I remember when I first got engaged, the possibilities were endless. You know how it goes. Many a bride sets out to plan a wedding and within three days there are horses, doves, gold and crystal involved. Then…….reality called “budgeting” sets in. Every bride needs a budget and a time frame. That way you can figure out how much money you need and how much time you have to save for it. If you don’t keep track of what everything will be, then come the day of your wedding you will be forking over all of the money in your account and probably a couple of iou’s. Here is the break down of what you will need to account for. That way you can make your own spreadsheet and mark down what deposits you’ve made and how much you have owing. It makes wedding budgeting super easy and stress free.

Ceremonyimage

Site Fee
Marriage License
Officiant’s Fee
Ceremony Music
Guest Book And Pen
Ring Bearer Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Other

Stationaryimage

Invitations
Reception Cards
Response Cards
Pew Cards
Announcements
Thank You Notes
Stamps
Programs
Calligraphy

Wedding Attireimage

Bridal Dress
Headpiece
Accessories
Shoes
Gloves
Jewelry
Hairdresser
Makeup
Hosiery
Garter
Other
Grooms Formal Wear

Ringsimage

Engagement Ring
Bride’s Wedding Ring
Groom’s Wedding Ring

Giftsimage

Bride’s Gift
Groom’s Gift
Bridesmaids Gifts
Groomsmen’s Gifts

Flowersimage

Ceremony Site
Reception Site
Bride’s Bouquet
Bridesmaids Bouquet
Men’s Boutonnieres
Mothers/Grandmothers

Receptionimage

Site Fee
Caterer
Liquor/Beverage
Tent
Linen
Arch
Chairs
Signs
Rental Items
Decorations
Tables
Stemware
Plates
Cutlery
Favors
Bartending Fee
Cake
Cake Top
Cake Knife And Server
Toasting Glasses
Music
Parking Service

Photographyimage

Formal Portraits
Parents Albums
Extra Pictures
Ceremony Photos
Reception Photos
Dance Photos
Videography
Photo Booth

Transportationimage

Limousine
Parking Attendants

Partiesimage

Engagement
Bachelorette
Bachelor Party
Rehearsal Dinner

Now, all you have to do is discuss what price you would feel is reasonable for these items and decide what you want. Everyone has a different wedding style, so decide what you would like to focus on. Some people like to spend a larger portion of their budget on flowers while others prefer no flowers on the tables and only have bouquets. It’s all about what you prefer. So once you decide what you want to spend on each category, you can set out to find everything within your budget. Budgeting for your wedding may not be the most fun job, but it will keep you sane and on top of things. I hope that this helps take some of the pressure off of your big day.

xo Stephanie