B is for Budget

B

Step 1 in planning your wedding budget - know your guest count! Once you have your list together, you can begin your search for a venue, caterer, and more.

Bride and Groom Planner offers a great Budget Spreadsheet to help you organize everything that you need for your wedding and see how each expense fits into the overall plan.

Your Budget Breakdown:

     18-22% Culinary

     15-18% Reception (Venue and Beverages) + Rehearsal Dinner and Parties

     8-15% Services, Ceremony, Music

     8-10% Photography

     3-18% Entertainment

     7-9% Videography

     6-7% Decorations & Rentals

     5-8% Flowers

     6-7% Attire

     2-3% Health & Beauty

     1-2% Groom's Suit and Shoes

     3-4% Stationery (Invitations, RSVPs, Thank You Cards, Programs)

     2-3% Favors & Gifts

     2-3% Jewelry

     2-3% Transportation

Don't forget the honeymoon! Although not considered a direct wedding expense, you will want to factor in the planning and costs of travel, food, lodging, etc. if you intend to go on a honeymoon.

Here's a pie chart from StarDust Celebrations with a slightly different, but still helpful breakdown of wedding day expenses.

See below for The Knot's estimated wedding expenses for today's average couple.