Wedding Budget Breakdown: How to Stay on Track Without Sacrificing Your Dream Day

Let’s be real: weddings can get expensive, fast. But here's the good news — with a thoughtful plan, clear priorities, and a little support (hi, that's me!), you can have a stunning, meaningful celebration without blowing your budget.

Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard gathering or a vibrant destination affair, budgeting wisely is all about intention. Let’s break it down, step by step.

Step One: Start with Your Total Budget

Before you dive into dream venues and floral inspiration boards, figure out your overall budget. This might come from savings, help from family, or a combination. Be honest about your financial comfort zone — your future selves will thank you!

Step Two: Know the Big Categories

On average, here’s how couples tend to divide their wedding budget:

• Venue & Catering: 40–50%

• Photography/Videography: 10–15%

• Attire & Beauty: 5–10%

• Florals & Decor: 8–10%

• Planner/Coordinator: 8–10%

• Entertainment (DJ/Band): 5–10%

• Stationery (Invites, signage, etc.): 2–3%

• Misc. & Emergency Fund: 5%

This is just a guide — your actual breakdown should reflect what matters most to you.

Step Three: Prioritize What You Value

Want a live band and a killer dance floor? Allocate more there. Dreaming of a flower-covered arch straight out of a fairytale? Go big on blooms. You don’t have to spend equally on every category — spend meaningfully.

💡 Planner tip: Each couple’s priorities are different. I help my clients highlight those must-haves early, so your budget supports your biggest dreams — not the trends that don’t serve you.

Step Four: Track Every Expense (Yes, Even the Small Ones)

Little things add up quickly — favors, postage, cake toppers, vendor tips. Whether you’re spreadsheet-savvy or need a custom planning tool (psst — I can help with that!), keep every cost accounted for so nothing sneaks up on you.

Step Five: Have a Buffer

Things change. Quotes shift. You fall in love with that velvet lounge set you didn’t think you needed. Set aside 5–10% of your total budget as a cushion so you’re prepared for unexpected (but fabulous) splurges.

Step Six: Consider a Planner as a Budget Saver, Not a Splurge

Think of a wedding planner as a financial GPS — guiding you away from dead-ends, negotiating where it counts, and keeping your money aligned with your vision. I help my clients avoid costly mistakes and find budget-friendly alternatives that still wow.

Final Thought:

Your wedding should feel like you — and with a smart, values-based budget, it absolutely can. If you're dreaming big and want help staying grounded (without giving up the magic), I’d love to chat.

Schedule a free consultation to talk through how Forever Sunshine Events can help make your wedding planning journey joyful and budget-friendly!

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Colors & Themes

By Forever Sunshine Events

One of the first big choices couples face when planning their wedding is choosing a color palette and overall theme. It sets the mood, informs your design decisions, and helps your big day feel cohesive, intentional, and so you. As a wedding planner who adores dreamy details and starry vibes, I'm here to help you navigate the world of color and theme with confidence — and maybe even a little cosmic magic. 🌙💫

First, What’s the Difference Between a Theme and a Color Palette?

A wedding theme is the overall style or vibe of the wedding — think celestial romance, boho garden, vintage glam, modern minimalism, etc.
A color palette is the selection of hues that appear throughout your event — from flowers to attire to table settings and signage.

Some couples start with a theme and build their colors around it. Others fall in love with a color combo first and develop the theme later. There’s no wrong way to do it!

Popular Wedding Themes We’re Loving

Here are some timeless and trending themes to spark your inspiration:

Celestial & Ethereal (a Forever Sunshine Favorite)

Think: starlight, moon phases, dreamy twilight tones, and soft iridescent textures.
Color palette ideas: Deep navy, dusty lavender, silver, champagne, gold accents
Incorporate through:

• Star- and moon-shaped décor (think table numbers or escort cards)

• Celestial patterns on invitations or linens

• Crystals, candlelight, and dreamy lighting for ambiance

• Gowns with subtle shimmer or tulle overlays

Romantic Garden Party

Think: lush blooms, vintage charm, and fairy-tale softness.
Color palette ideas: Blush, sage, cream, mauve, dusty blue
Incorporate through:

• Floral-forward décor with cascading centerpieces or floral arches

• Vintage-inspired tableware and soft draping

• Garden venue or greenhouse

• Soft pastel attire and fresh floral accessories

Modern & Minimalist

Think: sleek lines, crisp neutrals, and intentional simplicity.
Color palette ideas: White, black, stone, soft beige, muted metallics
Incorporate through:

• Architectural or modern venues (like art galleries)

• Monochrome tablescapes and clean signage

• Bold structural floral design or greenery-forward arrangements

• Minimalist gowns or suits with clean silhouettes

Jewel-Toned Boho

Think: rich colors, eclectic textures, and a free-spirited vibe.
Color palette ideas: Emerald, plum, terracotta, amber, indigo
Incorporate through:

• Mismatched vintage rugs, macrame details, and wood accents

• Wildflower-style bouquets with bold blooms

• Velvet table runners and colored glassware

• Laid-back attire and ceremony seating with personality

Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Palette

Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s how to narrow it down:

• Look to your venue. Does it have strong colors or a natural backdrop to build around?

• Consider the season. Certain hues shine in different times of year (think rich colors for fall, pastels for spring).

• Think about your wardrobe. What colors do you love wearing? What will flatter your skin tones?

• Build with balance. Pair bold colors with neutrals or accent shades for contrast.

• Mood matters. Soft tones = romantic. Bold tones = dramatic. Earth tones = grounded and organic.

How to Bring Your Theme + Colors to Life

Once you’ve chosen your theme and colors, it’s time to infuse them into your wedding design. Here’s how:

Décor

• Use florals, signage, table linens, and candles in your palette

• Add themed touches like celestial mirrors, antique lanterns, or modern arches

Flowers

• Ask your florist to focus on seasonal blooms in your color range

• Add texture through greenery, dried elements, or sparkle with painted florals or crystals

Attire

• Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses within your color family

• Groomsmen ties or pocket squares in accent shades

• Statement accessories like celestial hairpieces or velvet shoes in your colors

Final Thought: Your Wedding Should Feel Like You

Whether you lean into a dreamy starlit theme or a bold and vibrant boho day, your wedding design should reflect your love story. Don’t be afraid to blend ideas or create something entirely new. The best weddings are the ones that feel personal, thoughtful, and a little bit magical.

And if you need help bringing your vision to life — from color palettes to perfect vendor matches — I’d be honored to help.

🌙✨
With love,
Raelynn
Owner + Lead Planner, Forever Sunshine Events

How to Choose Your Dream Wedding Venue: A Wedding Planner’s Expert Tips

Finding your dream wedding venue is one of the most exciting (and important!) parts of planning your big day. The venue you choose will shape everything — from your overall aesthetic to your guest experience — and it’s often one of the very first decisions you’ll make.

As a wedding planner, we have the joy of helping couples discover venues that not only look beautiful but also feel right for them. Along the way, I’ve learned a few key tips that can help you navigate the search with confidence, excitement, and clarity.

Ready to find your perfect backdrop? Here’s what I always recommend to my couples when beginning the venue hunt!

1. Start With Your Wedding Vision

Before you start touring spaces or scrolling through endless venue directories, take a step back and ask yourself: How do I want my wedding to feel?

Are you dreaming of a romantic garden party, a glamorous ballroom celebration, or a laid-back beachside gathering? Defining your wedding’s style and vibe will help you quickly narrow down your options. It’s much easier to find “the one” when you know what you’re looking for.

Planner Tip: Create a Pinterest board or a simple mood board to visually capture the feeling you want. You’ll start to see patterns — like lots of lush florals, fairy lights, rustic wood, or modern clean lines — that can guide your venue choices!

2. Know Your Guest Count Early

It might feel early to start thinking about your guest list, but having a realistic number in mind is crucial. You don’t need an exact final count yet — just a good estimate.

Venues typically have minimums and maximums, and the last thing you want is to fall in love with a charming space that simply can’t fit your entire guest list (or feels too empty with a smaller one).

Planner Tip:

Your guest count isn’t just a number — it’s the foundation for finding a venue that truly fits the energy and intimacy of your day.

3. Understand Your Budget Boundaries

Budgeting can feel intimidating, but understanding your total budget — and what portion you’re comfortable allocating toward the venue — will save you so much stress later on.

Some venues seem affordable at first glance but come with hidden costs like service charges, required vendor minimums, or extra fees for setup and breakdown. Others offer beautiful all-inclusive packages that can actually save you money.

Planner Tip:
Always ask for a detailed list of what’s included in the venue rental: tables, chairs, linens, parking, staff, and setup time. Knowing these details helps you accurately compare options and avoid surprises later.

4. Consider Logistics and Guest Experience

It’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of a venue — but don’t forget to think about practical logistics too!

Ask yourself:

• Is there easy parking or shuttle service for guests?

• Are there nearby hotels or accommodations?

• Is the space accessible for elderly or disabled guests?

• What’s the plan for bad weather if part of the event is outdoors?

Planner Tip:

Dreamy garden ceremonies are magical — but having a solid rain plan will let you relax and enjoy your day, no matter what the weather brings.

5. Ask the Right Questions During Venue Tours

When you visit venues, it’s not just about seeing the space — it’s about understanding what you’re signing up for. Come prepared with a few key questions to ask:

• How many hours are included in the rental?

• When can setup begin?

• Are there restrictions on décor, music, or vendors?

• What does the venue provide vs. what do you need to rent separately?

• Is there an exclusive vendor list or can you bring your own team?

Taking notes during each tour can help you stay organized and compare venues objectively once the emotions settle.

6. Trust Your Gut (and Your Planner!)

At the end of the day, choosing a venue isn’t just a checklist decision — it’s an emotional one, too. Pay attention to how you feel when you step onto the property. Can you imagine celebrating there, surrounded by your favorite people?

If you’re working with a wedding planner (hi, that’s me!), lean on their expertise to ask the tough questions, notice the little details, and think through logistics you might not have considered. A planner’s insight can help you feel confident you're making the best choice for your style, budget, and guest experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right venue is about more than just finding a beautiful location — it’s about setting the stage for one of the most important days of your life. By staying true to your vision, being realistic about logistics and budget, and asking the right questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a venue that feels like "home" for your celebration.

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to do this alone. I'd love to help you find the dream venue that fits your unique vision and brings your wedding day to life with ease and joy.
👉 Contact Forever Sunshine Events today to start planning your perfect day!

Choosing the Right Wedding Planner for Your Big Day: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

Wedding planning is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming journey—especially when it feels like there’s so much to do and so little time! One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process is choosing the right wedding planner to help bring your vision to life. But with so many options out there, how do you know which planner is the best fit for your unique needs and style?

Section 1: Understanding the Different Types of Wedding Planners

Not all wedding planners are the same. Here are a few key types of planners you might come across:

• Full-Service Planner: These planners handle every aspect of your wedding, from designing the overall theme to managing every vendor and detail. If you want someone to handle everything from start to finish, a full-service planner might be right for you!

• Month-Of or Day-Of Coordinator: These planners step in closer to the wedding day, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day itself. If you’ve done most of the planning and just need help with execution, a coordinator is the way to go.

• Partial Planner: This type of planner offers a little bit of both worlds, working with you for certain aspects of the planning while giving you the freedom to take care of others.

Section 2: Consider Your Wedding Style and Vision

Every couple has their own wedding style, and it’s important to choose a planner who understands and embraces your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate garden wedding, a glamorous ballroom affair, or a celestial-themed celebration, your wedding planner should be able to bring that vision to life. Look for planners who have experience with the style or theme you’re interested in and ask to see their portfolio or past work.

Section 3: Look for a Planner Who Understands Your Priorities

Wedding planners have different strengths and specialties, so it’s essential to find someone who understands your priorities. For example:

• If sticking to your budget is your main priority, make sure the planner has experience with budget management.

• If your wedding is going to have a lot of DIY elements, look for someone who’s comfortable with managing hands-on details and can help keep things organized.

• If you’re looking for an elevated and luxurious experience, you’ll want a planner who can curate a high-end experience while still staying within your vision and budget.

Section 4: Ask the Right Questions During Your Consultation

When you meet with potential planners, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Here are some key ones to ask during your consultation:

1. What’s your experience with weddings like mine?

2. How do you handle budgeting, and can you help me stay within my budget?

3. What’s your process for managing vendors, and how do you handle conflicts or challenges on the day?

4. Can you share examples of weddings you’ve planned that align with my vision?

5. How do you communicate with clients throughout the planning process?

6. What are your fees, and what’s included in your pricing?

Section 5: Trust Your Gut and Build a Connection

Choosing a wedding planner is as much about the personal connection as it is about their skills and experience. You’ll be working closely with this person throughout your entire planning process, so it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to understand your needs. Trust your gut and make sure you feel like they genuinely care about making your wedding day as special as you envision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the planning process, but with the right questions and a clear vision of what you want, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect planner to bring your dream wedding to life. Remember, it’s not just about the details—it’s about finding someone who will share in your excitement, support you through every decision, and make sure your wedding day is everything you’ve imagined.

Feeling ready to start planning your dream wedding? I’d love to help! Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and let’s make your wedding day everything you’ve imagined and more.