Wedding Budget

This is a touchy subject.  No one really wants to be on a budget but most of us find it is a necessity.  Therefore, make sure you discuss issues with all those involved with paying any of the bills for the wedding.  If your parents are chipping in, find out how much and for what items.  Also true for the groom's parents.  Or if just the bride and groom are paying, discuss expectations for each item.  The worst scenario is for someone to be surprised with an unexpected amount on the final payment.

Here are some general guidelines on what you will spend on a typical wedding.  I use that term "typical" lightly, because I know they are all different and can vary greatly.  But this is a good starting point for discussions.

Reception                               38%    
Honeymoon                           14.3%
Rings                                     14.3%
Photography/Videography      9.5%
Miscellaneous                        8%
Bridal Apparel                       5.7%
Music                                    4.7%
Flowers                                 3.5%
Invitations                              2%
*Miscellaneous includes such items as rehearsal party, attendant gifts, limos


In the past, at a traditional wedding, the bride's parents paid for the majority of the items.  The groom's family only paid for the rehearsal dinner.  The groom himself was expected to pay for the marriage license, the bride's rings, the honeymoon, flowers for the bride, mothers and boutonnieres and the ceremony officiant's fee. 

Nowadays, things are much different.  Costs may be shared equally one-third each between both sets of parents and the couple.  The couple may pay for the entire wedding themselves.  Or the family may offer to pay for certain parts of the wedding such as the bride's gown or the reception dinner.

Once everyone has agreed on a dollar amounts, begin the planning. But keep the budget in mind.  The worst thing to do is to fall in love with an item that you cannot afford.  And to help with putting a budget in perspective use the above percentages for a $10,000 wedding.  I think in my area of Indiana many people would consider $10,000 very reasonable for a modest wedding.  But 3.5% for flowers is only $350.  I don't think this would pay for flowers for everyone in the wedding party and definitely not any extras for table decorations at the reception.  The 5.7% for the bridal attire is $570.  This could possibly cover the bride's gown but not many accessory items or the groom's attire. 

Going the opposite direction, if you plan to spend $2000 on the wedding gown, your overall budget should be in the $35,000 range.  Also consider if you have a large family with a large guest lists, the percent for the reception may need to be bigger.  Then the percentages for the other items may need to shrink to keep within the budget.

It is so much to think about but so fun to do!!  Happy Planning!!