Inspired by Well Heeled’s post on her wedding budget under $10,000, here’s our plan for a wedding budget under $12,000:
Ceremony
- Officiant $300.00
- Location $950.00
- Wedding license $55.00
- Rings $200.00
- Parking $40.00
(Don’t know if we’ll need this, but something to consider.)
Reception
- Site fees & Food $3,000.00
- Music $100.00
- Cake $400.00
(Considering cupcakes with a single cake tier that we can cut and share.) - Champagne Toast $60.00
We may or may not do this, but wanted to work it into the budget.
Hair and Dress
- Dress Cleaning $300.00
- Shoes, accessories $200.00
- Hair $150.00
- Makeup and nails $80.00
- Groom’s wear $500.00
(Since my guy will likely wear a suit and not a tux, he’ll probably buy something he can use over and over. He’s a sharp dresser though… maybe this line item should be more!)
Stationary
(I honestly don’t think it will cost this much, but I’d rather overestimate than underestimate.)
- Invitations $150.00
- Programs $70.00
- Seating cards $30.00
Photography
- Fee $4,000.00
I know what you’re thinking. But this is the one item we agreed to splurge on. We figure we’ll keep nothing else from this day by the memories and the photos, so we want the photos to be awesome. I have admired the photographer I selected for years. When we set our budget, it was with this guy in mind.
- Video $350.00
DIY. Planning to buy two Flipcams and tripods.
Décor
- Bouquet $120.00
- Centerpieces $150.00
Gifts $300.00
Estimated Total $11,505.00
Budget $12,000.00
Difference $495.00
I tried to overestimate anywhere that I am not yet 100 percent sure what the final cost will be.
If we stick to this budget, we should actually come under $12,000.
We’re not having wedding parties — no bridesmaids or groomsmen; just a maid of honor and a best man. Those people have already been selected and asked to honor us. No wedding parties, no bridesmaids gifts, so that’s not included in the budget.
Also not included are the hotel room for the day before and the day of the wedding. More than likely, that cost will come out of the overall budget, but we have not decided exactly how we’re doing this and how much we’re willing to spend. The honeymoon will come closer to the end of the year (still working on that budget!).
I have half of my portion saved. I’ll have the rest saved in time for the wedding.
I mentioned in my last post that my guy and I may not split this evenly down the middle. I may foot the bill for my stuff (hair, makeup, accessories) and he may pay for his stuff. Ultimately, though, it won’t matter much because I ain’t spending more than the $6,000 I’ve essentially allowed myself.
This budget isn’t etched in stone and will be adjusted as we make some more decisions. Still, I think we’re in great shape to get it done on budget. No debt! No dipping into savings!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
One thought that everyone forgets – postage! It adds up fast. Also, thank you cards.
Jenn! You’re so right. I forgot all about postage. I’ll add that in my spreadsheet and rejigger. Oh brother, please don’t let there be anything else I’m forgetting!
Yay for setting a budget! By the way, I’ve decided to downsize my wedding from $10K to $5K-$6K. It’s amazing what cutting the guest list in half will do.
Do you already have a dress? How many guests are you expecting?
You are going to have so many top options with your photography budget – it’s fantastic that you already have a photographer in mind. I am still wading through the 50+ replies I got from my Craigslist posting.
Have the dress! Have had it for a LONG time
We’re expecting 90 people, mostly family.
I read your post and you know, you’re doing the right thing. If it was stressing you out, wasn’t fun and you have visions of something you wanted more, then that’s what you should do. Right now, today, what I’m planning is exactly what I want and I planned the budget to fit my reality (not the other way around!), so I’m ok.
Now, check on me in another month or so and see where I am!
Looks really good…
Does an officiant really cost that much on the East Coast?? Do you have a family member that can officiate for you??
Cupcakes can actually get rather expensive because I looked into it myself..another idea is to get white sheet cakes for your guests and still have a cake tier on a tall pedestal for your pics..As long as the cake tastes good folks don’t care and it’s easy to order too much cake, I had a full two tiers left of a 4 tier cake.
Speaking on pics..is having video extremely important to you guys? If you are planning on having a really GOOD photographer, then you might forgo the video.
Do your site fees include tables, chairs and linens?? Is it for a buffet or butler-ed service.
And don’t forget about gratuities if it’s not included…down here it ran about 18%.
Just some thoughts, hope they are helpful.
Sounds like a very sound plan. Definitely figure in postage and even reprints in case something were to happen. You could also save some money invitations by doing them yourselves. My girlfriend did and her invites were actually little memory boxes. She had all of us help her make them and we knocked it out one Saturday.
Thank you so much for posting this…and for having others link to their sites. My fiancé and I are thinking about the fact that we’ll have to pay for our wedding and how to do it without cashing out our 401-k. (Don’t laugh…my friend did it.) One question: does the food and catering include an open bar?
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