how many guests you can invite.

When determining your budget, it’s important to factor in who will be contributing. Are you and your partner funding the entire day, or will family members be pitching in? Having open conversations early on about financial contributions is essential so that everyone’s on the same page.

Also, remember that your wedding budget should cover more than just the big day itself. Consider including costs for pre-wedding festivities (like your engagement party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner) and post-wedding events (such as a brunch or farewell gathering). Don’t forget about gifts for your wedding party either—these are often overlooked but can add up quickly!

By being thorough in planning your budget, you avoid unexpected costs and ensure that every detail is accounted for.

Step Two: Creating the Guest List

Once you have your budget locked in, it’s time to tackle one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning: the guest list. This is where the real balancing act begins, because the size of your guest list directly impacts your budget—and not just for food and drink. Think seating, table decor, venue capacity, and even the flow of the event.

Here’s the thing: you’ve got to decide what’s more important to you—maximizing your budget or enhancing the guest experience. And this is where I can really help you figure it out.

Maximizing Your Budget

If your goal is to stay on budget and invest in what really matters most to you (think luxe decor, a killer live band, or an extra hour of open bar), then I’ll advise you to keep the guest list on the smaller side. Fewer guests mean fewer costs all around, which gives us more flexibility to allocate funds elsewhere in order to create those wow moments that take your wedding from great to unforgettable.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

But let’s say you’re the type of couple who wants all of your loved ones—near, far, and everywhere in between—there to celebrate. This is where we get creative! While having a larger guest list may mean trimming back in other areas (like choosing simpler centerpieces or a more laid-back catering menu), it’s totally possible to throw an incredible party that feels big on love and connection without breaking the bank. That’s where my expertise comes in—I’m all about curating those special touches that make your day feel rich in experience, no matter the budget.

Why It All Matters

So why does this balancing act between your budget and guest list matter so much? Because it sets the tone for everything else. A smaller guest list can give you the flexibility to really focus on personal, meaningful details, creating an intimate, immersive experience for everyone involved. On the flip side, a larger celebration means you get to invite all your favorite people, but we’ll have to be more strategic with the budget.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the balance that feels right for you. That’s why I’m here—to help you navigate those tough choices with confidence, so you can focus on enjoying the process and celebrating your love.

Let’s Create Your Dream Day Together

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. When you start with a budget and a guest list that reflect your values and priorities, the rest of the process becomes so much more fun and manageable. If you’re looking for someone to help guide you through those early decisions, I’d love to help make your vision a reality.

Let’s craft a day that’s uniquely yours—whether that means a chic, intimate celebration or a grand party with all your loved ones. I’m here to make sure that your wedding planning process is seamless, personalized, and yes, totally fun!

Ready to take the first step? Let’s chat about your budget and start making that guest list!