Budgeting (and things not to forget)

[DestinationGirl]

Hi Ladies,

 

My FI and I made a budget when we started to plan our destination wedding (we are also doing an AHR). I'm trying to get us an organized and possible, while also aiming to stay within a decent budget. I have a running list of things, with costs that I already know, and other things with a question mark for those costs that I am not sure of yet.
Also, I am writing down things that I may or may not want - this way I can make decisions as I go.

Here is my list so far, please suggest anything that I may be forgetting or haven't thought of and this can be helpful to anyone who is at this point in the planning stages.

 

Thanks!!

 

-Travel

-Ceremony Package           

- Bride’s bouquet
- Groom’s boutonniere
- Bridal Party bouquets/boutonnieres
- Table arrangement for ceremony
- Sound system for ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Private Reception

- Fire Show

- Reception Decorations           

- Ceremony Decorations

- Photographer

- Guest Pass for outside vendors

- Officient (

- Hair

- Makeup

- Sand Ceremony Kit 

- OOT Bags 
- Wedding Dress

- Groom’s Suit

- Wedding Bands

- Wedding outfit accessories

- DJ -

- Marriage license and certificate

- Photograph prints/albums

- Invitations

- Wedding Party Gifts

- Guest gifts

- tips

[RollerBride]

This seems pretty thorough to me.

here are some other things that we did also, i'm not sure if they will apply to you:

 

-We are also printing menus and itineraries for our guests, so we factored in ink and fancy printer paper.

-We also factored in stamps for STDs, invites and thank you notes.

-We got married legally a few months ago, so we factored in the marriage license.

-Cake topper

-Wedding dress alterations/accessories

-petals for flower girl & basket for petals

 

i hope this helps!

[ElleGee]

There are SO MANY EXTRAS . ,  it seems endless. I think having a solid couple grand for 'incidentals' is smart!

[kisha311]

Very good list! I would say that if you're having a DJ then you shouldn't have to spring for the sound system. I know that the DJ either brings their own, or the resort works it out in their vendor fee so that it's already included in their rate. Either way, not an expense for you because it's a part of their services so you just added back some miscellaneous cash!!  

[ChocoTaco7568]

Don't forget a guestbook

[shannonmarie]

Originally Posted by kisha311 

 

Very good list! I would say that if you're having a DJ then you shouldn't have to spring for the sound system. I know that the DJ either brings their own, or the resort works it out in their vendor fee so that it's already included in their rate. Either way, not an expense for you because it's a part of their services so you just added back some miscellaneous cash!!  

But wouldn't you still need the sound system for the ceremony?

[DestinationGirl]

Hey ladies, thanks for all your comments and additions!
I am just building a list of all various and possible costs, not just for myself - but for future planners.

The reason I put both sound system and DJ are because someone might be hiring a DJ (in which case they will most likely bring their own sound system) or soemone might just rent the sound system and play off their ipod.
I just wanna get all the various options for things.

I also thought of another expense - Travel Agent. I don't know if everyone is paying theirs - but I am, so gotta add it to the list.

 

Updated list:

 

- Travel

-Ceremony Package           

- Bride’s bouquet
- Groom’s boutonniere
- Bridal Party bouquets/boutonnieres
- Table arrangement for ceremony
- Sound system for ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Private Reception

- Fire Show

- Reception Decorations           

- Ceremony Decorations

- Photographer

- Guest Pass for outside vendors

- Officient

- Hair

- Makeup

- Sand Ceremony Kit 

- OOT Bags 
- Wedding Dress

- Groom’s Suit

- Wedding Bands

- Wedding outfit accessories

- DJ -

- Marriage license and certificate

- Photograph prints/albums

- Invitations

- Wedding Party Gifts

- Guest gifts

- Tips

- Printing & paper costs

- Stamps

- Cake topper

- Dress Alterations

- Flower boy/girl pillow/basket
- Guestbook

- Travel Agent fees
 

[Mufin1785]

I am always finding things on this site that I did not think of before so it was not budgeted luckily, I am always finding deals, and ways to DIY on this site as well.    

[kisha311]

Shannonmarie - I believe, at least from talking to the coordinator at my resort and another that I was looking into, that whatever the musical choice is for your ceremony or reception the sound system is included. The only time you would have to rent that piece of equipment would be if you say I'm bringing my iPod or own music. So basically, if the wedding has a musical selection included (like mine does) then the system that plays it and amplifies it is included. If you book a band, DJ, or other entertainment that plays music, then they provide their own equipment for that service. For a band or DJ, that's part of what makes them a professional because they know their equipment and how to use/manipulate it.  Even if my wedding were to be held in the United States, and I booked the entertainment, it is expected that they provide their own sound/amplification equipment. That's part of what you pay for because they have invested in their "product" which is the music and making it sound good.  Any good DJ or band wouldn't trust an unknown piece of equipment because they know what settings and things to use to give the best sound for their performance! So, make sure and ask your wedding coordinator or the DJ/bands directly, but I'm 99.9% certain that a sound system is included when you pay the high prices they charge/hour. 

 

PM me if you have any other questions and good luck! 

[shannonmarie]

Originally Posted by kisha311 

 

Shannonmarie - I believe, at least from talking to the coordinator at my resort and another that I was looking into, that whatever the musical choice is for your ceremony or reception the sound system is included. The only time you would have to rent that piece of equipment would be if you say I'm bringing my iPod or own music. So basically, if the wedding has a musical selection included (like mine does) then the system that plays it and amplifies it is included. If you book a band, DJ, or other entertainment that plays music, then they provide their own equipment for that service. For a band or DJ, that's part of what makes them a professional because they know their equipment and how to use/manipulate it.  Even if my wedding were to be held in the United States, and I booked the entertainment, it is expected that they provide their own sound/amplification equipment. That's part of what you pay for because they have invested in their "product" which is the music and making it sound good.  Any good DJ or band wouldn't trust an unknown piece of equipment because they know what settings and things to use to give the best sound for their performance! So, make sure and ask your wedding coordinator or the DJ/bands directly, but I'm 99.9% certain that a sound system is included when you pay the high prices they charge/hour. 

 

PM me if you have any other questions and good luck! 

Thanks! I totally get what your saying. I guess I'm just confused. I didn't think the actually DJ would be there for the ceremony part of the wedding. In all the weddings I have been to I have never seen a DJ there for the ceremony.