Average
about 40
to 50%
of your
budget
for
food,
drinks,
the
location
fee, the
service
fee (for
the
waiters,
bartenders,
and
valet),
the
rentals
(tables,
chairs,
linens),
the
decorations,
and the
wedding
cake.
Keep in
mind
that if
you
would
rather
spend
the
money on
other
things,
you can
reduce
these
costs to
a mere
30% to
35% of
your
budget.
Wedding
Attire
--
You'll
spend
around
10% of
your
budget
on the
gown,
the tux,
and
accessories.
Don't
forget
that
you'll
have to
put down
extra
money
for
alterations,
hair and
makeup,
and any
beauty
services
you want
before
the
wedding.
Photos
and
Video
-- These
precious
memories
will
cost you
8% to
12% of
your
budget.
You'll
have to
factor
in not
only the
services
for the
day of
the
wedding
(photographer
and/or
videographer),
but an
album,
copies,
reprints,
and
additional
videos.
Often,
this is
an area
where
people
skimp
and
regret.
These
are your
memories
twenty
years
from now
and
beyond.
Aren't
they
worth
the
investment
so your
grandkids
can see
how
beautiful
the
wedding
was?
Music
--
Consider
spending
between
6% and
8% on
music.
This
includes
music
for the
ceremony,
cocktail
hour,
and
reception.
Do not
skimp in
this
area.
The DJ
and/or
Band can
make or
break
your
wedding.
Flowers
and
Décor
-- these
costs
about
the same
as the
music,
ranging
from 6%
to 8%.
Factor
in
centerpieces,
garlands,
bouquets
(for the
bride
and
bridesmaids),
corsages
and
boutonnieres,
flower
girl
petals
or aisle
petals,
ceremony
and
reception
flowers,
and
flowers
for the
cake.
Stationery
--
Save the
date
cards,
announcements,
invitations,
RSVP
cards,
programs,
place
cards,
thank
you
cards,
stamps,
a guest
book,
and a
calligrapher
will run
you
about 3%
to 5%
depending
on how
elaborate
you want
to get.
Rings
-- Two
rings at
2% of
your
budget.
Transport
--
Another
2% for
getting
to the
ceremony
and
reception
(for you
and your
attendants),
parking,
and
optional
guest
transportation.
Gifts
--
Bridal
party
gifts,
wedding
favors,
and
welcome
baskets
should
total
about 2%
to 3% of
your
budget.
Ceremony
--
You'll
need a
donation
or a
gift to
give to
the
location
and/or
officiant.
That
should
be about
1% to
3%.
Other
-- Don't
forget
tipping,
getting
your
marriage
license
and
miscellaneous
taxes
will
count
for
around
5% of
your
budget.
