Budget Your Wedding

Posted on: August 21, 2008

Unless you're interested in finance, we would bet that working with a budget will generally not be the most fun aspect of wedding planning... But it's very necessary none the less. We've outlined the steps and included some sample numbers for your spreadsheet.

Step #1 - How much?

Sit down and have a discussion with all the relevant parties - i.e. your fiancée, parents, banker and anyone else who will be contributing financially to your wedding and find out exactly how much you have to work with.

Step #2 - Create Your Spreadsheet

You'll need 3 columns. In the first column, list all the items and services you will need to pay for. In the 2nd column, list all the amounts you budgeted for each item and in the 3rd column, list the actual amounts you spent. Totals should add up at the bottom of the 2nd and 3rd columns.

You would just keep filling in the spreadsheet with the amounts you spent on each item as you go along. This way you can clearly see if you're spending more or less on a given aspect of your wedding than you planned for. If you're spending less in one area, you could put the funds into another area and vice versa. You'll find yourself referring to your spreadsheet a lot and making modifications along the way.

Step #3 - Filling In The Items You'll Need and Their Budgeted Cost

We've compiled a list of things you're probably going to need for your wedding day as well as benchmark prices. Feel free to use this list to fill in the "Budgeted" column on your spreadsheet. However, keep in mind that what we've provided are only benchmarks. This means we have indicated the "typical" amount you could reasonably pay for each item and not necessarily what we think is a "good deal". Make sure you see our Cheap and Chic section for some great tips on saving money while staying stylish. Remember, it is possible to save a lot of money with a little knowledge, creativity and especially tenacity!

Reception Costs

Food/Service, Beverages and Site Fee all Combined - $100 per person

Cake - $600

Attire

Wedding Dress - $1200

Alterations - $300

Veil - $150

Jewelry (Costume) - $50

Shoes - $100,

Purse - $50

Lingerie - $75,

Hair - $100

Make-up - $65

Nails (Manicure/Pedicure)- $70

Aesthetic Treatments - $70

Capturing the Day

Photographer - $1800

Videographer - $1200

Flowers / Décor

Bridal Bouquet - $250

Bridesmaids Bouquet - $60 each

Flower Girl Bouquet or Basket - $50

Boutonierres - $12 each

Corsages - $25 each

Ceremony Flowers - $150

Floral Centrepieces - $60 each

Chair Covers - $6 each

Music

Ceremony:

Soloist - $100

Harpist - $100

Organist - $100

Reception:

DJ - $125 per hour (minimum 4 hours)

Live Band - $100 per musician per hour

Ceremony

Officiant and Site Fee - $500

Marriage Licence - approximately $55 but varies by province

Transportation / Accomodation

Bridal Party Transport - Limo - $100 per hour (minimum 3 hours)

Wedding Night Accomodation - $200

Invites/Stationery

Invitations - $500 (for 100 guests)

RSVP Cards - $500

Stamps for both Invitations and RSVP Cards - going rate

Programs - $100

Thank You Notes - $55

Thank You Gifts

Attendant Gifts (bridesmaids, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer) - $25 to $75 each

Parent Gifts (some couples give their parents gifts especially if they are contributing to the wedding financially) - $100 per family

Guest Favours - $5 - $10 per couple