| Does the idea of budgeting for your wedding scare | | | | your budget for each item. |
| you and you don't know where to start? | | | | To get you started listed below are some items |
| Every couple will have their own ideas, dreams, | | | | common for most weddings and the percentage of |
| traditions you want to follow, and thoughts relating to | | | | the budget usually allowed for them. For items you are |
| your wedding day, so expect to negotiate | | | | not going to use you will save that percentage of your |
| compromises as you head towards your wedding day. | | | | budget or it can be added to things important to you. |
| Which ever way you decide, the reality is that you will | | | | 30% - The highest cost for most weddings is the |
| need to plan and stick to a budget. | | | | reception so allow approximately 30% of your budget |
| Two of the first big decisions you will need to consider | | | | for this. |
| are: | | | | 15% - Clothing comes in next (wedding dress, suits, |
| | | | shoes, lingerie, accessories) at 15% |
| 1. how much money you have, or want to spend on | | | | 11% - Photography (photos, video, albums) |
| your wedding, and | | | | 10% - Honeymoon (venue, transport, pet kennel fees) |
| 2. who will be paying | | | | 5% - Rings (purchase, engraving, ring pillows) |
| 3. - (traditional role of parents paying, or do you prefer | | | | 5% - Flowers (bouquets, table center piece |
| to pay for your wedding yourselves) | | | | arrangements, venue decorations, corsages) |
| To answer these questions be truthful with yourself | | | | 5% - Entertainment (bands, dj, sound systems, roving |
| and what your wedding means to you: | | | | entertainers) |
| Would you rather have an intimate wedding and | | | | 4% - Stationery (save the date, invitations, RSVP, |
| concentrate on your house repayments? | | | | thank you notes) |
| Is a grand opulent wedding important to you? | | | | 3% - Ceremony (venue, marriage license, celebrant |
| Will you be paying for your interstate/overseas | | | | fees) |
| relatives to join you? | | | | 3% - Gifts (attendants, parents in law) |
| Does your family want to help out? | | | | 2% - Grooming (hair, makeup, spa treatments) |
| Would a private affair be preferable instead of a | | | | 2% - Transport (wedding cars, guest shuttles) |
| enormous lavish event | | | | 5% - Incidentals (build in a fail safe for emergencies). |
| When you have decided on an overall figure, allow for | | | | Recording your expected and actual costs will assist |
| the services and products you want to use for your | | | | you keeping within your budget, and allow you to track |
| wedding. It's a good idea to start to keep record of | | | | how you are traveling. |