When creating a wedding budget, it’s important to consider various items and expenses that will be part of your special day. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to think about in a wedding budget:
- Venue fee – reception and ceremony
- Catering (food and beverages)
- Wedding attire (bridal gown, groom’s suit, accessories)
- Wedding rings
- Photography and videography
- Wedding invitations and stationery
- Wedding cake
- Flowers and decorations
- Ceremony expenses (officiant’s fee, ceremony accessories)
- Reception expenses (tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, etc.)
- Wedding favors or gifts for guests
- Transportation (e.g., limousine, car rental)
- Hair and makeup services
- Entertainment (e.g., DJ, live band, dancers)
- Wedding planner or coordinator (if you hire one)
- Marriage license and certificate fees – often the celebrant will help with this
- Accommodation for out-of-town guests
- Pre-wedding events (e.g., engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner)
- Post-wedding expenses (e.g., brunch for guests, farewell brunch)
- Honeymoon expenses (travel, accommodation, activities)
- Wedding insurance (optional but can provide peace of mind)
- Contingency fund for unexpected expenses
- Additional fees or gratuities for vendors
- Gifts for the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen)
- Wedding ceremony and reception music
- Rental fees for additional equipment (e.g., sound system, lighting)
- Wedding rings engraving or resizing
- Marriage counseling (if desired)
- Dance lessons (if you plan to take lessons for your first dance)
- Pre-wedding health and beauty treatments (e.g., spa, gym memberships)
- Postage for invitations and thank-you cards
It’s essential to be thorough when listing these items and estimating their costs based on your preferences and the local market rates. Keep in mind that this list is a general guideline and may vary based on individual choices and cultural traditions. As you plan your wedding, remember to prioritise what matters most to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
BUDGET PERCENTAGES GUIDE
Budget percentages for each category can vary depending on personal preferences, location, and the overall scale of the wedding. However, here’s a general guideline based on average percentages for a traditional wedding budget:
- Venue and Reception: 40% – 50%
- Catering (Food and Beverages): 20% – 25%
- Photography and Videography: 10% – 15%
- Wedding Attire (Bride’s and Groom’s): 5% – 10% (for each)
- Flowers and Decorations: 10-15%
- Entertainment (DJ, Band, etc.): 5% – 10%
- Wedding Planner or Coordinator: 5% – 10% (optional, but can be helpful)
- Wedding Cake: 2% – 5%
- Invitations and Stationery: 2% – 4%
- Wedding Rings: 2% – 4% (for both bride and groom)
- Transportation: 2% – 4%
- Gifts and Favors: 2% – 4%
- Miscellaneous (e.g., ceremony accessories, marriage license, postage): 2% – 4%
- Contingency Fund: 5% – 10% (for unexpected expenses)
Please note that these percentages are approximate and can be adjusted based on your priorities and preferences. For example, if photography is incredibly important to you, you may allocate a larger portion of your budget to that category and adjust others accordingly – see below for our downloadable priorities list cheat sheet!
Additionally, some couples may choose to reallocate percentages from non-priority items to focus on specific elements that are more meaningful to them. The key is to stay flexible and create a budget that aligns with your vision for the wedding while considering your financial capacity. Remember to keep track of your spending throughout the planning process to ensure you’re staying within your budget.
Download our free tool to help set your priorities for your wedding.