The average North American wedding costs between $15,000 to $18,000 today. (And that is just your typical run-of-the-mill wedding) Let's face it...that's a sizeable chunk of cash to most people. But fear not, with proper planning you can have the wedding of your dreams!
Many young couples are faced with having to pay (or at least pitch-in) for their own weddings. Times have changed and we need to get real! In today's society...the "ize" have it. We must prioritize, compromise and sacrifice to have a successful event that doesn't break the bank. Afterall, you want to remember your wedding as a source of joy, not of debt.
- First, you must find out who will be paying for your wedding and how much they can afford. Believe it or not...you have to establish your "bottom-line" first.
- The next step is to fill in a sample budget with "guess-timates". For example, if your bottom line is $10,000, you would allow $1,500 for photography, $600 for a dress, $500 for flowers, $300 for a cake, $300 for stationary, $5000 for reception etc.
- Now you need to get actual estimates. Get at least three for each item and put them on our budget spreadsheet. (included below)
- And now the difficult part! If you are like most people..what you want and what you can afford are two separate things. Get together with your honey and prioritize. You will have to figure out what is the most important elements of your wedding and put your money there.
- You will be amazed at how different your ideas are from your groom-to-be's. Get ready for your first lesson in matrimonial bliss...compromise!
- Sadly, no matter how much you "do yourself" you will probabley still have to minimize something. A good place to start is the guest list. Also, if you hold a brunch or an evening cocktail party wedding you can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total. Be prepared to have an open mind and be imaginative. You should still be able to pull off the wedding of your dreams within a realistic budget!
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Invitations |
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Match Books |
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Napkins |
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Programs |
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Wedding Gown |
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Trousseau |
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Flowers |
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Head Piece |
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Hall for Reception |
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Clergy Fee |
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Music for Church |
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Music for Reception |
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Catering |
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Photography |
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Videography |
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Limousine |
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Wedding Cake |
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Groom Cake |
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Favors |
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Attendants Gifts |
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Gift for Groom/Bride |
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Decorations |
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Wedding Rings |
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Thank You Cards |
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SubTotal |
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Total |
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For an Easily Printable version Click Here |
