Things to include in your first draft wedding budget

[nsousa]

We considered every last tiny detail in our budget -- and still ended up over 25% after fine tuning all the details.

 

Here are the items we included -- some things which we had initially overlooked when first budgeting...

 

 

travel (if u can afford to prepay the deposit for 10 rooms up front, most agents will allow a group booking...then you may be able to get your room plus other perks or free....which could save u a few bucks)

Photographer

photog overnight room fee (book at the beach hotel EARLY -- when they run a special)

dress
alterations

bridal undergarments
cake topper

unity candle
veil
bridesmaid jewelry

save the dates (u could email these to save $$ - and then send out an early invitation like a boarding pass or combo save the date/invite)
invitations
stamps
purse

brides jewelry
votives
cigars or cigar roller
wedding bands
grooms suit/shirt/tie/shoes
ceremony/reception
additional pp over 15
cocktail or extra hour 13pp
marriage cert
bridesmaid bouquets
groomsmen boutonniere
centerpieces
rose petals
cake
fire show
mariachi
sparklers
mani/pedi
dj
generator (90 per hr)
video
favors
seat cards
fans
maracas
bridesmaid gifts
groomsmen gifts
transfers
mothers corsage

cards for bms and parents
tips
babysitter for ceremony

kids activities

thank you cards

 

make a spreadsheet and start plugging in the numbers.... hope this helps!

[BrideMoka]

Thanks that was a lot of help whew weddings are expensive

[kimbos]

Thanks for the ideas. And yeah everything can add up very quickly.

[TropicLover]

Very helpful!

[Dominican Ally]

Thanks for the list - very helpful!

[WeddingWallet]

Managing within budget sounds logical, yet many couples end up spending more on their wedding than what they can afford. Unfortunately, it takes more than a budget worksheet or tracking tool to create a realistic budget or stay on the budget.  Wedding Wallet, an wedding financial planner (https://mytafi.com/WeddingWallet/weddingFinancialPlanner.htm) helps couples create a wedding budget (based on other users' budgets), check affordability of the budget and make a financial plan (reduce expenses, adjust goals) so they can have enough for their wedding by their wedding date.  The idea is let people adjust wedding expense in the broader life picture so the couples can understand tradeoff/impact of wedding expenses with other goals/expenses.

[Meagan816]

Thanks for the list.  My FI and I just decided we better get started on a budget.  This was very helpful!

[JessiTaylor]

 

you also have to look for hidden costs. for example a free/set wedding package may include a cake - but if you watn decoration (like fresh flowers) it could well cost extra

 

or they offer you a gazebo and chairs with bows...then suggest lovely extras that arent included (flower petals, extra arrangements etc). depends on the hotel of course but make sure you know exactly what is included and whether it fits in with your wedding day "vision" or if you need extras.also when you make a budget factor in a certain amount of contingency/emergency money for unexpected expenses. its better to have some left over, than to realise you want something or forget something and your budget is completely used up

 

good luck!

[dreamweddings]

Hello Ladies,

 

Nsousa I like your budget list and I will just add on to it, that remember having to focus on the 3 major things that eat up the budget, your wedding location,food and drinks and photographer,once you are sure of these costs you will pretty much have an idea as to where you heading with the total budget.

 

If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will be happy to answer.

 

Happy planning!

Joyce