Wedding Budget 101

Tips on Determining Your Budget

Sitting down and determining a budget can save you from many headaches, impractical plans and unnecessary debt. Laying out the blueprints for how much you (and your parents if applicable) can afford will help to make the planning process less stressful and keep you in tune with your spending. Whether you are planning a small wedding of immediate family or a large wedding with 300 guests you will want to make sure that your budget includes all the expenses that you expect to incur.

Think about your vision, what is most important to you and what you can do without. What resources, tools and arrangements will you be able to make on your own and provide for yourself? Does your Aunt own a bakery and would she be willing to do your cake as a wedding gift? What things will you most definitely need to purchase for your special day? Are photographs the most important to you and are you willing to splurge on an awesome photographer? Make sure to consider these questions when mapping out your budget as they will have an effect on how and exactly where your money is spent.

Be sure to start with an exact dollar amount that you and your significant other believe that you can spend on your wedding.
Before picking a venue and before committing or signing any contracts for services, be sure to establish and allotment of funds for each element. Consider the costs for each vendor/venue to ensure that you are in alignment with your budget --i.e. marriage license fees, wedding attire, food & beverage costs, attendant accommodations etc.

Place a value on your wedding day elements.
Know exactly what you want and what you are willing to pay in order to get what you want. If you are offered a package that gives you a lot of wedding day extras that you are not interested in then, you are not getting the best "bang for your buck." You want to satisfy your expectations of quality and service by getting exactly what you are willing to pay for. Research multiple options and give yourself plenty of time to compare prices and offerings. This will allow you to maximize your budget while also being economical.

Be thorough when preparing your budget.
Being thorough allows you the opportunity to see just how much you will be spending. It will paint a more realistic image in your mind and will minimize the possibility of under budgeting or overspending. You will want to determine what costs will be mandatory and which costs are not that necessary. Remember that most mandatory costs are also adjustable. While you may have budgeted $1000 for your wedding dress you may end up only spending $750. That means that you saved $250. These allocated funds could possibly be used toward another element or as a cushion for other miscellaneous expenses. Whatever you decide!

Most importantly, remember that you don't have to go into poor house to have a fabulous and memorable wedding. It is all about being realistic, researching and having a plan. If you keep this in mind the variations and possibilities are endless!

Below you can find a general list of wedding day elements to include when sitting down to plan your budget. Happy Planning...

Attendants Accommodations
Bridesmaids' Luncheon
Ceremony Venue
Officiants' Fee
Organist/Pianist Fee
Vocalist Fee
Instrumentalist Fee
Flowers for Ceremony
Flowers for Reception
Bridal Bouquet
Flowers for Bridal Attendants
Corsages
Boutonnieres
Bridesmaids' Gifts
Groomsmen's Gifts
Bride's Gift for Groom
Groom's Gift for Bride
Parent's Gifts
Attendants' Gifts
Honeymoon Costs
Save the Date
Invitation Stationary
Invitation Printing
Invitation Postage
Calligraphy
Ceremony Program
Favors
Marriage License
Health/Physical and Blood Test Fees (if applicable)
Music for reception (Band, DJ or Both)
Photographer
Videographer
Reception Venue
Food & Beverage Costs (per person) **this will most likely be your most costly expense
Tips, Tax & Gratuity
Cake
Transportation
Parking Fees for guests
Bridal Gown
Bridal Accessories (jewelery, headpiece, shoes, lingerie)
Groom's Tux
Rings (Bride & Groom)
Beauty Costs (makeup, hair, nails)
Wedding Consultant Fees
Miscellaneous Fees

This is a general list in order to help you start thinking about what to include when planning your budget. You can also find helpful tools such as the budgeting tools on The Knot or on Wedding Wire. Click the links for more information.