How Much Should My Wedding Cost?
Posted in Wedding Planning
Your wedding will most likely be one of the most important days of your life but it is vital that your wedding cost doesn’t get out of control. I know you’ve probably been dreaming about your wedding day since you were five years old and you may already know exactly what colors you want, how you want your dress to look, the flowers, candles and music you want and more.
It is only natural that you would want everything to be just perfect, no matter what the cost. But the truth is, money doesn’t grow on trees and you do want to have some cash left for your honeymoon and for your newly married life. Starting your new life together in debt is not much fun.
So what should your wedding cost and is a budget really necessary?
When you look at the figures, the average wedding cost can be a little intimidating. According to market research firm, The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in 2008 was $21,814. While this seems high, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is for hidden or unexpected expenses to add up, giving you a figure even higher than that. That’s why you need a wedding budget and you need to stick to it.
When working out your budget, try to be comprehensive and try to avoid under-estimating. Keep in mind that the average couple spends more than twice the amount that they had originally planned for their wedding.
Here are some things to consider when creating your wedding budget.
The reception takes the largest chunk of the average wedding cost at 40-50% of the total budget. This includes everything from location to food to a DJ or band for your wedding dance.
The cost of venues vary greatly. If you are getting married in your own church, you may only have to pay the cleaning fee. Other locations can charge anywhere from a couple of hundred to several thousand for rentals. Consider choosing a location that can host both your ceremony and reception. That way you only have one venue fee and your transportation costs are lower. Keep in mind that some venues require you to use their bar service, catering service and/or DJ. These may add on extra fees to the wedding cost that you were not expecting.
Count on 10% of your budget for attire. This includes clothing and accessories for the bride and groom. Don’t forget to include jewelry, make-up and hair services. Generally, bridesmaids and groomsmen pick up the tab for their own attire, but you may wish to purchase jewelry for the bridesmaids that they can wear on the day as your thank you gift to them.
Flowers for both bouquets and decorations are a part of almost every wedding and range between 8 and 10% of the total wedding cost.
If you choose to hire a professional photographer and/or videographer, plan to spend at least $2,000, or 10% of the average budget. This may seem like a lot, but consider this aspect carefully. Right now, it may seem a logical place to cut costs, but these memorabilia will be priceless in 25 years time.
Other smaller expenses include:
Invitations, place cards, thank you notes and other paper items (3-5% of your budget)
Transportation (2%)
Miscellaneous items like taxes, tips and insurance (6%)
Don’t forget to also purchase thank you gifts for the wedding party and table favors for your guests.
Keep track of everything you spend and categorize it appropriately. You will soon see the little costs adding up and be able to cut back when you reach the spending limits that you have set for yourself.
Your wedding cost is significant but with careful planning it does not need to be exorbitant. A well-thought-out budget will relieve your money stress and allow you to enjoy your special day. And, of course, there are always plenty of ways to cut costs without reducing the quality of your wedding or sacrificing any of the things that you dream of.
Erica Yoon can show you how to save 50-80% of your entire wedding cost without compromising on your dream, regardless of your budget. She did not hire a wedding planner and yet managed to save over $10,000 on her own wedding with a few insider secrets – secrets she wants to share with you.
If you want to know how you can reduce your wedding cost and still have your dream wedding, you need to read her “Amazing Wedding Planning” book. It’s full of insider tips and tricks you just won’t find anywhere else.
Click Here To Grab Your Copy & Start Saving Today!
6,461 Responses to “How Much Should My Wedding Cost?”
dunks high
22. Jul, 2011
That is the suitable weblog for anyone who wants to seek out out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want aHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply nice!
digital agency london
22. Jul, 2011
I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
free
23. Jul, 2011
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again
quick credit repair
23. Jul, 2011
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site?.
dj na wesele
23. Jul, 2011
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really something which I think I?¦d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I?¦m looking ahead for your next put up, I?¦ll attempt to get the hang of it!
collagen
23. Jul, 2011
Most of the people by no means proceed to the level you have got within your posts. Your awareness of this issue is exactly what I desired to actually set the history right. You have added to my analysis in your writing.
Joga Dopiewo
23. Jul, 2011
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Columbus Wedding Photographers
23. Jul, 2011
Excellent info, thank you.
Rocio Seecharran
23. Jul, 2011
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage you continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!
Marna Zagami
23. Jul, 2011
“Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.”
get rid of rats
23. Jul, 2011
Hello. Today using msn. It is a very well written article. I am sure to bookmark it and are available returning to read much more of your useful info. Just post. I’ll certainly return.
credit repair
23. Jul, 2011
fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
as seen on tv sale
23. Jul, 2011
I like things like this blog and it has now given me A few inspiration To succeed, extremely Gives thanks. =)
futon patterns
23. Jul, 2011
Fantastic web site! I actually love how it really is straightforward on my eyes and also the information are very well written. We are wondering how I might be notified whenever a brand new put up continues to be manufactured. I’ve subscribed to your rss feed which must do the trick! Possess a awesome day!
Columbus Photographers
23. Jul, 2011
My friend sent me here and I thought I’d say hi, great blog.
Fast Weight Loss
23. Jul, 2011
Lovely site, I must say
Homes in McKinney TX
23. Jul, 2011
Thanks for your Post! It was very helpful.
Vente Air Max
23. Jul, 2011
I take enjoyment in seeing sites that appreciate the quality of providing a prime resource representing thoroughly free.
kleeneze catalogue
23. Jul, 2011
Cheers, a really good read – added to favourites so will visit back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Thanks again.
Get Fans
23. Jul, 2011
I meant to publish you that small term just to say thank you after once more for all those fantastic methods you’ve contributed in this situation. This is very remarkably generous with you in giving unreservedly all that numerous men and women could quite possibly have marketed for an digital book to earn some dough on their own, chiefly considering that you could perhaps have tried using it in situation you considered essential. All those tips also served to turn into easy way to be specific that a lot of men and women have the very same fervor really like my extremely individual to find out way additional in regard to this matter. I know there are quite a few a lot more pleasurable periods in advance for these who scan as a result of your website publish.
fisarmoniche
23. Jul, 2011
Fabulous document! Seriously took pleasure in most of the perusing. I’m hoping you just read much more of your stuff. I reckon you might have remarkable perception coupled with visualization. My group is very encouraged utilizing ths specifics.
wonder file
23. Jul, 2011
Used to in reality make an effort to notice wherever you happen to be originating from, and also from the experience that will oftentimes demonstrated a person right, there exists a reliable measure regarding accuracy in what the idea.
håndværker
23. Jul, 2011
I hope you never stop! This is one of the best blogs Ive ever read. Youve got some mad skill here, man. I just hope that you dont lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.
Tequila Buonomo
23. Jul, 2011
“Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.”
Sharmaine Rippeon
23. Jul, 2011
Hey! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Many thanks!
adelaide family lawyers
23. Jul, 2011
nice post! am looking forward to read your future post, great weekend ahead!
escort London
23. Jul, 2011
Many interesting content. I would just like to know if your experience in this matter based on the theory and practice?
Architektura
23. Jul, 2011
Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Kathyrn Panell
23. Jul, 2011
This really answered my problem, thanks!
Love free sms
23. Jul, 2011
Hi,Terrific weblog post dude! i’m just Tired of using RSS feeds and do you use twitter?so i can follow you there:D.
Agragaty pradotworcze
23. Jul, 2011
Interesting article and nice blog you have too!
outwearied
23. Jul, 2011
At the same time a new tax repay could possibly appear to be the good thing, it is really not even.
eharmony
23. Jul, 2011
The tips you provided here are extremely precious. It proved a real pleasurable surprise to acquire that expecting me whenever i wakened today. They can be constantly to the issue and simple to learn. Thanks plenty for that valuable ideas you’ve got shared the following.
Dog Clothes UK
23. Jul, 2011
Thanks for writing this. I really feel as though I know so much more about this than I did before. Your blog really brought some things to light that I never would have thought about before reading it. You should continue this, Im sure most people would agree youve got a gift.
Tyson F. Gautreaux
23. Jul, 2011
Hello, Nice blog… Check also my site for Free Hosting
Hosting
23. Jul, 2011
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Joga Skórzewo
23. Jul, 2011
Good post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thank you!
Wholesale Gucci Sunglasses
23. Jul, 2011
Major neighbourhood! I light on here all of the time! Mind up the grand urge a exercise!
Lisbeth Garcilazo
23. Jul, 2011
Very informative blog. I especially appreciate content that has to do with beauty and fitness, so it’s important to me to see what you have here. Keep it up! facial exercises
Hobert Beesley
23. Jul, 2011
Beyonce, who headlined Glastonbury on Sunday night, was talked about on social network web sites considerably more compared with other musician at the festival this time around, according to Brandwatch
calories to maintain weight
23. Jul, 2011
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of fantastic info , saved to favorites (:.
befcmu10
23. Jul, 2011
I like looking through and I believe this website got some really utilitarian stuff on it! .
African Mango Diet
23. Jul, 2011
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Natural Treatment For Psoriasis
23. Jul, 2011
Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
shox tl3 shoes
23. Jul, 2011
I have to test with you here. Which isn’t something I normally do! I enjoy reading a publish that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to remark!
navy rank structure
23. Jul, 2011
There is always very little rationale to convey the government a free mortgage usually in the season.
How To Get On Google
23. Jul, 2011
Sorry for the huge review, but I’m really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
microsoft excel training courses
23. Jul, 2011
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
microsoft excel training
23. Jul, 2011
Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
self directed ira llc
23. Jul, 2011
Thanks for the information, I rarely find what I’m looking for… finally an exception!