One of the very first tasks of planning your wedding is to decide on a budget. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also want a memorable day that includes all your dream wedding ideas. The average cost of a wedding is $20,398 (see www.costofwedding.com), but you may want to spend much more or much less according to your wants, needs and finances.
Wedding costs can vary greatly depending on the number of guests attending, the reception location, the type of reception (whether you are serving a light lunch or a five-course meal) and the type of entertainment (a DJ versus a live band). Many couples will offer an open bar at their reception, which can add up very quickly. Keep these major expenses in mind when determining a budget.
Traditionally the bride’s parents pay for most of the wedding, but in more recent times it is common for the couple to foot the bill themselves. If you are fortunate enough to keep with tradition, payment responsibility breaks down as follows:
The Bride’s Parents
- Engagement Photos/Announcements
- Bridal Gown
- Wedding Invitations
- Wedding Day Transportation
- Flowers for the Ceremony and Reception – including Bridesmaid and Flower Girl Bouquets
- Rental of Reception Venue
- Reception Dinner
- Photographer/Videographer
The Groom’s Parents
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Drinks at Reception/Dance
The Bride
- The Groom’s Wedding Band
- Bridesmaid Gifts (including Flower Girl and Personal Attendant)
- Wedding Day Lingerie
The Groom
- Engagement Ring/Bride’s Wedding Band
- Marriage License
- Groomsman Gifts (including Ring Bearer and Ushers)
- Officiant/Minister’s Fee
- The Honeymoon
Because there are so many variables involved, planning your wedding is the ultimate catch-21! You may want your reception at The Plaza, but when you call to book it you find that the cost will eat up 90% of your budget. You don’t want to spend more than $1,000 on entertainment but the band of your fiance’s dreams charges twice that amount. Planning a wedding will also be a lesson in compromise and trade-offs – even if you want the expensive table linens and gold-plated place settings, you may want to use those funds to upgrade your photography package or bridal gown.
I can’t tell you how much to spend on your wedding but I can tell you that most couples will go over their budget because of some unforeseen or unplanned expenses. I suggest making a list of expenses (which I will help with in future posts) and prioritize them according to your preferences as a couple – your wedding favor budget may be more flexible than your flower budget. Wedding Favors Unlimited will do it’s part to keep you on budget with our discount wedding favors, jewelry, ceremony and reception accessories, do-it-yourself invitation kits and bridal party thank you gifts!
