The first step in creating a budget is to outline your planned expenses. List them based on price, with the most expensive items first. When you understand the real costs, you can plan accordingly, and look for opportunities to save.
The Big Busters
The reception will likely be your single greatest expense. When you are creating this section of your budget, remember to include items such as catering, site rental, and rentals of linens, chair covers and potentially tents.
When planning for your reception, work on your guest list first to determine how many people capacity you need. This will help determine the appropriate venue and allow you to begin pricing for catering. There are a few tricks to budgeting for receptions and finding ways to save money.
Budget Basics
Beyond the reception, the items listed below are the basic elements of a wedding to consider for your budget. Treat this list as an outline, a first step in organizing your budget. Remember that you final list should be more detailed.
Photographer/Videographer: If you are hiring a professional, this section of yoru budget will be one of the next big expenses. Wedding photographers and videographers often offer packages, but watch for hidden costs, like extra prints and copies.
Attire/Hair/Make-up: Brides think of the dress but often the hair appointments, accessories and shoes slip our minds. And then there's the groom, he'll need something to wear too.
DJ/Band: When hiring musicians and DJs, find out how many hours of entertainment are included in their fees.
Rings: The cost of your wedding rings will depend largely on your taste. These can be upgraded later if you are tight on money for the day-of, makes for a great anniversary gift for eachother in coming years.
Decorations/Flowers: Bouquets, corsages and decorations for the ceremony and reception.
Invitations/Programs: Include postage and printing fees. When it comes to stationary, always order some extras.
Wedding Cake: The cake may be a separate item on your budget if you are having it made by someone other than the reception caterers. Remember to check with your caterers to see if they charge a cake cutting fee if you bring your own.
Transportation: Some newlyweds rent transportation for themselves and their bridal party, particularly if the ceremony and reception are held at separate locations.
Attendant Gifts: Remember to have some token of appreciation for participants in your special day. Consider gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers and ushers.
Ceremony Fees: You will have to purchase a marriage license. Depending on where you get married, you may pay an officiant fee, or offer a monetary gift as a thank you for performing the ceremony.
Tips/Taxes/Hidden Charges: It might sound silly, but remember to set aside some money for the things that you might overlook. I tend to allocate approximately 10% of the budget to this "just-in-case" fund.
As you begin planning, more expenses will pop up. There will be things that you might not have considered before, like table number cards and holders. Work these items into your budget as you think of them.
Looking for assistance making your budget and dream day match?! Contact Cariad Productions for assistance in setting this up and maximizing what you have to spend.
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