Once you have set the budget, it is important to strictly stay on budget.  A wedding planner budget advice to the above break down is to not spend more than you'd anticipated in one area unless you can cut back by that amount in another area.  In order to avoid any surprises, don't budget for fewer guests than you invited. It's better to overestimate.  Also when hiring vendors and making decisions, don't agree to any upgrades, such as colored table linens, fancy chair covers, etc. without first asking if they cost extra.

In budgeting and planning a wedding there are a few things that a wedding planner will advise clients never to do.  A wedding planner advises never to go into debt to plan a wedding.  To start off a new beginning with debt can only cause stress and disappointment to a happy occasion.  Instead have an intimate celebration and save up for a bigger event that can be held in a year or two.  Don’t charge all your wedding expenses to a credit card unless you are sure that you can pay off statement in full each month.