Not all aspects of wedding planning are fun. There’s research to do, there are contracts to read, and, of course, there’s a budget to be planned. We know it can be a headache to figure out exactly what you should spend on your big day, which is why we’ve put together our very best advice that’ll help make the process simpler. Here, we’re offering tips for how to plan a wedding.

The best way is to start with a wedding budget is a breakdown and percentages of what to spend on each aspect of your event from the flower decoration to the food and everything in between. While every celebration is different, you can use this breakdown as a reference point when planning your costs.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking some pre-wedding accounting isn’t for you. Whether you’re on a tight budget or you’re shooting for the stars, it’s smart to come up with a definitive financing plan. While the task can be tough, the result is rewarding: You’ll feel organized and—most importantly—like you’re able to afford your nuptials. Without the weight of a stressful bank statement on your shoulders, you can fully enjoy your big day.