Cincinnati Wedding Budget Worksheet
Looking for budget guidance? Check out our Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide for detailed cost breakdowns and money-saving tips.
Use this comprehensive worksheet to track every aspect of your wedding budget. Print it out or save it digitally to monitor your estimated vs. actual costs throughout the planning process.
Related Resources:
- Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide - Complete guide with venue comparisons, budget breakdowns, and vendor tips
- Cincinnati Wedding Venue Comparison Guide - Compare venue pricing and features
- Wedding Planning Checklist - Budget categories and gratuity guide
- Wedding Planning Timeline - When to book and pay vendors
Your Wedding Details
Your Names: & __
Wedding Date: _
Estimated Guest Count: _
Total Budget: $_
Budget Breakdown by Category
Venue & Rentals
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Venue rental fee | $ | $__ | ☐ | Cincinnati average: $6,000 |
| Ceremony site (if separate) | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Tables & chairs | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Linens | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Lighting rentals | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Tent rental (if outdoor) | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Additional decor rentals | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Catering & Bar
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Catering (per person: $) | $_ | $__ | ☐ | Cincy average: $30-40/person |
| Bar service/alcohol | $ | $__ | ☐ | Average: $4,000 |
| Wedding cake | $ | $__ | ☐ | Average: $2-5/slice |
| Dessert bar/additional sweets | $ | $__ | ☐ | Sebastian Bakehouse, Brown Bear, Aglamesis |
| Late-night snacks | $ | $__ | ☐ | Eli's BBQ, Senate, local food trucks |
| Service fees & gratuity (18-22%) | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Photography & Videography
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Photographer | $ | $__ | ☐ | Cincinnati average: $4,000 |
| Engagement session | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Second shooter | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Videographer | $ | $__ | ☐ | Average: $3,700 |
| Photo booth | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Albums & prints | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Florals & Decor
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Bridal bouquet | $ | $__ | ☐ | Average: $150-300 |
| Bridesmaids' bouquets | $ | $__ | ☐ | $60-100 each |
| Boutonnieres & corsages | $ | $__ | ☐ | $15-40 each |
| Ceremony flowers | $ | $__ | ☐ | $200-500+ |
| Reception centerpieces | $ | $__ | ☐ | $50-200 per table |
| Additional floral decor | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Non-floral decor | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Music & Entertainment
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Ceremony musician(s) | $ | $__ | ☐ | $300-800 |
| DJ | $ | $__ | ☐ | Cincinnati average: $1,000-1,500 |
| Live band (alternative to DJ) | $ | $__ | ☐ | $2,500-5,000+ |
| Additional entertainment | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Sound equipment rental | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Attire & Beauty
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Wedding dress | $ | $__ | ☐ | Check Reading Bridal District! |
| Dress alterations | $ | $__ | ☐ | $100-500 |
| Veil & accessories | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Shoes | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Jewelry | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Groom's attire | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Groomsmen attire | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Bridesmaids' dresses | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Hair & makeup (bride) | $ | $__ | ☐ | $70-150 each service |
| Hair & makeup (party) | $ | $__ | ☐ | $50-100 per person |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Stationery & Paper Goods
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Save-the-dates | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Invitations | $ | $__ | ☐ | $2-10 per set |
| Postage | $ | $__ | ☐ | Don't forget to weigh! |
| Programs | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Menu cards | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Place cards/escort cards | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Thank you cards | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Signage | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Transportation & Accommodations
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Couple's transportation | $ | $__ | ☐ | $200-500 |
| Guest shuttle/transportation | $ | $__ | ☐ | School bus hack = $$ savings! |
| Hotel room blocks (deposit) | $ | $__ | ☐ | Downtown/NKY options |
| Couple's wedding night hotel | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Wedding Planning & Coordination
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Wedding planner/coordinator | $ | $__ | ☐ | Cincinnati average: $3,000 |
| Day-of coordinator | $ | $__ | ☐ | Highly recommended! |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Legal & Administrative
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Marriage license | $ | $__ | ☐ | Hamilton County: ~$75 |
| Officiant fee | $ | $__ | ☐ | $100-500 |
| Permits (photography, parks) | $ | $__ | ☐ | If using public spaces |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Gifts & Favors
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Guest favors | $ | $__ | ☐ | $1-5 per guest |
| Welcome bags | $ | $__ | ☐ | $5-15 per bag |
| Wedding party gifts | $ | $__ | ☐ | $50-100 each |
| Parent gifts | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Miscellaneous
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Rehearsal dinner | $ | $__ | ☐ | Sotto, The Eagle OTR, Senate |
| Wedding rings | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Guest book & pen | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Ring bearer pillow | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Flower girl basket | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Toasting flutes | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Cake cutting set | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Honeymoon | $ | $__ | ☐ | |
| Subtotal | $ | $__ | | |
Contingency Fund (5-10% of total budget)
| Item | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes |
|------|---------------|-------------|-------|-------|
| Emergency/unexpected expenses | $ | $__ | ☐ | Always budget for surprises! |
Budget Summary
| Category | Estimated | Actual | Difference |
|----------|-----------|--------|------------|
| Venue & Rentals | $ | $ | $_ |
| Catering & Bar | $ | $ | $_ |
| Photography & Videography | $ | $ | $_ |
| Florals & Decor | $ | $ | $_ |
| Music & Entertainment | $ | $ | $_ |
| Attire & Beauty | $ | $ | $_ |
| Stationery & Paper Goods | $ | $ | $_ |
| Transportation & Accommodations | $ | $ | $_ |
| Wedding Planning & Coordination | $ | $ | $_ |
| Legal & Administrative | $ | $ | $_ |
| Gifts & Favors | $ | $ | $_ |
| Miscellaneous | $ | $ | $_ |
| Contingency Fund | $ | $ | $_ |
| TOTAL | $ | $ | $_ |
Cincinnati-Specific Budget Tips
Save Money on Your Cincinnati Wedding
Timing Strategies:
- ✓ Consider Friday or Sunday weddings for 30-50% venue savings
- ✓ Book off-season (November-March) for lower vendor rates and availability
- ✓ Avoid peak dates - September/October Saturdays are premium priced
Venue Savings:
- ✓ Use park venues like Ault Park Pavilion ($1,400-3,200) or Krohn Conservatory (just a few hundred dollars!)
- ✓ Choose flexible venues like Somerhaus that let you bring your own caterer
- ✓ Compare all-inclusive vs. BYO - sometimes bringing vendors saves thousands
Local Touches That Save:
- ✓ Shop the Reading Bridal District - North America's largest bridal shopping area with outlet stores
- ✓ Incorporate authentic Cincinnati touches - Late-night food from Eli's BBQ or Senate, artisan desserts from Sebastian Bakehouse or Brown Bear Bakery, ice cream from Aglamesis Brothers
- ✓ Use local vendors who know Cincinnati venues and logistics
- ✓ Transportation hack - Rent school buses instead of luxury shuttles (save $2,000+!)
- ✓ Free streetcar - Cincinnati Bell Connector runs through OTR for guest transport
Smart Priorities:
- ✓ Allocate wisely - Spend on what matters most to you (venue, food, photography)
- ✓ DIY selectively - Save on decor you can make, splurge on services you can't
- ✓ Seasonal flowers - In-season blooms cost 30-40% less than out-of-season requests
Cincinnati Wedding Cost Averages
Quick Reference for 150 Guests:
- Total Average: $30,000-$40,000
- Venue: ~$6,000 (15% of budget)
- Catering: ~$5,000 (12%)
- Bar: ~$4,000 (10%)
- Photography: ~$4,000 (10%)
- Videography: ~$3,700 (9%)
- Florals: ~$5,000 (13%)
- Planner: ~$3,000 (8%)
- DJ: ~$1,300 (3%)
How to Use This Worksheet
Pro Tips:
1. Start with your total budget - Fill in the top section first
2. Research as you go - Update estimated costs as you get vendor quotes
3. Track payments - Check off items as you pay deposits and final balances
4. Use the notes column - Record vendor names, payment due dates, contract details
5. Compare estimated vs. actual - Adjust other categories if one goes over budget
6. Print multiple copies - One for planning, one for day-of coordinator
Budget Management Tips:
- Review your budget weekly during planning
- Set up payment alerts/reminders for vendor due dates
- Keep all receipts and contracts organized by category
- Build in that 5-10% contingency - you'll likely need it!
- Consider a wedding budget app to sync with your partner
Additional Wedding Planning Resources
For Complete Planning Guidance:
- Ultimate Cincinnati Wedding Planning Guide - Comprehensive guide with venue comparisons, vendor tips, and local insights
- Wedding Planning Timeline - Month-by-month tasks and deadlines
- Wedding Planning Checklist - Printable checklist with gratuity guide
- Wedding Day Emergency Kit - Essential items to pack
Ready to start planning your Cincinnati wedding? Contact Somerhaus to schedule your venue tour and see our flexible, budget-friendly Over-the-Rhine event space!
