Tips For Planning a Smart Wedding Budget

Wedding budgets can vary based on couple, venue location, and the time of year you get married.  Your budget may not look the same as the wedding budget your friends and family used. But whatever you have to work with, here are some smart tips for forming a wedding budget.

Reception, Rentals, Catering, and Venues Should Have a Large Portion of your Budget

When looking at the cost of weddings, the reception, rentals, catering, and venues should be about 45% of your budget. The reception space should be most of the budget.  This includes table linens, stemware and glassware, flatware, china, and any tents you may need for the reception. Any catering should include food, food preparation, waitstaff, and bar staff. Note alcohol would be included in the food cost.

Set Aside A Portion for Wedding Attire, Beauty and Accessories

When looking at the budget, set aside around 9% of the budget for wedding attire, beauty, and accessories. Wedding attire and alterations including tips should be included in this budget. Make-up products, hair products, accessories, stylist and tips should also be included in this percentage as well.

Wedding Planner/Coordinator Can Vary

If you’re someone who is going to be using a wedding planner or wedding coordinator, the percentage can vary, but 5-15% is a good baseline. Even if you don’t use a wedding planner, some venues may require you to have a day-of-coordinator who will still require  some payment. Even if you intend to plan most of your wedding, a wedding planner has industry knowledge and expertise which can be valuable to your wedding in the long run.

Save a Portion of Your Budget For Ceremony Only Items

Something that can be overlooked in wedding planning is a budget you will only use for the ceremony which should be around 3-5%. The ceremony venue, if different from the reception, will need chairs and/or tents. If you’re using live music for your ceremony, use this budget for that as well. Marriage certificate and the money for the officiant should be included.

Beware of Additional Costs

As with everything, weddings come with hidden costs. While you may have budgeted for your hair style and nails, don’t forget to include any other treatments such as waxing or facials into your budget. A vendor meal for waitstaff and wedding planners is also a cost that needs to be considered.

Use A Spreadsheet to Stay on Track

Making a budget spreadsheet will be valuable. Start by breaking down the total cost and then allocating funds to each area of your budget. After making the estimated budget, add an extra column for when you get budget proposals from vendors, and update the section when you sign contracts. Share the spreadsheet with others  helping you with wedding planning to streamline the process.

Use this as a guide in planning the budget for your wedding. Check out our bridal collection if you’re in the market for a wedding dress.

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