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?”
promotional video
23. Jul, 2011
If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.
Philips LED bulbs
23. Jul, 2011
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
self directed ira llc
23. Jul, 2011
I’ve been making this blog a regular stop lately, once again, thanks for a thoughtful post.
Darleen Lappas
23. Jul, 2011
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting .
roll off dumpster
23. Jul, 2011
I was very ecstatic to locate this site on bing.I wanted to say thank you to you with regard to this good post!! I definitelyloved every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to have a look at new stuff you post.
ipage
23. Jul, 2011
Just a fast hello and also to thank you for discussing your ideas on this page. I wound up in your blog right after researching physical fitness connected issues on Yahoo… guess I lost track of what I had been performing! Anyway I’ll be back once once more inside the long run to examine out your blogposts down the road. Thanks!
chitarra semiacustica
23. Jul, 2011
I came to this page by searching google. I have located it quite interesting. thanx for providing this. I will have to visit here again!
facial exercises
23. Jul, 2011
Very nice blog. I especially appreciate content that has to do with beauty and fitness, so it’s refreshing to me to see what you have here. Keep it up! facial exercises
IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit
23. Jul, 2011
I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative web sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.
collagen supplements
23. Jul, 2011
Folks have no idea the fact that this exists. When you’re trying to get started out with a undertaking this is often the type of information that’s required. Do not stop writing at this quality.
Gamer Chat
23. Jul, 2011
Possibly, has this been confirmed by the developer?
Fotografia architektury
23. Jul, 2011
Hey there! I’ve been following your web site for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the good work!
ossiculectomy
23. Jul, 2011
Do not go the good thing being a levy repay right into a undesirable idea for example identification thieves.
tarotistas en barcelona
23. Jul, 2011
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Tien Strausner
23. Jul, 2011
Im brainstorming a analysis paper for faculty and Im presently following several blogs for review. I believe the data written in your article is de facto superb. I might most likely use the information when you do not mind.
Franco Harris Jersey
23. Jul, 2011
I resolution immediately grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Esteemed work and much triumph in your profession efforts!
fender telecaster
23. Jul, 2011
Terrific guide! Love it if more experienced all of the reviewing. I’m hoping to read simple things considerably more on your part. I’m sure you’ve awesome comprehension coupled with eyesight. We’re remarkably empowered this particular related information.
selection criteria
23. Jul, 2011
Sick! Just acquired a brand-new Pearl and I can now read your weblog on my phone’s browser, it didn’t perform on my previous one.
usa online casinos
24. Jul, 2011
You lost me, friend. What i’m saying is, I imagine I buy what youre saying. I’m sure what you’re saying, however you just appear to have forgotten that might be other folks in the world who view this matter for what it truly is and may perhaps not concur with you. You may well be turning away alot of folks that might have been lovers of your website.
Brandon Defonce
24. Jul, 2011
“I had to refresh the page times to view this page for some reason, however, the information here was worth the wait.”
Accounting Jobs
24. Jul, 2011
I learned alot by reading your article. I have been reading your site alot over the past few days and it has earned a place in my bookmarks.
bk racing alloy wheels
24. Jul, 2011
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it
eat away your acne scam
24. Jul, 2011
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
team dynamics alloy wheels
24. Jul, 2011
magnificent points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
Scrapebox
24. Jul, 2011
I’m not sure why but this website is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
car mats
24. Jul, 2011
It is good post, but I do not see everything completely clear, specifically for someone not involved in that topic. Anyway very interesting in my experience.
backlinks
24. Jul, 2011
I strongly agree on you, I hope that others will realized this also and will take time to read your post! keep writing mate!
web marketing
24. Jul, 2011
I strongly agree on you, I hope that others will realized this also and will take time to read your post! keep writing mate!
sex ogloszenia
24. Jul, 2011
TX a lot for taking the time to deal this, I conceive strongly it and love learning many on this issue. If possible, as you advance skillfulness, would you mind change your journal with more message? It is super helpful 4 me.
cartuse
24. Jul, 2011
cartuse imprimanta
dloui vuitton esigner wallets
24. Jul, 2011
very good post, i actually love this web site, keep on it
samsung wireless surround sound system
24. Jul, 2011
Just where maybe you have found the resource meant for this particular post? Brilliant reading I’v e subscribed to your site feed.
Scrapebox
24. Jul, 2011
Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!
Architektura
24. Jul, 2011
This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
acronis
24. Jul, 2011
Does the following seriously work, anyone tried it but?
joomla text editor
24. Jul, 2011
Strange this post is totaly irrelevant for the search query I entered on the internet but it was in first page.
Fitness Dopiewo
24. Jul, 2011
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re utilizing? I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?
acronis true image home coupon
24. Jul, 2011
I believe you will find a downside to your site utilizing Safari web browser.
acronis true image coupon
24. Jul, 2011
I believe we have a trouble with your web blog utilizing Opera browser.
Garage Door Repair Mesa
24. Jul, 2011
Does this definitely work, anybody tried it but?
pasajes a machupichu
24. Jul, 2011
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote ebook in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
leczyca
24. Jul, 2011
Great! Thanks for post
Garage Doors Phoenix
24. Jul, 2011
Exactly where have you ever found the resource for this specific write-up? Brilliant reading I’ve subscribed for your feed.
internet ready tv
24. Jul, 2011
Howdy, have you ever in your life asked yourself to publish concerning Nintendo 3DS handheld?
acronis 2011 coupon code
24. Jul, 2011
I think there is a trouble with your internet site utilising Firefox internet browser.
uniblue registry repair
24. Jul, 2011
Just where have you found the supply meant for the following post? Magnificent studying I’ve subscribed for your site feed.
selsun blue
24. Jul, 2011
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish amazing. Great job!
Music Promotion
24. Jul, 2011
I just wanted to create a quick comment so as to express gratitude for you for all wonderful pointers you happen to be posting at this site. Time consuming internet investigation has right at the end of the day been rewarded with top quality methods to give my guests. I would say that most of us traffic are very endowed to happen in a fantastic network with the greatest marvellous those that have useful hints. I find myself quite privileged to possess used your webpages and look toward really more fabulous minutes reading here. Thanks again for a lot of things.
sciatica treatment
24. Jul, 2011
I believe we have a problem with your internet site making use of Internet explorer web browser.
Data Recovery
24. Jul, 2011
What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not actually much more neatly-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You know therefore considerably when it comes to this matter, produced me for my part believe it from so many various angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. Always deal with it up!