Money may not buy love, but it’s essential for booking venues, hiring vendors, and organizing all the details of your wedding. Knowing your budget—and deciding how to allocate it—should come before signing contracts, choosing décor, or picking your dress.
“Budget is one of the first things couples should discuss when planning their wedding,” says a Florianópolis wedding planner. “It influences nearly every decision, so it’s best to tackle it early.”
Before spending a single real, work with your partner to list your top priorities. This list will guide decisions when compromises are needed—like adjusting décor, scaling your guest list, or postponing certain elements.
Start by calculating what you and your partner can contribute without jeopardizing your financial stability. Avoid taking out loans or dipping into retirement savings. Include other upcoming expenses and realistically evaluate how much you can save from each paycheck.
Discuss whether family members plan to help with the budget and by how much. Set clear boundaries about decision-making influence. Contributions can affect both your final budget and how much say others have over wedding choices.
Agree on the type of celebration you want within your budget. Do you envision a large beachside wedding in Praia Mole, or an intimate ceremony in Lagoa da Conceição? Your vision will help determine venue, style, and scale.
Your guest list directly impacts your budget. More guests mean higher costs for food, drinks, tables, and décor. Conversely, a smaller wedding allows for higher quality choices or more personalized experiences. Balance your vision with what you can realistically afford.
Break your budget into categories: venue, catering, attire, floral and décor, entertainment, and photography. A clear spending plan shows how each element fits into your overall budget and prevents overspending in one area from affecting others. For Florianópolis weddings, food and drink may take up about a third of the budget, décor another third, and vendors/services the final third.
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting tool to monitor deposits, payments, and outstanding balances. If you’re working with a planner, they can provide a system for keeping everything organized.
Even if your budget is fixed, your spending plan can be flexible. Communicate your limits to vendors and planners so adjustments can be made without surprises. This allows you to accommodate upgrades or last-minute desires while staying on track.
Discuss finances and priorities early in the planning process. Early conversations prevent misunderstandings and minimize conflicts over venues, dresses, or other major expenses. Clear communication ensures both partners are aligned from the start.
Planning Tip: Florianópolis offers a variety of wedding settings, from oceanfront ceremonies to charming historic venues. Knowing your budget early will help you choose the location and style that best fits your dream wedding.