Common Budget Mistakes

At Ribbon and Rogue, we’ve seen it all : blown budgets, surprise fees, and those “oh no” moments when couples realize their $500 venue just became a $15,000 weekend. Let’s help you avoid the most common budgeting pitfalls and set you up for financial peace of mind (and maybe still have enough left over for brunch the next day).

We get it, you want total freedom to hand-pick your dream team of vendors. But sometimes, building everything from scratch can cost way more than choosing bundled services.

Mistake #1: Buying Everything À La Carte (And Skipping Packages)

For example:

• That $500 venue seems like a steal… until you learn they require you to use their exclusive caterers with a $10,000 minimum. Surprise!
  
  

• You want a DJ and a photo booth. Separate vendors sound fine, but many DJs offer both at a discount when bundled.
  
  

• Some venues charge extra fees if you don’t use their preferred caterers, so what looks like a flexible DIY option might actually cost more in the end.
  

Tip: Always ask about package options and preferred vendor discounts before you start locking people in.

Some venues require you to work with specific vendors for catering, DJs, planners, etc. This usually happens for good reasons (like noise ordinances, fire codes, or a tiny kitchen), but if you don’t research those vendors and their prices early, you could end up in a budgeting bind.

Mistake #2: Not Reviewing Required Vendors Up Front

Real Talk Example:

We had a couple book a super-affordable venue thinking they scored a deal. Later, they learned all the required caterers were way out of their price range. Sadly, there was no way around it without breaking their contract with the venue and losing their deposit. Budget = broken.

Tip: Before signing a venue contract, ask for the list of required vendors—and look at their pricing.

Mistake #3: Not Reusing Decor

Your ceremony arch? It can double as your sweetheart table backdrop. Bridesmaid bouquets? Instant centerpieces. Aisle markers? Move them to the dessert table.

Plan for reuse from the start—it can make your décor budget go twice as far.

Buried in those pages might be hidden costs that can sneak up fast.

Mistake #4: Skimming Contracts (or Not Reading Them at All)

For example:

• Required vendor meals (totally normal, but still adds up)

• Travel fees or extra charges for split venues (ceremony one place, reception another)

• Required event insurance, permits, or delivery/pickup fees
  
  

Tip: Read every contract. Twice. Ask questions before you sign. Highlight anything that could affect your budget.

That dreamy barn in the middle of nowhere? Gorgeous. But if there’s no nearby lodging, no rideshare service, and guests have to rent cars or pay for shuttles, those savings can vanish.

Mistake #5: Not Considering Logistics

TIP: Consider not just the cost of the venue, but the cost of getting everyone (and everything) there.

Before you get vendor-happy, sit down with your partner and create a priority list.

Mistake #6: Skipping the Priorities List

What do you need vs. what would be nice to have? This one step can prevent you from blowing your budget on something that doesn’t even matter to you in the long run.

Example: If having your dog at the ceremony is a non-negotiable, make sure venues allow pets. Otherwise, you risk booking a space that won’t work—and losing your deposit.

Juggling payment schedules across 12+ vendors is… not fun. Late fees are real. Missed deadlines can mess with contracts. And the chaos? Completely avoidable.

Mistake #7: Losing Track of Payments

Tip: Use a tracker or work with a planner (hi, that’s us!) who keeps tabs on it all. Better yet, choose packages that bundle services into fewer vendors and fewer invoices.

Wedding planning doesn’t have to mean budget dread.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start, reach out. We love helping couples find creative, realistic ways to plan the day they want without maxing out their credit cards.

Got a budget question? Drop us a message or comment below—we’re happy to share tips and save you some stress (and cash).