Wedding Budget Part Two 

So, in the first part of this blog series, we talked about who traditionally pays for what in a wedding.

I shared that perspective so you have a better understanding of your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and anyone who felt bound by having a traditional wedding. You’ll need to understand their point of view so that you can lead them to yours.

Using that same list, YOU can decide who pays for what. You are allowed to break through tradition and have your wedding your way!

●       Catering

●       Photographer

●       Videographer

●       Engagement Party

●       The Wedding Ceremony

o    Venue

o   Décor

o   Music

●       Reception venue

o   Décor

o   Music

●       Alcohol

●       The Bride’s Attire

o    Accessories

●       Wedding Planner

●       Flowers

o   Bride's bouquet

o   Attendants bouquets

o   Decorative floral arrangements

o   Boutonnieres and Corsages

●       Stationery – save-the-dates, invitations, ceremony programs, escort cards, etc.

●       Favors

●       Transportation

●       Wedding Cake

●       Day-After Brunch (if desired)

●       Honeymoon

●       Marriage license/Officiant fee

●       Rehearsal dinner

●       Accommodation for Wedding party

•        Engagement Ring and Wedding Rings

•        Groom’s Attire

•        Wedding-Day Gift each other

•        Wedding Night Accommodations

•        Wedding gifts for the Wedding Party and parents

●       Hair and makeup for the Bride

●       Hair and Makeup for the Wedding Party

●       Wedding Party Attire

●       Travel and Accommodations for guests

●       Other Parties – Bachelor/Bachelorette Party, Bridal Shower, etc.

●       Children’s Attire

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list. Your list will be unique to your special day.

Inside the DIY Wedding Planning Course, I’ve included a Budget Tool that is easy to use and will help you keep track of who is paying for what, what the budget is and what’s been paid for. The Budget is your friend. Staying within that budget reduces stress along the way.

Along with that, I’ve created a Wedding Planning Matrix for you to use as a couple, and to make a copy for whomever else is contributing to the success of your special day. This tool will help you clearly communicate and understand where changes need to be made in order to accommodate the overall budget.

This may just be the most difficult part of your journey towards “I Do”, but it is worth your time and energy to have open conversations about what is important to you as a couple, as well as your family.

In the meantime, print off this (not exhaustive) list for your reference and begin to think about your budget. Put some numbers next to each item and begin to prioritize.