By Minnie, a guest author and an editor at Modern Wedding Advice
There are many different venues to consider when planning your wedding budget. Starting the process can really feel overwhelming. The big ticket items to keep in mind when you are outlining your budget are your venues, food, entertainment, photography, attire, and decorations. Here are some ideas on where to start, and the major things to consider so that you can come up with a wedding budget that will fit with the idea you have for your wedding.
First, you will need a rough outline- What do you already have to spend? What is your projected income from now until the wedding? How much of that can you safely allot to wedding expenses? Are there things you spend money on now that you could cut back on, such as dinners out, to save more for the wedding? Will other people be helping you financially? How much can they give, and when? Will they be giving you money to use as you see fit, or would they be more comfortable doing something along the lines of paying your photographer directly? The more answers you can at least guess at for these questions, the easier your outline will be. Don’t worry about exact numbers, and the fine-tuning will come later, but it helps to know your ballpark, whether you’ll be working with $2,000 or with $15,000. Many bills won’t need to be paid until right before the wedding, but most expenses will involve a down payment at the time you book a service.
Venue- Are you having a ceremony and reception in the same place? This can cut down on costs. If you plan to have them at separate sites, factor in the cost of each. If you are getting married in your house of worship, find out how much the fee is for the facility, for the officiant, the musicians, and any other fees involved. For reception sites, call around and visit as many places as you can. When you find some that you like, sit down and ask for an estimate. Find out everything that is included in that estimate, and get it in writing. Some places will charge you just for the space, and everything else is extra. Other places charge per person for everything from the space itself to the food, service, even a wedding coordinator. There may be bar minimums included, depending on what bar service you’re including. Gratuities may or may not be included, make sure you ask.
Food- This item can affect your budget quite a bit depending on what you choose. It often costs more to offer a choice of entrees. A simple chicken dish will probably cost less than filet mignon. Keep your own taste and budget in mind, and if you’re using an independent caterer, shop around. Find out whether any beverages are included. Would you like to do an open bar, cash bar, or no alcohol? Don’t forget your wedding cake. Find out if there is a “cutting fee” per slice at your reception site.
Entertainment- Your DJ or bandleader will be a driving force of the party energy. Find someone you feel matches the energy you want at your wedding.
Photography- Photography can be a big chunk of your budget. Your wedding photos will capture this day forever, so you want to make sure you love them. A good wedding photographer will know what angles, lighting, moments are important. Do you want a basic package and a simple album, or do you want to capture every last detail? Find someone who can give you what you’re looking for. Do you want a videographer? This can be expensive, and feelings vary on how important this is. Some couples wouldn’t dream of not having a wedding video, while others can’t see spending the money.
Attire- Everyone imagines the wedding gown. This is indeed the most expensive article of clothing you are ever likely to buy. Is it important to you to have a designer label, or do you want to shop around until you find the right dress in your budget, no matter how long it takes? Is wearing your Mom’s dress an option? Expenses in addition to the dress itself include alterations, which can cost up to several hundred dollars, undergarments, veil, shoes, jewelry, etc. The groom needs to get dressed, too- don’t forget to budget for the tux. If you order all the tuxes for the wedding party from the same place, often times the groom’s tux rental will be free. Certainly don’t forget to budget for the wedding rings! Other incidentals include hair and makeup the day of the wedding for the bride, and bridesmaids if this is in your budget, and boutonnieres or corsages for the bridal party, parents, and grandparents.
Decorations- If you’re really unsure of how much money you will have to spend, this is an easy place to give a minimal spot on your rough budget, then add to later. You can use very simple, in-season flowers, non-floral centerpieces, candles, and ribbons to give a simply elegant feel to your wedding, or you can go all out and deck the hall in orchids and lillies. Linens may need to be included in this part of your budget, depending on whether or not your caterer will provide them. Chair covers are frequently an item that have an individual fee. Simple white tablecloths and napkins are generally more inexpensive than upgraded fancy linens.
Other expenses to budget for: Transportation- will you borrow a friend’s car, or will you hire a limo or other kind of transportation for the whole bridal party? Invitations- save the date cards, invitations and response cards, wedding programs, all need to be printed. Favors for your guests and gifts for the bridal party and each other. Gratuities for your various vendors. There will probably be some unforeseen expense, but the more planning you do, the more you can minimize that risk. Good luck, and congratulations.
Tags: creating a wedding budget, Wedding Budget, Wedding Planning
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