Our Signature 85/15 Wedding Budget Rule

Stay Mellow, Not Manic. Our Favorite Rule for a Balanced Wedding Budget

Hi friends, we are Married and Mellow, a boutique wedding planning and coordination company serving the DMV, East Coast, and destination celebrations across the U.S. We specialize in creating intentional, beautifully balanced weddings. From micro gatherings to full weekend experiences, designed to feel joyful, personal, and yes, mellow.

One of the first conversations we have with our couples is about something that can make or break the planning experience: the wedding budget. Money talk might not feel romantic, but it’s one of the most important ways to protect your peace and stay grounded during your engagement.

That’s why we developed our signature approach to wedding budgeting: the 85/15 Rule. Whether we are your Full Service Planner managing all aspects of your budget, or if you're more DIY and we are just coordination, we encourage and practice the 85/15 rule.

Photo by Elyse Lane

The 85/15 Wedding Budget Rule

They work for the property, not for you.

Here’s how it works:

• 85% of your total budget should be used during your initial planning and vendor scouting phase. This covers your foundational decisions — venue, catering, photography, attire, florals, entertainment, and design.

• 15% of your total budget should be intentionally reserved for last-minute or unexpected expenses that arise in the final month before your wedding.

  
  

That 15% cushion is your peace of mind zone, it’s what keeps you from feeling stressed when those inevitable final details and “oh, we forgot about that!” moments appear.

Why We Love This Approach

(But really, it’s more like “Month-of”)

Weddings are living, breathing experiences. Even with the best planning, things shift as your day gets closer. Guest counts change, weather surprises us, ideas evolve — and that’s all part of the process.

By holding back a small portion of your budget, you’re giving yourself freedom and flexibility. The 85/15 Rule allows you to adjust gracefully, make confident decisions, and maintain that mellow mindset we’re all about.

Typical Last-Minute Wedding Expenses

Commonly seen in the 30 days leading up to the Big Day

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of “surprise” expenses pop up right before the big day. Here are some common examples we encourage couples to consider and plan for:

Vendor & Coordination

• Overtime fees for photographers, videographers, DJs, or bands

• Additional planner or coordination hours for long distance rehearsal or overnight stays if needed

• Vendor gratuities and delivery tips

• Upgraded rentals or décor pieces added late in the process

• Early access fees to venue for necessary start time

• Last minute vendor add ons like a content creator or photobooth

• Trash liners, dumpster use fee or trash haul-away fee

Décor, Rentals and Details

• Extra floral arrangements or ceremony blooms

• Last-minute signage, candles, or escort card printing

• Additional chairs, linens, or tableware after final RSVPs

• Design rentals or decorative touches you didn’t realize you needed

• 6' Tables and extra linens needed for backbar, cards, gifts

• Upgrading to changing tent logistics from pole to frame, or plain tent sides to clear panels

• Last minute dance floor props like custom cut outs of your dogs face

Guest Experience

• Extra transportation or shuttle runs

• Welcome bag items or packaging supplies

• Weather-related rentals (tents, heaters, umbrellas, fans)

• Hotel block extensions for guests who booked late or early check in needs so everyone can attend rehearsal

• Restroom amenity bins

• Favors

• Adding a lounge or cigar bar

Attire & Beauty

• Rush tailoring or dry cleaning

• Hair and makeup add-ons (extra person or early start)

• Touch-up kits or accessory replacements (jewelry, veil, cufflinks)

• Ring cleanings, resizings or repairs

Day-Of Essentials

• Vendor meal count increases for newly added on labor or assistants

• Parking passes and valet parking for vendors

• Marriage license fees or certified copies

• Emergency kits and day-of supplies

• Extra staffing and labor for setup or breakdown

• Gifts for your parents, bridal party or groomsmen

• Firewood, starters, smores kits for a bonfire

"Your wedding budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind. When you plan with intention and give yourself space for the unexpected, you protect the joy and calm that should define your day."

Our Mellow Philosophy

At Married and Mellow, we believe your wedding budget isn’t just a financial plan — it’s a tool for peace of mind. By being intentional with your spending and saving space for the unknown, you create a smoother, calmer experience for yourself and your loved ones.

When you plan with purpose, you plan with ease.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate DMV micro wedding, a coastal celebration on the East Coast, or a destination wedding anywhere in the U.S., we’re here to help you design a wedding that feels beautifully balanced, and totally you.

✨ Let’s start planning your day! Click Here for Packages and Inquiry