DIY Wedding Planning: Wedding Budget Breakdown

The scariest part of wedding planning is the budget. No matter who is paying, a budget is necessary to stay organized and to avoid spending more than intended. While you can allow yourself some wiggle room if you wish, sticking to a budget is a surefire way to successfully plan a wedding. Here is a rough wedding budget breakdown to get you started. If one aspect of the wedding is extremely important to you, consider transferring some percentage points from a less important category.

*If you decide to have a wedding coordinator, set aside funds. He or she may be able to get you discounts from vendors, and that extra money will cover coordinator costs.
*If you spend less than estimated in a certain category, set those funds aside as miscellaneous. Lots of little things will pop up.
*Be sure to always factor in tax and tip.

Reception -48.5%
Ceremony -2.6%
Attire -9.9%
Flowers and Decor -8%
Rings -2%
Transportation and Lodging -3%
Gifts -3%
Music -8%
Video and Photography -12%
Stationery -3%

Reception -48.5%

Venue and Rentals 8%
-This includes any delivery costs for the rentals and set up and breakdown fees for the venue.
Food 30%
-This includes taxes and service fees.
Beverages 8%
-This includes tips and set-up fees for bartenders.
Cake 2.5%
-This includes any cutting fee from the venue or baker and delivery and set up fees.

Ceremony -2.6%

Location 1%
-This includes cost to rent the location as well as the cost of an altar, chairs etc.
Officiant 1%
-This includes any travel reimbursements, meals, lodging, and rehearsal fees.
Miscellaneous .6%
-This includes details like the flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, and signs.

Attire -9.9%

Bridal Gown and Alterations 6%
-This includes any cleaning or shipping fees.
Veil 1%
-This includes any cleaning fees.
Bridal Accessories 1%
-This includes jewelry, shoes, and undergarments.
Hair and Makeup .5%
Pampering .5%
-This includes any spa visits, teeth whitenings, etc.
Groom .9%

Flowers and Decor -8%

Bridal Bouquet .75%
Bridesmaids' Bouquets 1%
Boutonnieres .2%
Flower Girl Flowers .15%
Additional Corsages or Boutonnieres .5%
-These may be for other attendants, parents, or grandparents.
Centerpieces and Additional Flowers 4%
-This includes any extra flowers in the reception room e.g. flowers for the guestbook table, dessert table, and escort card table.
Ceremony Flowers 1.4%
*If you are using extra lights that don't come with the venue or DJ, those should be included in this category.

Rings -2%

Transportation and Lodging -3%

Hotel Room for Bride and Groom .5%
-This includes any extra fees, taxes, and room service.
Guest Shuttle/ Parking 1%
Limo 1.5%

Gifts -3%

Attendants' Gifts 1%
Favors 1.5%
Parents' Gifts .5%
*Any out-of-town welcome bags should be factored in here.

Music -8%

Ceremony 1%
-This includes playing while the crowd loads in and out in addition to the music during the actual ceremony.
Cocktail Hour 1%
Reception 6%
-This includes overtime fees (be careful to check the terms on this carefully), set up, and breakdown.
-This could also include extra lighting, as sometimes DJs provide this.

Video and Photography -12%

Photography 6%
-This includes negatives, any travel reimbursement, and assistant fees.
Video 5%
Miscellaneous 1%
-This includes extra prints or video copies, albums for relatives, and slideshows for the reception.

Stationery -3%

Invitations and Replies 2.5%
-This includes postage, return postage, and calligraphy.
Other .5%
-This includes place cards, escort cards, thank you notes, engagement announcements, and save the dates.