How to Prioritize Your Wedding Budget: Photography, Venue, Food & Entertainment

Jun 10

One of the biggest questions couples face when planning their wedding is: how should we prioritize our budget?
With so many options and must-haves, deciding where to invest your money can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news — when you prioritize thoughtfully, you can create an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to approach your wedding budget and how to prioritize four of the biggest categories: photography, venue, food, and entertainment.

1️⃣ Start With What Matters Most to You

Before diving into numbers, take a moment as a couple to discuss your priorities:

What will you remember most about your wedding?
What kind of experience do you want to create for your guests?
What are your non-negotiables?

For some couples, that may be epic photos and video. For others, an incredible meal or a dream venue tops the list.

Tip: Write down your top 3 priorities. This will help guide every budgeting decision.

2️⃣ Photography & Videography: An Investment That Lasts Forever

Budget Priority: HIGH

Photos and video are what you'll have long after the last dance. This is where you truly get what you pay for — experienced professionals deliver not only beautiful images but also a stress-free experience on your wedding day.

Why prioritize this:

These are your forever memories.
Great photographers/videographers can tell your unique story.
Professional teams know how to handle unpredictable lighting, weather, and timelines.

How much to budget: 15-20% of your overall budget is a smart starting point for quality photography and videography.

Pro tip: Booking a team that offers both photography and video (like One Moment Hawaii!) can save you time, money, and coordination stress.

3️⃣ Venue: Set the Stage for Your Dream Day

Budget Priority: HIGH

Your venue is not only the backdrop of your wedding — it often drives your entire budget:

Certain venues include tables, chairs, catering, or even coordination services.
Others are “blank slate” spaces where you’ll need to rent everything.

When choosing your venue:

Consider location, accessibility, and backup options (especially for outdoor weddings in Hawaii).
Factor in rental fees and setup/breakdown fees.
Ask what is included vs. what you’ll need to provide.

How much to budget: 20-25% of your budget typically goes to the venue.

4️⃣ Food & Beverage: Treat Your Guests

Budget Priority: MEDIUM to HIGH

A great meal creates an incredible guest experience — and a bad one can leave guests grumbling. Depending on your style (formal plated dinner vs. casual buffet vs. food trucks), you’ll need to allocate budget accordingly.

Hawaii weddings often feature beautiful local ingredients, fresh seafood, and unique flavors — so don’t be afraid to bring a little island flair to your menu!

Consider:

Catering minimums
Service charges and gratuities (often 20%+)
Bar packages — hosted bar, cash bar, or partial hosted

How much to budget: 20-25% of your budget, depending on your guest count and food style.

5️⃣ Entertainment: Set the Tone & Keep the Energy High

Budget Priority: FLEXIBLE (but don’t neglect it!)

Entertainment is what keeps the celebration flowing — whether it’s a DJ spinning your favorite playlist, a live band bringing energy, or cultural performers adding local flavor to a Hawaii wedding.

Consider:

Ceremony music (live or recorded)
Cocktail hour entertainment
Reception DJ or band
Special performances (hula dancers, ukulele players, fire dancers — very popular for Hawaii weddings!)

How much to budget: 8-15%, depending on the scale of your entertainment.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach

Here’s a rough budget breakdown you can use as a starting point:

Category% of Total BudgetPhotography & Videography15-20%Venue20-25%Food & Beverage20-25%Entertainment8-15%Remaining (dress, decor, flowers, planner, transportation, stationery, gifts, etc.)Balance

At the end of the day — prioritize what will matter to you 10 years from now. Will it be the food? Maybe. But guaranteed — it will be your photos, your video, and the feeling of being surrounded by your loved ones in a beautiful setting.

If you’re planning a Hawaii wedding and want stunning photography and cinematic video to capture every moment — One Moment Hawaii is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages. 🌴✨