Wedding Planning: The Budget

Most wedding planning publications state that the average cost of weddings is now at $28,000. Wow, that's how much some people pay in college tuition for four years, and the wedding falls on one day! Now that you have an idea of the type of wedding you want, you must find out how your wedding well be funded before you can start the planning process.

Some couples will pay for the wedding themselves or have help from parents or other family members. All parties involved in paying for the wedding need to sit down and talk to see how much each party can contribute to the wedding budget. Traditionally the bride’s family pays for most of the cost, but some family members may want to pick and choose what they pay for. Talk about the things that are important to you in planning your dream wedding. Try to come up with a round about figure on how much everyone can contribute. Try to be prepared for any unexpected cost such as reception site cleaning fees, unexpected guest added to the caterer’s fee, and dress pressing.

Here is a wedding budget planning list to help you get started:

WEDDING BUDGET PLANNING LIST


TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR EXEPENSE CREATE AN EXPENSE SHEET WITH THE ITEMS BELOW AND INCLUDE THE ESTIMATED COST AND ACTUAL COST OF EACH ITEM.

CEREMONY
Site Fees
Clergy member
Marriage License
Musicians
Flowers, Candles, Decorations
Other

RECEPTION
Food / Caterer
Drinks
Rentals
Cake
Site Fees
Decorations
Accessories, Toasting Glasses,
Cake Knife, etc.

ATTIRE
Bride's Gown/Accessories
Bride's Hair/Nails
Bride's Attendants
Groom's Formal Wear
Groom's Attendants
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer

RINGS
His and her rings

FLOWERS
Ceremony
Bride's Bouquet
Maid of Honor Bouquet
Bridesmaid Bouquets
Corsages
Flower Girl
Grandparent's Flowers
Reception Centerpieces
Cake Table Flowers

MUSIC
Band / DJ
Sound System Rental

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer Fee
Videographer Fee
Albums
Additional Prints

STATIONERY
Invitations
Response Cards
Postage
Thank You Notes
Guest Book
Calligraphy

TRANSPORTATION
For Bride & Groom
For Wedding Party
For Guest (Shuttle)

GIFTS
Bridesmaid
Groomsmen
Parents
Guest

PARTIES
Engagement
Shower's
Bridesmaids'
Bachelor's
Rehearsal
Other

HONEYMOON
INSURANCE
WEDDING CONSULTANT