Wedding Budget Percentages

Figuring out a wedding budget is essential when planning your wedding. With an average cost of $25,000 for a wedding, it is very important to take the time out to write down an actual budget and stick to this budget as closely as possible. If you do not have a wedding budget plan worked out, it is extremely easy to go way over budget.

One of the first things you need to consider is the maximum amount of money you wish to spend on your wedding. Remember that everything that is paid for with a credit card will need to be paid back, plus interest. Also, consider existing monthly expenses.

Now that you have the maximum amount you wish to spend for your wedding, it is time to break down the various expenses:

The Ceremony:
This includes the marriage license, officiant, ring pillows, location, and musician fees. You can estimate about 3% of your budget will be applied to the ceremony.

The Reception:
This includes the reception location, rentals, cake, favors, beverages, and food. About 48% of your budget will be applied to the reception.

Attire:
Included in this category is, your gown, tuxedo rental, shoes, accessories, jewelry, headpiece/veil, hair and make-up, undergarments and hosiery, bow tie, cuff links, suspenders, and studs. About 10% of your budget will be applied to your attire.

Rings:
You can estimate about 3% of your budget will go towards his and her rings.

Flowers:
Flowers for the ceremony, bridesmaids and maid-of honor bouquets, bride’s bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres, flower girl basket, and centerpieces all fit into this category. About 8% of your budget will be applied to flowers.

Music:
This includes ceremony musicians, equipment rental, band or DJ, and cocktail hour musicians. About 8% of your budget will be applied to this category.

Photography:
The photographer and videographer fees, prints, wedding photo albums, and disposable cameras are all included. This will be about 12% of your budget.

Transportation:
This category includes transportation for the wedding party, parking attendants, or guest shuttle. Transportation will be about 2% of your budget.

Stationary:
Everything from invitations, response cards, postage, thank you notes, printer fees, and guest book is included. Your stationary expenses will be about 3% of your budget.

Gifts:
Gifts include your bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts, gifts for the parents, and welcome baskets for out of town guests. Your gifts will be about 3% of your budget.

On average, budgeting about $100.00 per wedding guest is a good place to begin.

Your wedding budget percentages can change after you have the basics written down. Some elements of your wedding might be more important to you than others, so adjust your percentages accordingly.