Planning your wedding should feel magical—not like running a financial marathon.
Between dreaming about walking down the aisle and staring at an Excel spreadsheet full of expenses, the road to “I do” can get bumpy.
Luckily, Haleigh Schultz, Catering Sales Manager at Stonewall Resort, has plenty of insight to help you stick to your budget without breaking the bank—or your sanity.
Haleigh breaks down the costs, giving couples the lowdown on what really influences those dollar signs.
Tips for Realistic Wedding Budgeting
Seasonality and Dates: Timing is Everything
“If you’re planning for a Saturday in May, just go ahead and accept that it’s the prime real estate of wedding dates,” says Haleigh.
If you’re more flexible with dates, you might snag a better deal.
"Sundays and weekdays are the underdogs of wedding days,” she says. “Sure, they’re not as popular, but that just means they come with a discount. So, if you want to save, consider getting hitched on a Wednesday. Who says ‘hump day’ can’t be romantic?”
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Guest Count: More People, More Plates, More Money
Weddings are about love, not numbers—or at least that’s what we tell ourselves before the guest list reaches triple digits.
“The more guests, the more mouths to feed, and trust me, your guests can eat," jokes Haleigh. "Then there’s alcohol. Add a few extra zeros to your catering bill, and you’ll know why smaller weddings are trending.”
When it comes to those nitty-gritty extras, Haleigh has some sage advice: “Florists, chair rentals, napkins, oh my! When your guest count rises, so do these unexpected add-ons. So, before you invite that cousin you haven’t seen since kindergarten, just remember—they’re bringing their appetite (and cost) with them.”
Hidden Fees Aren’t Really Hidden
No one likes surprises—especially those with a price tag.
“Service charges, taxes, and resort fees aren’t out of the ordinary,” Haleigh says. “But they can feel like they’re nickel and diming you if you’re not prepared. At Stonewall, we bundle things like parking and pool use into a resort fee, so it’s less of a shock on the final bill. Consider it the price of a good night’s sleep, and maybe a morning dip.”
Haleigh also recommends feeding your vendors.
“Photographers and DJs can’t survive on memories alone, so make sure to include them in your catering numbers,” she says. “It’s a small cost for keeping the professionals who are capturing your big day in top form.”
Wedding Planners Are Sanity Savers
Here’s some advice that will save you time, stress, and probably a few friendships: hire a wedding planner.
“No one wants to boss people around on their wedding day,” says Haleigh. “You’re supposed to be saying ‘I do,’ not ‘I told you so!’ to your bridesmaids. A wedding planner will handle the chaos so you can enjoy the moment. Seriously, it’s worth every penny.”
Stonewall’s Packages Offer a Little Something for Everyone
At Stonewall, weddings are all about customization. Haleigh explains, “Our food packages range from simple to extravagant, with our middle tier being the most popular. It’s the Goldilocks of wedding meals—not too much, not too little, but just right.”
Couples sometimes worry about underfeeding their guests, which, according to Haleigh, is unnecessary. “Your guests are happy to be there; they’re not critiquing the hors d'oeuvres count. If someone is upset they only got two appetizers, you might want to rethink who you’re inviting!”
Flexibility is the Key to Wedding Planning (and Marital Bliss)
That’s true in every aspect of marriage, including wedding expenses. While every couple starts with a budget, sticking to it can be like holding your bouquet in a windstorm.
“The truth is, you have to be flexible,” Haleigh says. “Some things will cost more than you expected, and that’s okay. Just know what matters most to you, whether the food, the photographer, or the dance floor, and be willing to adjust the less important parts.”
Planning a wedding is all about compromise, she says.
“Whether your budget is $5,000 or $500,000, there’s always a little wiggle room. And trust me, no one leaves a wedding saying ‘I wish there were more appetizers.’”
So, as you sit down with your budget and calculator, remember Haleigh’s words of wisdom: flexibility, focus, and a little fun can go a long way!
