Where to Save and Where to Splurge: A Wedding Planner’s Guide to Budgeting Wisely
Where to save and where to splurge, a question that has a completely different answer for each couple we’ve worked with at Claudia and Co. Although everyone will have different opinions on what matters most to them, there are some specific areas that most wedding planners and event professionals can agree on when it comes to this question.
At the beginning of working with a planner, the topic of budget will come up. For some couples, they will have independently come up with how much they are willing to spend, and for others, this will be a process done in connection with their planner.
Weddings can look entirely different depending on how your budget is allocated. That’s why one of the most important parts of planning is deciding—early on—what truly matters to you as a couple. When you and your planner are intentional about those priorities, your wedding becomes not just beautiful, but uniquely yours.
To help you make confident, well-aligned choices, let’s break down where it’s worth investing a little more and where you can save without sacrificing style or experience.
Where to Splurge on Your Wedding (According to a Planner)
Photography & Videography
Image From: Justyna Sokolowski
The first place that is so important, and where some couples fall into the trap of wondering if it's not worth it, is photography and videography. Yes, we know the first thing that comes to mind here is that it is, and can sometimes be, a tad intimidating to see how much of your budget may go toward savouring the moments for later. But trust us when we say: you will never regret investing in a quality photographer.
This investment will have a long-lasting impact. You will only have this day once, and you’ll want something to look back on. These are memories that will last forever. Prices can be daunting at first, but think of the value they bring, they’re capturing the story of your day in a way nothing else can.
Vendor Spotlight: Justyna Sokolowski
It was a pleasure working with Justyna Sokolowski on Miriam and Dusan’s wedding at The Arlington Estate. Her ability to capture both intimate moments and bold design details made her the perfect fit for this celebration.
From the bride’s three dress changes to the personalized seating wall, Justyna’s photography brought every element to life. If you’re planning a wedding in the GTA and looking for a photographer who blends elegant style with genuine emotion, we highly recommend working with her.
View more of Justyna’s work: Justyna Sokolowski
📍 Based in: Toronto, ON
Venue
Image From: Beautiful Life Studios & Graydon Hall Manor
The second thing we recommend spending a little extra on, perhaps surprisingly, is your venue. For many, this might seem like an unexpected choice, but investing in the right venue can actually save you time, money, and stress in other areas.
When you book a naturally beautiful or well-serviced space, you don’t need to overdecorate or reinvent it. Think: great lighting, a scenic location, and built-in amenities like catering, a bar, or even rentals. These things can make a huge difference and cut down on extra expenses.
Of course, stick to the budget you’ve set, but be thoughtful about what your venue already offers, especially when it comes to lighting and layout. A well-chosen venue can become the foundation for everything else to fall into place.
Venue Spotlight: Graydon Hall Manor
Graydon Hall Manor is one of those rare venues that combines historic charm with modern elegance. We’ve worked here many times, and each wedding day feels like a fresh opportunity to bring a couple’s vision to life.
If you’re planning a wedding in Toronto or the GTA and looking for a venue, we recommend checking out Graydon Hall Manor.
Visit The Venue: Graydon Hall Manor
📍 Based in: Toronto, ON
Catering
Monika & Shawn’s Wedding: Image From @cristina_velasco_photography &@heirloomtoronto
One area we are truly passionate about, not cutting corners on, is the food.
Weddings often revolve around the meal, dinner, dessert, and late-night snacks, so it’s essential to allocate a meaningful portion of your budget to catering. When choosing a caterer, be intentional about the guest experience and your personal preferences as a couple.
Consider the foods and drinks that you both genuinely enjoy. It’s your wedding day, and every menu item should reflect your tastes. Guests always remember the food. With much of the celebration centred around dining and dancing, it’s an experience that deserves thoughtful planning.
If you envision a traditional seated dinner, prioritize that in your budget and look for a caterer (or venue that offers catering inside their packages) that can deliver a high-quality dining experience.
If you’re going for something more relaxed and modern, consider a beautifully styled grazing table or charcuterie board as your appetizer.
Vendor Spotlight: Heirloom Fine Foods
We had the pleasure of working with Heirloom Fine Foods for Monika and Shawn’s wedding, and the experience truly reminded us of the importance of really well-done food. From the grazing table that was so beautifully put together to the dishes handed out that were truly phenomenal, this was proof that food can be both artful and deeply delicious. If you're looking for a caterer who values quality, Heirloom Fine Foods is a standout choice.
Visit The Website: Heirloom Fine Foods
📍Based in: Toronto, ON
Entertainment
Image From: @everlastingmoments
Entertainment plays a huge role in how your wedding feels, from start to finish. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a DJ or band that can keep the energy alive throughout the night. We’ve all been to events where the music made the night festive and fun, and others where it fell flat. Don’t settle. The right entertainment keeps the dance floor full and the vibe just right.
You want a professional who can read the room, build momentum, and keep guests on the dance floor from the first song to the last. Music sets the tone for the entire evening, so choose someone who will keep the energy flowing all night long!
Claudia and Co Wedding Tip: Think About Entertainment For The Whole Night
Entertainment sets the tone for more than just the dance party, it shapes the entire guest experience. Live music during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner can create an atmosphere for the evening. Imagine a string quartet as guests arrive, an acoustic duo during cocktail hour, or a jazz trio setting the tone for dinner conversations.
Where to Save on Your Wedding Without Sacrificing Style
Stationery & Invitations
Image From: Mango Studios & La Belle Fleur & Pink Peony Press
One of the most common areas we’re seeing couples save money on these days is stationery and invitations. While years ago it was customary to send formal, printed invitations through the mail, things are shifting. Many couples still choose to send traditional mail, but there are now more budget-conscious options.
One way to save is by going digital; sending your save-the-dates or RSVPs online can cut costs significantly. Others choose to DIY their paper invites, designing and printing them at home or through affordable printing services. This way, you're still mailing out beautiful invitations but saving a few hundred dollars by handling the styling and assembly yourself.
Every couple is different, and so is every budget. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making thoughtful decisions that align with your priorities and help you stay within budget.
Claudia and Co Wedding Tip: If You Choose To DIY, Do It With Care
DIY can be a fun and meaningful way to personalize your wedding, but it only works well when it's done with intention and planning. Start by choosing one or two elements that feel manageable, like your wedding invites, paper menus, or a small welcome sign. Use templates from platforms like Canva or Etsy to get a professional look without starting from scratch.
Give yourself a realistic timeline and budget for supplies, and do a test run early to avoid surprises. If you're printing at home, use quality paper and ink, and consider investing in a good paper cutter for clean edges.
Wedding Favors
Monika & Shawn’s Wedding: Image From @cristina_velasco_photography
As we head into the 2026 wedding season, wedding favours are becoming less and less common. While they can be a lovely way to thank your guests and send them home with a small token, many of these items often go unused and are left behind, making this one of the simplest places to cut back on costs.
If you and your partner are set on including a small gift at the end of the night, we recommend keeping favours in one of these three categories: edible, local, or personal. This way, you’re offering something guests are more likely to enjoy or actually use.
For destination weddings, consider gifting something that reflects the location. And if you're hosting in your hometown, choose something meaningful or personalized. Either way, this is an area where you can absolutely choose to save without sacrificing the overall experience.
A Wedding Story: Wedding Favours With A Twist
At Monika and Shawn’s wedding, one of the most memorable moments came right after their speeches, fireball shots to get the party started with a burst of energy and fun! This lively decision didn’t just set the tone for the night; it also gave guests a shared experience that felt like a gift in itself.
Moments like these can play the role of a favour without the cost or clutter of a physical gift.
Dessert Table or Cake
Image From: Mango Studios & Fine Cakes by Zehra & Pink Peony Press
Especially if you don’t see yourselves as a “cake couple,” there’s no need to splurge on a towering wedding cake just because it’s traditional. Instead, opt for a smaller cake just for the two of you, paired with a variety of hand-held desserts for your guests. It’s often more cost-effective and more fun.
Many couples today are choosing bite-sized dessert spreads, think donuts, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, or even churros. The options are endless, and this style creates a more interactive (and Instagram-worthy!) dessert experience.
Still not sure? Take a peek at our 2025 Wedding Dessert Trends Blog for inspiration on desserts other than cake!
Décor Overload
Image From: Mango Studios
The final area where many wedding planners agree you can save money is decor. If you've chosen a venue with natural light and built-in beauty, you don’t need to go overboard decorating every corner. Instead, focus on a few high-impact moments, like a ceremony arch or an elevated head table lined with florals and let the venue’s natural beauty do the rest.
If florals are a must-have for you, consider being strategic. Reusing your ceremony flowers for the reception is a great time- and budget-saving move, especially if you have a wedding planner who can handle the transition quickly after the ceremony.
Claudia and Co Wedding Tip: Rent Statement Decor
Instead of buying all your decor, consider renting key statement pieces like acrylic chairs, unique tables, or striking ceremony arches. Renting lets you bring high-impact style to your wedding without the full price tag or long-term commitment, and it’s a more sustainable choice too.
TL;DR
Splurge On: Photography/videography, venue, catering, and entertainment
Save On: Stationery, favours, desserts, and decor
Focus on what matters most to you and your partner
Let your venue and vendors do the heavy lifting where possible
Reuse ceremony florals, go digital for RSVPs, and skip the towering cake if it’s not your vibe
It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making thoughtful, aligned choices that fit your values and budget
Let’s Plan It Together
Ready to take the next step? Our full-service planning package includes custom budgeting support, vendor matchmaking, and design management so you can enjoy the entire process, from start to finish.