Personally, I like the small, intimate yet elaborate type weddings. I'd love a glamorous wedding, but I'll refuse to break my bank and more just so I can have a wedding.
Once you've finished basking in the glow of engagement, you'll find it very hard to get anything accomplished without a detailed wedding budget. This will give you an outline of what you should spend on each item, so as to ensure you don't spend more than you intend to overall. Here's how to create a wedding budget that you can afford.
Your Wedding Budget Worksheet
My Total Budget ___________
Expenses % of total budget Your estimate What you actually spent
Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, musician's fees, ring pillows 3% ______ ______
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors 48% ______ ______
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders 10% ______ ______
Rings
His and her rings, engraving 3% ______ ______
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket 8% ______ ______
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental 8% ______ ______
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids 12% ______ ______
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants 2% ______ ______
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book 3% ______ ______
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 3% ______ ______
