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Wedding Planning – The Budget

Both you and your fiancé have determined your priorities and you have made a decision on the money that can be allocated toward your wedding, and where those funds will come from.  The next part is to create a budget based on your priorities.  You have probably heard that the average wedding is over $28K, and if your funds in no way match this amount, don’t fret.Wedding Planning - Creating a Budget

 

The following page is a budget worksheet  that lists the breakdown of various wedding expenses by category.   You will see for example that 50% is allocated to the reception venue, 6% to music, 6% to bridal gown, etc.  That amount is “the average” that is spent on each portion of the wedding.  But that may not be YOUR average.  Go back to your priorities.   If you both agree that you love good music, then  pencil in a higher percentage on that line.  Perhaps spending thousands for a dress you will wear only once is not a big thing, so adjust the percentage on that line accordingly.  Percentages should equal 100%.

In addition, after you penciled in figures, there could be changes.  For example, let’s say you figured on $1000.00 for your site fee and officiant, but the site fee was included complimentary with the venue, and your cost is just $250 for your officiant.  You can move that $750.00 to another category.   Your budget is a guide to total expenses and allows you to stay within your total funds available.

 

HOW TO CREATE YOUR BUDGET WORKSHEET

  • To use this chart, begin with determining a total funds available for your wedding.  Every wedding is unique and if there are certain things that are more important to you than others,  increase that percentage for that category, but reduce a different category by a like percentage.
  • Add your percentages in the next column.
  • Then calculate your funds for each category ($ amount of  total wedding funds available, times your category percentage) and enter that in the fourth column.
  • When you contract for a service/product, add that amount in the last column to make sure you stay within budget.

Be sure to include all expense items with each category.  For example, when you purchase your bridal gown you will need to also include the cost of foundation wear, jewelry, and shoes.  Plus, don’t forget alteration expense, which is pretty typical of all wedding dresses.  For your printed items be sure to include invitations, envelopes, table menus, save the date cards, seating charts, program brochures, and any other items you may want.  Flowers are all inclusive – bridal bouquet, bridesmaid flowers, boutonnieres, flowers for the church, and table centerpieces, if using flowers as a centerpiece.

 

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