Wedding Budget Planner: A Comprehensive Planning Guide (2025)

Right then, let's talk wedding budget calculators for 2025 - and trust me, they're properly useful these days. Speaking as someone who has helped countless Midlands couples sort out their big day finances, these digital tools are exactly what you need to keep everything ship-shape.

The numbers don't lie - you're typically looking at 40-50% of your budget going on venue and reception (and yes, that includes those lovely barn conversions we've got dotted around Leicestershire), 30-40% for feeding everyone and keeping them entertained, and 20-25% for your wedding party bits and bobs.

What I like about these modern calculators is the automated expense monitoring - it's like having a sensible mate watching your spending. No more scratching your head over wedding budget spreadsheets or wondering where all the money's gone. The system tracks everything, from the deposit you've put down on the photographer to that last-minute order of confetti.

The clever bit is the contingency planning feature. Because let's be honest, there's always something that crops up - whether it's extra chairs needed or your auntie's sudden dietary requirements. These tools factor in the wiggle room you'll need, plus they adjust for the actual costs of things in different parts of the country.

It's a proper streamlined, stress-free process - no fancy faff, just practical tools that work on your phone or laptop. And before you ask, yes, you can customise everything to match what you actually need, not what some glossy magazine reckons you should have.

Many wedding budget planners are completely free, with no hidden fees, making them accessible for everyone. You can download a free template compatible with both Excel and Google Sheets, allowing you to start planning immediately using whichever platform suits you best.

Introduction to Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is an exciting journey, but it can quickly become overwhelming without a clear plan in place. One of the first and most important steps is creating a wedding budget. A well-structured wedding budget acts as your financial roadmap, helping you prioritise what matters most and avoid unnecessary stress as you plan your big day.

Using a free wedding budget template is a fantastic way to stay organised and keep track of every expense, from the venue to the smallest details. This helpful tool allows you to break down your spending, monitor your progress, and make informed decisions at every stage of the planning process. By mapping out your budget early, you can confidently manage your guest list, select the perfect venue, and ensure that your wedding day is both memorable and financially manageable.

With a wedding budget template, you'll have everything you need to create a celebration that reflects your vision—without any post-wedding financial surprises.

Key Takeaways

• Digital wedding calculators provide real-time tracking, customisable categories, and automatic updates to streamline financial planning throughout the wedding process.

• Allocate 35-45% for venue and catering, 10-15% for photography, 10-15% for decor, 5-10% for attire, and 5-15% for contingencies.

• Interactive budget tools enable couples to compare estimated costs with actual expenses, facilitating transparent communication with vendors.

• Plan for hidden expenses, such as service charges (20-25%), gratuities (10-20%), and vendor meals (£20-50 per person).

• Mobile-friendly budget apps offer cloud-based accessibility, spending alerts, and user-friendly interfaces for on-the-go planning adjustments. Incorporating a checklist into your digital planning helps you stay on track with tasks and expenses.

Why Use Budget Calculators

Clarity in financial planning sets the foundation for a successful wedding celebration. When investing in one of life's most meaningful moments, a wedding budget calculator offers essential budgeting benefits that streamline your planning process.

These interactive tools provide accurate cost estimates based on industry averages, helping you create a realistic framework for your celebration while maintaining financial transparency throughout your journey. They allow you to track every detail of your wedding budget, ensuring that no small element or expense is overlooked. Early planning will enable you to secure your preferred vendors within budget parameters.

You'll appreciate how budget calculators automatically update and adjust as you refine your vision, offering precise breakdowns of expected costs across all wedding categories. They're designed to help you and your partner make educated choices about everything from venue selection to floral arrangements, ensuring you allocate your resources effectively. The intuitive no-code interface makes it simple to customise calculations without technical expertise, empowering you to take charge of your wedding budget.

The calculator's customisation features let you prioritise elements that matter most to your celebration. Whether dreaming of an elaborate reception or an intimate gathering, you can adjust variables to reflect your unique preferences while maintaining control over your spending. This level of control empowers you to create the wedding of your dreams within your budget.

As your plans evolve, the calculator adapts, helping you identify areas where you might need to scale back or where you have room to enhance your celebration. Most importantly, these tools facilitate clear communication between you, your partner, and your wedding vendors.

Creating a Wedding Budget Plan

To kick off your wedding planning, start by setting your total wedding budget. This overall wedding budget will guide every decision you make, from the venue to the catering and beyond. Once you know your total amount, use a wedding budget spreadsheet to break down your expenses into various categories, such as venue, catering, photography, attire, and other related costs.

A wedding budget planner is a fantastic way to track both your estimated costs and actual expenses, helping you stay organised and avoid overspending. By regularly updating your wedding budget spreadsheet, you can see exactly where your money is going and make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources. Don't forget to factor in the number of guests, as your guest count will directly impact your catering and venue costs. Creating a detailed plan and tracking your spending ensures you stay on top of your budget, making the entire planning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Wedding Cost Components

You'll need to allocate the largest portion of your wedding budget to core expenses like venue rental and reception costs, which typically consume 40-50% of your total budget. Reception costs for a typical wedding can average £7,500. It's essential to include all suppliers and their associated costs in your budget to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Your wedding party expenses, including attire, accessories, and beauty services, will constitute another significant investment that requires careful planning and consideration. The average dress and suit cost starts at £1,000 for basic options.

The final major component involves catering and entertainment services, where you must balance food quality, beverage options, and professional entertainment to create the perfect celebration atmosphere. When planning your reception, be sure to track the details of your wedding suppliers, including pricing and contact information, to ensure transparency and facilitate easy communication.

Venue and Reception Costs

When planning your wedding celebration, venue and reception costs typically represent the largest portion of your budget, accounting for approximately 45% of total expenses. As you explore venue selection strategies, you'll find that average costs range from £4,100 to £20,000, depending on your location, with the national average hovering around £12,800.

For example, in the USA, the San Francisco metro area leads venue pricing nationwide, with a median price of $ 33,697 for full reception packages. Your venue choice will significantly impact your reception layout options and overall expenses. Banquet halls remain popular, followed by rustic settings like farms and barns. The guest count is a primary factor in determining the final venue costs. It's essential to decide on the number of guests you plan to invite early on, as knowing the number of attendees helps you accurately plan your budget and transportation logistics.

Back in the UK, venue pricing leads nationwide, with significant regional variations, ranging from an average of £36,778 in London to £19,387 in Scotland and £15,529 in Wales for full wedding costs, which include the venue.

Your venue choice will significantly impact your reception layout options and overall expenses. Popular venues in the UK include historic manor houses, rustic settings like farms and barns, and exclusive-use estates. For example:

• Brinsop Court Manor House & Barn offers a 14th-century moated manor house with multiple wedding ceremony spots and accommodation options.

• Dodford Manor boasts historic barns and outdoor spaces, accommodating up to 170 guests.

• Merrydale Manor offers a grand estate with an indoor civil ceremony space and a purpose-built events space within acres of parkland.

The average UK wedding now costs £24,710, with venue expenses taking a substantial portion of the budget. Your guest count directly affects these costs, as larger venues like Thornton Manor can host up to 2,000 guests, while smaller venues have more limited capacity. Most couples opt for banquet halls, with farms and barns following as popular choices.

You'll need to factor in several key expenses: base venue rental at £8,700, catering services at £7,600, bar service at £3,911, and essential rentals like tables and chairs at £2,892. Your costs will also include decorative elements - floral arrangements average £933, while table centrepieces typically cost £572.

You can reduce costs by bundling vendor services and booking during off-peak seasons. Your final guest list will impact all these expenses, so it's worth confirming attendance numbers early in the planning process.

Don't overlook additional venue-related costs in your budget calculations. Often-overlooked expenses include service tips at £642 and venue accessories at £511.

Wedding Party Expenses

Wedding party expenses form a significant slice of your total celebration budget, typically accounting for 20-25% of overall costs.

When planning your wedding party attire, you'll need to consider multiple outfits, ranging from the bride's gown, which typically costs £ 1,500- £ 3,000, to bridesmaid dresses, which average £100-£200 per person. Some brides choose to resell their wedding dress to recoup some of the money spent.

Groomsmen attire can add another £1,000-£3,000 to your budget.

Don't overlook the smaller but essential elements, such as flower girl dresses and ring bearer outfits, which typically cost between £50 and £100.

Professional hair and makeup services for the wedding party typically range from £150 to £300 per person, ensuring everyone looks picture-perfect on your special day.

Working with a wedding planner can help ensure the smooth execution of wedding party coordination and attire selection.

Your wedding party costs extend beyond attire.

You'll want to factor in groomsmen gifts and other tokens of appreciation for those standing by your side.

Additional accessories, such as jewellery (averaging £360), complement the overall look.

Remember to budget for any specialised items your wedding party might need, such as specific shoes or matching accessories.

Reflect on whether you'll cover these costs or ask your wedding party members to contribute, as this decision significantly impacts your overall budget.

Catering and Entertainment Services

Catering and entertainment services are among the most substantial portions of your wedding budget, typically consuming 30-40% of total costs. When planning your catering budget, you'll find that the average price is approximately £85 per person, which varies depending on your guest count and the style of service.

Rising food costs and staffing challenges have driven a £10 increase in per-person catering costs since 2022.

Current catering trends indicate that 61% of couples are accommodating dietary restrictions, while 64% are expanding beyond traditional wedding cakes to offer a variety of dessert options. Many couples prefer buffet-style service, representing approximately half of all wedding catering choices.

Your entertainment choices will significantly impact both your budget and guest experience. While live bands command £2,000-£5,000 and typically consume 12% of the wedding budget, DJs offer a more affordable alternative at £1,000-£2,500.

When evaluating entertainment options, consider that interactive food experiences, such as food stations or trucks, can serve as catering and entertainment elements.

To optimise your budget, consider combining service styles - perhaps offering a plated main course (£40 per person) with interactive dessert stations.

Expect higher catering costs for destination weddings, averaging £102 per person compared to £81 for hometown celebrations. In addition to these higher costs, be sure to include travel expenses for vendors and suppliers in your overall budget, as transportation, accommodations, and related fees can add up quickly for destination events.

Remember to factor in bar service, which starts at £15 per person, when calculating your total food and beverage expenses.

Wedding Attire and Decor Budgeting

When it comes to wedding attire and decor, it's important to allocate a realistic portion of your wedding budget to these categories. The wedding dress is often a significant investment, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. If you're looking to save money, consider renting your dress or choosing a simpler style that still makes you feel special.

Decorations, including flowers and lighting, can also add up quickly. To keep costs down, opt for seasonal flowers or get creative with DIY decor projects. Using a wedding budget calculator is a smart way to estimate your spending in these areas and ensure you're making informed decisions. By planning and tracking your expenses, you can create a beautiful atmosphere for your big day without breaking the bank.

Budget Percentages By Category

Understanding budget allocation across key categories helps ensure your resources are distributed effectively for successful wedding planning. You'll want to track expenses meticulously, starting with the most significant investments—your venue and catering—which typically consume 35-45% of your total budget. Package deals, including venue and catering, can offer attractive savings for budget-conscious couples.

To make your budgeting process more manageable, consider breaking down your savings goals by week. This approach helps you allocate funds steadily and stay on track to meet your wedding budget.

Your venue selection sets the foundation for your celebration, accounting for approximately 37% of your budget. This investment often includes essential amenities and may incorporate catering packages, typically requiring 28-29% of your total funds. When tracking these core expenses, remember that catering costs might encompass alcohol and cake services, depending on your venue's offerings. Setting aside 5-15% for contingencies will help cover any unexpected costs during planning.

Allocate 10-15% of your budget to photography and videography services to capture your precious moments. Professional documentation isn't an area where you'll want to compromise—skilled photographers typically command around 8% of your budget, ensuring your memories are preserved beautifully.

Your personal presentation deserves careful consideration. 5-10% should be dedicated to attire and beauty services, covering everything from your wedding dress to hair and makeup services. Finally, set aside 10-15% for decor and flowers, with specific floral arrangements accounting for 8-10% of the total budget. These visual elements create the ambience you're dreaming of and tie your entire celebration together.

Location-Based Price Adjustments

Location plays a pivotal role in your wedding budget calculations, with dramatic cost variations across different regions of the United States. The location impact is particularly stark when comparing states like Massachusetts, where weddings average $ 30,489, to Arkansas, where celebrations cost nearly $18,000 less. According to data, local weddings average £34,208.

Seven of the ten most affordable wedding destinations are in the South, while the Northeast commands premium pricing. Understanding regional pricing patterns is crucial for your planning process.

If you're considering an urban celebration, expect higher costs than rural venues. The San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metro area tops the charts at £33,697, while Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater offers a more modest average of £20,044. These metropolitan differences reflect broader market dynamics that directly affect your bottom line.

When faced with location-based price adjustments, you must evaluate your flexibility threshold. Current market data indicates hospitality costs have risen significantly, impacting venue pricing across all regions. Research shows that most couples can handle a 5-10% increase in venue costs, though you'll want to review any price escalation clauses in your contracts carefully.

Rather than changing venues - which fewer than 3% of couples do - you're more likely to adjust your budget to accommodate location-specific pricing. To navigate these regional variations effectively, thoroughly research the pricing norms in your target areas.

You'll want to compare multiple venues within your chosen region. Understand that urban locations typically command higher prices than their rural counterparts. When selecting your venue, remember to factor in potential price increases and negotiate clear terms regarding any possible adjustments.

Regional UK Wedding Spend Averages:

1. London: £19,223

2. North East: £13,042

3. North West: £13,036

4. Northern Ireland: £12,666

5. East Midlands: £13,347

6. East: £14,607

7. South East: £14,980

8. South West: £13,273

9. Scotland: £13,350

10. Wales: £12,871

11. West Midlands: £13,788

12. Yorkshire and the Humber: £13,140

Additional Insights:

• Average UK Wedding Cost (2024): £24,710

• Typical Venue Costs: £5,000

• Typical Catering Costs: £20-£40 per head

• Registry Office Wedding Costs: £50-£100 for the ceremony

• Peak Wedding Season (May to September): Prices increase

Hidden Wedding Expenses

When planning your wedding budget, you'll need to account for unexpected costs that may arise on your big day, such as last-minute alterations and weather contingency rentals. To avoid unexpected expenses, it's important to use planning tools like a spend tracker to stay organised, monitor your budget, and manage payments and tasks efficiently. The average price per guest is £75, which can dramatically impact your overall budget when unexpected plus-ones are added.

Service providers often include hidden fees beyond their base quotes, such as overtime charges, delivery fees, and mandatory gratuities, which can increase your expenses by 15-20%. Research shows that wedding day photography can range dramatically from £1,800 to £15,000, depending on package selection.

Your final budget should also incorporate potential last-minute add-ons, like rush fees for invitations, emergency vendor replacements, or additional rental items that become necessary closer to the event date.

Wedding Day Emergency Costs

Planning for wedding day emergencies can save you from unnecessary stress and unexpected costs that often catch couples off guard. When preparing your wedding kit essentials, you must allocate funds for preventive measures and potential day-of emergencies. Service charges between 18% and 22% from venues can quickly deplete emergency funds if not planned for in advance.

Thoughtful emergency fund allocation ensures you're ready for anything from wardrobe malfunctions to vendor overtime fees. A quality makeup eraser can prevent costly dress stains from ruined makeup.

Create a thorough emergency preparedness strategy by including these essential cost considerations:

1. Basic Emergency Kit: £75-150 for stain removers, pain relief products, beauty fixes, and first-aid supplies

2. Preventive Comfort Items: £50-100 for insoles, anti-blister products, and cooling devices

3. Vendor Overtime Buffer: £200-500 for potential extended hours with photographers or musicians

4. Cash Reserve: £300-500 for unexpected day-of expenses

Beyond the basics, you'll want to account for hidden service provider gratuities and last-minute vendor fees.

Designate a trusted attendant to manage your emergency kit and funds throughout the day. Consider setting aside 5-10% of your wedding budget specifically for unexpected situations, ensuring you're fully prepared for any surprises that might arise during your celebration.

Unexpected Service Provider Fees

Beyond emergency costs, your wedding budget faces a multitude of hidden fees from service providers that can significantly impact your bottom line.

Service provider transparency becomes crucial as you navigate license fees that vary dramatically by state, from £15 in Illinois to over £100 in Tennessee. You'll need to factor in substantial markups of 20% or more when choosing vendors not approved by your venue. Clean-up charges may apply when using non-full-service venues. Credit card swipe fees can increase your total costs when paying vendors.

You'll find that seemingly simple wedding services often hide unexpected expenses. While venues charge corkage fees up to £40 per bottle, they'll also add cake-cutting fees of £2-5 for each guest.

Your food and beverage costs will increase by 20-25% from service charges alone. Be prepared for overtime charges of £250 per hour and transport fees ranging from £50 to £500 for rentals.

The complexity of wedding services extends beyond basic costs. You're looking at gratuities (10-20%), meals for your venue (£0-£50 per person), and custom lighting arrangements (200-£2,500).

Most venues require wedding insurance (typically £100-500), and you'll need to account for vendor service extras, such as clothing alterations and delivery charges.

Each wedding vendor works independently, so you'll want to review every contract carefully. While individual charges may seem manageable, these often-overlooked costs can quickly add up and transform your wedding budget. Pay special attention to the fine print where many of these charges are detailed, and build a buffer into your budget to cover these additional expenses.

Last-Minute Add-On Expenses

Throughout the final stretch of wedding planning, you'll encounter a cascade of last-minute expenses that can throw even the most carefully crafted budget into disarray.

To shield yourself from these financial surprises, it's crucial to understand and anticipate common hidden costs that often emerge during the final weeks before your celebration.

Smart budgeting tips suggest creating a buffer for these last-minute surprises, particularly in four critical areas:

1. Vendor-Related Costs: Set aside at least £800 for gratuities and taxes, plus an additional 20% if you work with non-preferred vendors.

2. Guest Fluctuations: Plan for £75 per unexpected guest, including special dietary accommodations and last-minute RSVPs.

3. Weather Contingencies: Factor in potential costs for tents, heaters, or cooling systems to account for unexpected weather conditions.

4. Staff Accommodations: Include vendor meals and potential overtime fees in your calculations.

Remember to account for bridal undergarments (£100-300), transportation logistics, and emergency vendor replacements. Monthly budget reviews can help you stay on top of these emerging expenses. Basic wedding insurance coverage ranging from £125 to £550 can protect against unexpected venue damage or cancellations.

Wedding planning can throw unexpected costs your way, which is why you'll want to set aside a flexible emergency fund. Having 10% of your total budget reserved for last-minute surprises gives you peace of mind and practical protection. Think of it as your wedding day safety net - there to catch those unpredictable expenses that often pop up in the final weeks before your celebration.

Your emergency fund becomes particularly valuable when dealing with unexpected events, such as sudden supplier changes, weather-related disruptions, or those essential final touches you hadn't initially considered. Rather than scrambling to find extra money or compromising on important elements, you'll have a dedicated resource ready to handle these situations smoothly.

To make the most of your emergency fund, keep it easily accessible but separate from your main wedding budget. This helps resist the temptation to dip into it for non-emergency expenses. If you're fortunate enough not to need these funds, you can either put them towards your honeymoon or save them for starting your married life together.

Managing Vendor Costs

Successful vendor management forms the cornerstone of your wedding budget strategy. When managing vendor negotiations, it is essential to understand the key cost drivers that influence pricing, including expertise, time, equipment quality, and service level. By breaking down these components, you'll be better positioned to make educated choices and identify areas to optimise your spending.

Understanding market rates is crucial for effective cost management. With wedding reception venues averaging £12,800, photographers at £2,900, and live bands around £4,300, you'll want to research thoroughly to ensure you get competitive quotes. Building rapport with vendors can often lead to more favourable pricing and service options. Analysing your location-based estimates through your zip code helps ensure you're comparing vendors within relevant market ranges.

Don't hesitate to discuss cost-saving measures with your vendors - they're often willing to suggest alternative options to help you achieve your vision within budget.

To control your vendor costs, utilise wedding budget calculators and cost estimators specifically designed for your market. These tools will help you track spending, compare quotes, and adjust allocations as needed.

Remember to factor in fixed and variable costs, considering how changes in guest count or service requirements might impact your bottom line.

Be strategic in your vendor selection process by prioritising services that matter most to you. You might find that investing in a wedding planner can help you save money through their industry connections and negotiating expertise.

Stay flexible and open to creative solutions. Sometimes, small adjustments to your original plans can lead to significant cost savings without compromising the quality of your special day.

Guest List and Seating Management

Managing your guest list and seating arrangements is a crucial part of wedding planning that can significantly impact your overall costs. Start by determining your guest count, as this will influence your venue choice, catering expenses, and even your open bar budget. A guest list Google Sheet is a helpful tool for tracking RSVPs, dietary preferences, and seating assignments, making it easier to stay organised as the big day approaches.

Using a seating chart ensures that everyone is comfortably accommodated and that your wedding reception runs smoothly. Remember to factor in the costs of feeding and entertaining your guests, including catering and bar expenses, when planning your budget. By keeping your guest list and seating plan well-managed, you'll create a welcoming atmosphere and keep your wedding expenses under control.

Choosing a Wedding Date

Selecting your wedding date is more than just picking a day you love—it can have a major impact on your wedding budget. Factors like season, weather, and venue availability all play a role in determining costs. Choosing an off-season date or a weekday can help you save money on your venue and catering, freeing up funds for other parts of your celebration.

It's also wise to send out save-the-date notifications early, so your guests have plenty of time to plan. Throughout the planning process, use a wedding planning spreadsheet and a free wedding budget template to track your expenses and stay organised.

By carefully considering your wedding date and utilising these helpful tools, you can make informed decisions, manage your spending effectively, and create a memorable wedding day that fits your budget. With a bit of planning and the right templates, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free and enjoyable celebration.

Cost Saving Strategies

Smart couples know that strategic cost-saving measures can significantly reduce wedding expenses without compromising the elegance of the celebration. Focusing on key areas like venue selection, guest management, and thoughtful decor choices will create a memorable event that aligns with your budget goals.

Selecting a unique venue with built-in character, such as a rustic brewery or an intimate restaurant, can significantly reduce the need for cost-effective decor while providing an exceptional atmosphere. Hiring a professional wedding planner can unlock exclusive vendor discounts through their established relationship with vendors.

Consider these impactful money-saving strategies:

1. Select venues during off-peak seasons and utilise their existing resources, such as tables, chairs, and decorative elements.

2. Trim your guest list strategically - each reduction of 10-20 guests can save approximately £1,000.

3. Opt for creative food and beverage solutions, such as purchasing alcohol or selecting alternative wedding cake options.

4. Maximise floral impact by repurposing ceremony arrangements for reception and focusing on guest-facing displays.

Your celebration's intimacy doesn't depend on extravagant spending. Instead, focus on meaningful details that enhance your guests' experience.

Consider replacing traditional favours with charitable donations, or simplify your dessert strategy with a small display cake complemented by sheet cakes.

When approaching DIY projects, be selective and concentrate on manageable tasks that won't create unnecessary stress.

Digital Budget Tracking Tools

Modern digital budget tracking tools have revolutionised wedding planning by streamlining financial management and eliminating the headaches associated with wedding budget spreadsheets. Dedicated apps like Wedding Budget Tracker and WeddingWire Budget Planner work seamlessly alongside thorough financial tools such as Mint and Personal Capital to keep your wedding finances in perfect order.

Digital expense tracking has evolved to offer you real-time updates and customisable templates that adapt to your unique wedding vision. You'll appreciate how these budget management tools automatically calculate spending across categories, from venue deposits to vendor payments, while sending timely reminders for upcoming expenses.

The ability to export data and share access with your partner ensures you're both on the same page regarding financial choices. When selecting your digital tracking solution, focus on user-friendly interfaces that make daily budget management effortless.

Look for platforms that integrate with your existing wedding planning tools, such as The Knot Budgeter or Bridebook, to create a cohesive planning experience. These systems track expenses, provide valuable insights into spending patterns, and help identify areas where you can optimise costs.

The real value of these digital tools lies in their ability to reduce stress and save time. You'll have instant access to detailed financial breakdowns, enabling you to make informed decisions about your wedding investments.

Whether checking your budget on the go or collaborating with vendors, today's digital tracking solutions ensure you maintain complete control over your wedding finances.

Conclusion

You're now equipped to tackle your 2025 wedding financial labyrinth with confidence. Like a skilled navigator, you've got the tools to chart your course through wedding costs without losing your way.

Your budget isn't set in stone - it's a living document that needs regular attention. Whether you're planning a modest celebration or a grand affair, these tracking tools will help ensure you maintain control of your spending.

Keep your plans flexible and your wedding budget spreadsheets up to date. Most importantly, don't forget to save a bit for surprises (yes, even that emergency wedding llama fund). Start by downloading your preferred budget tracker today.