How to Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
- From a Small Wedding Venue in Fort Worth, TX, La Vida at Harmony Ranch
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting chapters of your life—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to setting a budget. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ranch wedding in Fort Worth or a classic celebration in DFW, setting a realistic budget is the foundation of a stress-free planning experience.
At La Vida at Harmony Ranch, we've helped countless North Texas couples navigate the wedding planning process while staying grounded and financially savvy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set a realistic wedding budget that works for you—and still delivers the day of your dreams.
We have hosted weddings that spent $6000 on their entire celebration to other couples that spend $15,000 - $20,000 and pull out all the stops. Your wedding can be whatever you want it to be….there is no right or wrong way to play your day!
Photo Credit: Karen Burrows Photography
1. Start with an Honest Conversation
Before you dive into Pinterest boards and cake tastings, sit down with your fiancé and have a candid conversation about finances. Consider:
How much can each of you contribute?
Will family be helping out? If so, how much are they offering?
What’s your overall comfort level with spending?
Write down all contributions and establish your total wedding fund. In Fort Worth, the average wedding can range from $15,000 to $35,000, but smaller weddings—like those we specialize in at La Vida—can be beautifully executed for significantly less. Like mentioned above, we have couples that spend a total wedding budget of typically $6,000 - under $20,000 depending on the features they desired for their big day.
Photo Credit: Karen Burrows Photography
2. Prioritize What Matters Most
Every couple is different. For some, a live band and gourmet catering are must-haves. For others, photography or an epic floral installation tops the list.
Make a list of your Top 3 Non-Negotiables. This helps you focus your budget where it counts and trim expenses in areas that aren’t as meaningful.
Common Priorities for Texas Couples:
Beautiful outdoor venue (like our serene ranch backdrop!)
Exceptional food and drinks
Photography/videography to preserve the memories
3. Understand the True Cost of a Wedding in North Texas
Prices can vary widely in the DFW metroplex depending on season, vendor, and guest count. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical wedding costs in the Fort Worth area:
Small weddings—like those hosted here at La Vida at Harmony Ranch—can lower many of these costs, especially when you choose bundled packages or all-inclusive options. We seat up to 80, so this can decrease catering and bar costs along with other categories as well.
4. Pick the Right Venue for Your Budget
The venue is one of your biggest expenses, but also one of the most important. A great venue should offer both value and ambiance.
What to look for in a budget-friendly Fort Worth wedding venue:
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Inclusive packages that cover tables, chairs, linens, or even coordination
Ability to bring your own vendors (for cost control)
At La Vida at Harmony Ranch, we specialize in small weddings, micro weddings, and elopements, and our packages are designed with realistic budgets in mind—without sacrificing charm, comfort, or elegance.
Photo Credit: Karen Burrows Photography
5. Set a Per-Guest Spending Limit
One of the easiest ways to blow your budget is to invite too many people. Instead of starting with a guest list and seeing where the numbers fall, reverse the process:
Take your total budget (say $20,000).
Subtract fixed costs (photographer, dress, etc.).
Divide the remainder by your per-guest cost.
Example:
$20,000 total
$8,000 fixed costs
$12,000 left for guests
Want to spend no more than $120 per guest? → Cap at 100 guests
Intimate celebrations—our specialty at La Vida—help stretch your dollars further while making every guest feel special.
6. Build in a Contingency Fund
Things happen. Maybe you fall in love with a dress that’s just over budget. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 5–10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
7. Track Every Penny
Use a wedding budget tracker, spreadsheet, or planning app to keep your expenses organized. Include line items for:
Deposits
Final payments
Tips and gratuities
Taxes and service fees
Pro Tip: At La Vida at Harmony Ranch, we help couples understand exactly what’s included in our pricing—so there are no surprises.
8. Get Creative and Cut Costs (Without Cutting Style)
Just because you’re budgeting doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing style. Here are some ways North Texas couples save without skimping:
Opt for a weekday or Sunday wedding or an off Peak Date (We offer lower pricing on these days)
DIY your décor or florals
Skip a full bar in favor of wine, beer, and a signature cocktail
Rent a wedding dress or buy pre-loved
Choose a small wedding venue like La Vida at Harmony Ranch—our scenic location creates big visual impact without big expense
9. Communicate with Vendors
Be upfront with your vendors about your budget. Many are willing to customize packages or suggest creative solutions to keep you on track.
Working with local Fort Worth vendors? Ask for recommendations! We’ve built strong relationships with photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, and more who understand the North Texas market—and know how to deliver excellence within budget.
10. Focus on What the Day Is Really About
It’s easy to get caught up in the “wedding industry” pressure. But at the end of the day, this is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. A smaller, intentional, beautifully curated wedding will always be more memorable than one that breaks the bank.
Why Couples Love Budget-Conscious Weddings at La Vida at Harmony Ranch
Located just outside Fort Worth, La Vida at Harmony Ranch offers the charm of a rustic ranch wedding with all the benefits of modern amenities. We help DFW couples design weddings that are meaningful, beautiful, and budget-friendly.
With our all-inclusive small wedding packages, flexible options, and family owned passion and caring, we’re here to make your wedding day joyful and unforgettable. …. and guests love the alpacas here at the ranch (see pic below)
Photo Credit: Karen Burrows Photography
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're an engaged couple in Fort Worth, Dallas, or anywhere in North Texas, we’d love to show you how magical (and affordable!) your wedding day can be.
🌐 Visit us at our website for more info on Pricing, FAQ, and to schedule a tour. For More Inspiration, visit our INSTAGRAM page.
La Vida at Harmony Ranch
Where Intimate Weddings Meet Big Love
La Vida at Harmony Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog: Vineyard at St. Charles, Century Farms, Rough & Ready Vineyards, The Gathering Place, The Ballroom at Parklane.
