How to Budget for a Wedding in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning your wedding in Tennessee should be one of the most exciting times of your life, but let’s be real: wedding costs can quickly spiral out of control. The good news? With the right strategy, you can plan a beautiful, memorable wedding without starting your married life in debt. Inspired by the no-nonsense budgeting principles of Dave Ramsey, we’re here to help you set a wedding budget you can stick to while still enjoying your big day.
Step 1: Decide on Your Total Budget
Before you book anything, determine how much you’re willing (and able) to spend. We recommend following the “spend what you can afford” rule—meaning your wedding shouldn’t dip into your emergency fund or cause you to rack up credit card debt. Talk with your fiancé and any family members contributing financially to get a realistic number.
Pro Tip: Plan for the Unexpected
Build a 10% buffer into your budget for those surprise expenses, like alterations, extra decorations, or a last-minute addition to your guest list.
Step 2: Prioritize What Matters Most
Every couple’s priorities are different. Sit down together and decide which parts of your wedding mean the most to you. Is it the venue, photography, food, or the dress? Allocate a larger portion of your budget to those key areas and trim costs in others.
Tennessee-Specific Priorities
Venues: Tennessee is home to stunning venues, from the Smoky Mountains to charming barns and elegant estates. Popular venues like CJ’s Off the Square or The Cordelle book fast, so prioritize reserving your dream spot.
Photography: Your wedding day will fly by, but high-quality photos will last forever. Consider investing in a photographer who knows Tennessee’s landscape and lighting.
Step 3: Use a Zero-Based Budget
A zero-based budget means every dollar has a job. If your total budget is $20,000, assign every dollar to a category: venue, catering, flowers, photography, etc. This approach ensures that you’re in control of every penny.
Example Breakdown for a $20,000 Tennessee Wedding
Venue and Rentals: $8,000 (40%)
Catering and Cake: $5,000 (25%)
Photography/Videography: $3,000 (15%)
Attire: $2,000 (10%)
Decor and Flowers: $1,000 (5%)
Miscellaneous: $1,000 (5%)
Step 4: Embrace Tennessee’s Budget-Friendly Perks
Planning a wedding in Tennessee comes with unique cost-saving opportunities:
Off-Peak Savings: Consider a winter or weekday wedding to score discounts on venues and vendors.
Local Talent: Support local businesses for catering, flowers, and music. Tennessee has an incredible pool of talented vendors who may offer better rates than national chains.
DIY-Friendly: With a little creativity, you can DIY certain elements like invitations, signage, and favors to cut costs.
Step 5: Keep the Guest List Manageable
The number of guests you invite directly affects your budget. More people mean higher costs for food, drinks, seating, and favors. Keep your guest list intimate, and focus on inviting those who matter most.
It’s about the marriage, not the party. Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone you’ve ever met.
Step 6: Pay Cash and Stay Debt-Free
Avoid credit card debt by setting up a dedicated wedding savings account. Pay for vendors in cash whenever possible. Many Tennessee vendors may even offer discounts for upfront payments.
Step 7: Track Every Expense
Use a budgeting tool like EveryDollar or a simple spreadsheet to track all your wedding expenses. This helps you stay on top of spending and make adjustments as needed.
Bonus Tips for Tennessee Couples
Plan Around the Weather: Tennessee’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and summer. Allocate part of your budget for weather contingencies like tents or umbrellas.
Leverage Local Beauty: The state’s natural scenery can serve as a stunning backdrop, saving you money on elaborate decor.
Step 8: Focus on the Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment. A perfectly planned budget helps you focus on what truly matters without financial stress overshadowing your joy.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding in Tennessee doesn’t have to break the bank. With intentional budgeting, smart prioritization, and a debt-free mindset, you can create the day of your dreams while setting a strong financial foundation for your marriage. Happy planning!
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