Nobody likes thinking about budgets when planning a party. It can feel awkward, especially if multiple people are involved in the planning and payment process. However, setting a budget and sticking to it can bring calm and clarity to the entire experience. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to create a budget, track expenses, and stick to it—so you can avoid those uncomfortable moments of asking the mother-in-law or a long-distance friend to chip in an extra $100 at the last minute.

Creating a Budget for a Successful Bridal Shower

Step 1: Identify What’s Most Important to the Bride

Talk to the bride and pinpoint the key elements she wants at her shower. Does she prefer a unique venue or a cozy, intimate gathering? Would she rather have a homemade meal prepared by family or a stress-free catering option? Prioritizing her wishes will help allocate funds where they matter most.

Step 2: Understand Her Traditions and Expectations

Continue the conversation with the bride to manage realistic expectations. Does she love traditional bridal shower games? Are there specific customs she wants to incorporate? Being on the same page will ensure the budget aligns with the final vision.

Step 3: Estimate the Guest Count

A solid guest list estimate is crucial. The number of attendees impacts venue choice, food expenses, and overall budget. A smaller gathering (20-30 guests) might fit in a backyard, whereas a larger event (75+ guests) likely requires a rented venue and professional catering.

Step 4: Determine Who’s Contributing Financially

Early on, identify who will be financially contributing to the bridal shower. Open and clear communication is key. There are a few ways to handle shared expenses:

• One person pays for a specific element (e.g., the mother-in-law covers the venue, the mother pays for food, and the bridal party handles decorations, games, and favors).
• Costs are split evenly among a small group. If this is the case, track expenses meticulously and set realistic expectations for each contributor.
• Typically, the bride’s and groom’s families contribute more than the bridal party. A good strategy is to determine the family’s budget first and then divide the remaining costs among the bridal party.

Step 5: Be Transparent with the Bride

Once you have a clear idea of priorities, finances, and contributors, discuss the budget with the bride. This helps her manage expectations and ensures she supports you throughout the planning process.

Step 6: Use a Budget Tracker

Don’t rely on memory alone! Keeping track of expenses in a spreadsheet is essential. If multiple people are making purchases, using an online tracker allows everyone to update it in real-time. At That’s My Vibe Designs, we understand the importance of both time and money, which is why we created a free budget planner to help keep your spending on track. You can check it out here.

Step 7: Utilize Venmo Groups

Venmo offers a great feature where you can create a group to share, track, and pay expenses. If one person covers the food bill, they can add it to the group and split the cost instantly. This eliminates the need for awkward group texts or reminders—it’s all transparent and easy to manage in one place.

Step 8: DIY Where It Makes Sense

Consider incorporating DIY elements to save money. Handmade decorations, digital invitations, or a homemade dessert table can add personal touches while keeping costs down. Just be mindful of time—DIY should be fun, not stressful!

Step 9: Look for Discounts and Bundle Deals

Many vendors offer discounts for booking early, bundling services, or referring friends. Check for package deals on venue rentals, catering, or décor. Also, don’t forget to use coupons and shop sales for decorations and party favors.

Step 10: Set Aside a Contingency Fund

Unexpected costs can pop up, whether it’s extra guests RSVPing last-minute or needing a backup plan for bad weather. Set aside 5-10% of your budget as a cushion to cover any surprises without stress.

Final Thoughts

Creating a budget may seem like an extra step, but it ultimately ensures a smooth and stress-free bridal shower planning process. With clear priorities, open communication, and smart expense tracking, you can host a beautiful event without unexpected financial surprises.

Happy planning!

Morgan & Nicole

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