Figuring out how much to spend on your wedding can be tough – there are a lot of things to consider! How many guests? What type of venue for the reception? A destination wedding or a wedding down the street? Outdoor or indoor? Are you going to pay for it all yourself or are your parents going to help?
Every wedding is different and every budget should be different. Here is a little guide to help you determine approximately how much you should be spending on each area of your wedding.
| Reception/Entertainment | 45% |
| Dress/Accessories | 8% |
| Photography | 10% |
| Flowers | 8% |
| Ceremony music | 10% |
| Invitations/Stationary | 2% |
| Wedding rings | 2% |
| Gifts | 2% |
| Wedding cake | 2% |
| Hair/Make-up/Nails | 2% |
| Miscellaneous | 9% |
- Establish a solid budget
- Determine the type of wedding you would like
- Look for venues
- Everything else can fall in line
Be an educated consumer! Look for deals. Booking a venue during their off season may yield in a discounted rate. Renting decorations may be more affordable than buying. Explore your options – there is always another option. Look at them and choose what is best for you and your groom.
The most important thing to think about when planning a budget is the big picture! Yes – this is the most important day of your life, but the point to getting married is to build a life with your spouse. Starting out $20,000 in debt isn’t the best idea. Nor is spending your parent’s retirement savings!
Maybe your ideal wedding is a small personal affair with close friends and family. Or maybe you will invite everyone who follows you on Pinterest! Decide what type of wedding you will have before you start making purchases and paying deposits. Remember, this is his wedding also. Make sure you are planning something you both will really love.
