Especially in this economy. Many get caught up in all of the glorious details that come with planning and may get a bit discouraged when thinking of ‘limits’ – but it is actually a game. How to achieve the look you want while staying within whatever your budget may be.
First figure out who is contributing to the budget. Traditionally (think the 1950’s) the Brides parents paid for the Brides Attire, Bridesmaids Bouquets, Grandmother Corsages, Ceremony/Reception flowers and decor, Rented Items for the Wedding Ceremony/Reception, Wedding Stationary (invitations, programs, printed items), Church & Reception Hall Fee, Musicians/Band/DJ/Orchestra, Catered Reception/Service, Wedding Cake/Favors, Rice Bags, Photography/Videography, Wedding Breakfast, Bridal Brunch, and the Brides Family Formal wear (Mother and Father of the Bride). For further information check out this link
For the past decade or so costs have shifted to the Bride & Groom themselves along with gifts from their families. Knowing what you are able to truly afford without going into debt to do so will make your day even that more perfect.
Your biggest expense will be the reception itself – along with it you have to include the venue, room/hall fees, tables & chairs, guests meal options, beverage options, cake/dessert, decor (other than floral), linens, service fees, staff/gratuities, rentals and of course the favors. This concierge planner would recommend a comfortable 50-60% of your overall budget dedicated to the reception. The most basic way to keep costs in check is to streamline your guest list to the family and friends who are important in your life. These are the people who will be instrumental in supporting you and your new spouse in your new lives.
So how would I suggest the remaining breakdowns of costs? Try the following as a template keeping in mind that of course you can tweek as you go along – if there is an area that you do not allocate funds that means that much left over for any of the others that have greater meaning to you as a couple for the first day of your new lives!
10% Bridal & Groom Attire, Accessories, Jewelry (other than your rings), Garter/Hoisery, Shoes
7% Photography/Videography
7% Music (DJ’s, Band/Musicians) for ceremony & reception
7% Floral/Decorations (Bouquets, Bouts, Corsages, Ceremony/Reception flowers, Table Centerpieces, Bows/Florals for aisle/pews/chairs, Cake Table, Candles, Lighting, Balloons, Other)
6% Stationery (Invitations, Save the Date Cards, RSVP cards, Maps, Programs, Personal Stationary, Calligraphy, Thank you cards, Stamps, Guest Book/Wish Bowl, Reception Napkins, Matchbooks, Other)
4% Miscellaneous (Marriage License, Taxes, Tips, Other)
3% Bridal and Grooms Wedding rings, Other (tokens/jewelry for children, significant people etc)
3% Transportation (Ceremony, Reception, Guest Transportation, Limousines, Trolleys, Parking, Taxis, Other)
2% Gifts (Each other, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Parents, Readers/Other Participants)
1% Ceremony Location Fees, Officiants Fee/Donation
Additional costs to consider are:
Wedding coordinator/planner 3-5% (on average)
* Keep in mind that most planners may assist you in sourcing additional discounts when working with their preferred list of vendors, and of course doing our best to keep you under budget!
Celebratory events (often gifted by the families to the couple) leading up to the big day may include Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner, Showers, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Salon Appointments, Brunch, and Hotel Rooms 1-5%
Some great planning tools can also be found on
http://www.engaged2be.com
http://www.ourwedding.com
http://www.theknot.com
http://www.weddingchannel.com
http://www.realsimple.com/weddings or
http://browse.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/index.html
Happy planning!
