Setting a Wedding Budget: “The How Much”

It is my opinion; setting a budget is the most important preliminary step in planning a wedding, although it should not take long to do so, possibly 2 weeks. The thing to consider is… How much is MY dream wedding going to cost? However, and more importantly, who is footing the bill? Overall, the goal is to set a realistic budget and stick to it.

The Wedding Budget Breakdown, shown below, will be beneficial in assisting you in setting a realistic budget, by providing percentages outlining, how most Brides allocate their money. In addition, the "Who Pays for What" chart gives you a sense of the traditional financial roles of a wedding. However, please be advised that there are no hard-and fast rules about how to split wedding expenses.

Wedding Budget Breakdown*
• Reception: 50% (Site fee; rentals; food; beverages; cake)
• Ceremony Site: 2% (Location; Officiate; marriage license)
• Wedding Attire: 10% (Gown; accessories; groom's attire)
• Photography/Videography: 11%
• Flowers: 10% (Bouquets; boutonnieres; décor)
• Entertainment/Music: 5% (Ceremony; cocktail hour; reception)
• Stationery: 3% (Invitations; programs; thank-you notes)
• Wedding Rings: 8%
• Transportation: 4%
• Gifts: 3% (Attendant gifts)
• Favors: 2%
• Tax/Tips: 5%
* Adapted from Brides’ Wedding Planner

Who Pays for What? *

Bride/Her Family
• Groom's wedding ring
• Gifts for Groom & His Attendants
• Ceremony Fees
• Entire Reception
• Bride's wedding attire and accessories
• Invitation and Announcements
• Flowers
• Photography
• Personal wedding attire
• Transportation

Groom/His Family
• Bride's engagement and wedding rings
• Gift for Bride & Her Attendants
• Marriage license
• Officiates fee
• Bride's bouquet
• Mothers' corsages
• Boutonnieres for Attendants and Fathers
• Honeymoon
• Grooms attire
• Rehearsal dinner party
• Personal wedding attire
• Travel and accommodations for groom's family
• Special items they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Attendants
• Their own attire
• Travel expenses for themselves
• Wedding gift for the bride and groom
• A bridal shower thrown by maid of honor and bridesmaids
• Groomsmen host the bachelor party

Overall, I sincerely hope this information included in the blog is beneficial to you in the planning of your wedding. We, Love Angel Events, LLC, is commited to providing practical information for the DIY Bride.

Therefore, if you have any questions or you need in-depth assistance please contact us at info@LoveAngelEvents.com for help.

Happy Planning,

Meshanda