The honest budget checklist for your first big celebration

Every celebration has a few line items that quietly balloon. The venue, catering and decor usually make up the lion’s share — so that’s where a little planning pays off most.

Start with a guest count you’re confident about. Almost every other number flows from it: catering, seating, the size of the space you need, even parking.

Splurge on the things your guests will remember — the food and the feeling of the space — and save on the things they won’t, like over-the-top printed invites.