Budget
How to budget a wedding in Thailand without it spiralling
Wedding budgets rarely blow up on the big items — they blow up on the small ones nobody costed. Here is the budget framework we actually use with couples, plus the line items people forget.
Most weddings do not go over budget because of the venue. They go over budget because of the small items nobody thought about at the start. Here is the framework we use with real couples — adapt the percentages to your own wedding.
Split the budget into six blocks first
- Venue and catering: 40–45%
- Styling and florals: 15–20%
- Photography and video: 10–15%
- Attire, hair and makeup: 8–12%
- Invitations, favours and print: 5–7%
- Contingency: 10%
That 10% contingency is the first thing couples cut, and the thing that causes the most stress in the final month. Keep it.
The costs people forget most often
- Service charge and VAT at the venue — frequently 17–27% on top of the quoted price
- Overtime charges for the venue and the band if the night runs long
- Travel and accommodation for suppliers at destination weddings
- Meals for the supplier team on the day
- Dowry and offerings for a traditional Thai morning ceremony
- The final round of dress alterations
What genuinely saves money
**Choose a weekday or an off-peak month.** Many venues discount 15–25% for Tuesday to Thursday, or for May through September.
**Cut the guest list rather than the quality.** Removing twenty guests saves more than downgrading the florals across the whole wedding, and it does not show.
**Use flowers that are in season.** Imported blooms out of season can cost double. Give your florist the palette rather than the specific flower and let them choose — you get the same look for less.
**Move money from things guests glance at to things guests live with.** A photo backdrop is used for ten minutes; food and drink are with your guests all night.
Where do we even start?
If you have no number in mind, start from the guest count and multiply by a per-head figure you are comfortable with. In Bangkok today that is roughly ฿2,500–6,000 per guest for a hotel reception, and ฿1,500–3,000 per guest for a self-organised outdoor wedding.
If you want a figure that reflects your actual wedding, get in touch — we will put an estimate together for free, with no obligation.
