Breaking Down the Budget

Is spending $4000 on a wedding gown  too much leaving you only $1000 for flowers  and decorations?  Can you spend $1000 on invitations  and stationery if you only spend $500 on bridal party gifts  and favors?  It's all okay, especially since every couple and each and every wedding is unique. The bottom line is that you have to draw up your budget first, realistically stating how much you can afford. Then you can break it down accordingly.

Figuring out where your money is going is important, especially if parents are contributing to the wedding funds. Below you'll see a breakdown of each thing you'll need to pay for by the percentage of your budget the item will take up. Keep in mind that expenditure percentages shown below are not set in stone, rather a rough average. Depending on what resources you have available to you, such as close friends or family willing to sponsor particular services, you may be able to invest that percentage of cash on another area of your wedding. You may also choose to spend more on one area than another. For example, you may forego the pricey dress  because you'd rather have amazing flowers.  Or you'll use your iPod if that means you can get a better photographer.  It all depends on the individual.

Estimated Costs for a $20,000 Wedding Reception $7000 Attire $2200 Photo/Video $3500 Music $2000 Flowers $2000 Stationery $400 Rings $800 Transport $800 Gifts $700 Ceremony $500

The Reception -- This is what you'll spend the most money on. Average about 40 to 50% of your budget for food, drinks, the location fee, the service fee (for the waiters, bartenders, and valet), the rentals  (tables,  chairs ), the decorations,  and the wedding cake as well as a cutting fee. Keep in mind that if you would rather spend the money on other things, you can reduce these costs to a mere 30% to 35% of your budget. Wedding Attire -- You'll spend around 10% of your budget on the gown,  the tux,  and accessories. Don't forget that you'll have to put down extra money for alterations, hair and makeup, and any beauty services you want before the wedding. Photos and Video -- These precious memories will cost you 8% to 12% of your budget. You'll have to factor in not only the services for the day of the wedding (photographer and/or videographer), but an album,  copies, reprints, and additional videos. Often, this is an area where people skimp and regret. These are your memories twenty years from now and beyond. Aren't they worth the investment so your grandkids can see how beautiful the wedding was? Music -- Consider spending between 6% and 8% on music. This includes music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Flowers and Décor -- This costs about the same as the music, ranging from 6% to 8%. Factor in centerpieces,  garlands, bouquets  (for the bride and bridesmaids), corsages  and boutonnieres,  ceremony and reception flowers, and flowers for the cake table. You may also need something for the flower girl. Stationery -- Save the date cards,  announcements, invitations,  RSVP cards, programs, place cards,  thank you cards,  stamps, a guest book,  and a calligrapher will run you about 3% to 5% depending on how elaborate you want to get. Rings -- Two rings at 2% of your budget. Transport -- Another 2% for getting to the ceremony and reception (for you and your attendants), parking, and optional guest transportation. Gifts -- Bridal party gifts, wedding favors,  and welcome baskets  should total about 2% to 3% of your budget. Ceremony -- You'll need a donation or a gift to give to the location and/or officiant. That should be about 1% to 3%. Other -- Don't forget tipping, getting your marriage license,  and miscellaneous taxes will count for around 5% of your budget.

Related Guides
Wedding Budgeting	Money Saving Tips for Weddings	Actual Wedding Cost	Who Pays for What	Wedding Insurance