Breaking Down the Budget

A few commonly asked wedding-spending questions: Is it wrong to spend $4000 on a wedding gown  and leave only $1,000 for flowers  and decorations ? Can you spend $1000 on invitations  and stationery if you only spend $500 on bridal party gifts  and favors ? It's all okay, especially since every wedding is unique.

The bottom line is that you have to draw up your budget first and realistically lay out how much you can afford. You can then break it down accordingly.

Balancing It Out

Figuring out where your money is going is important, especially if parents are contributing to the wedding funds. Below you'll see a breakdown of each thing you'll need to pay for, and the percentage of your budget the item will take up. Keep in mind that the expenditure percentages shown below are not set in stone--rather, they're a rough average. Depending on what resources you have available, such as close friends or family willing to sponsor particular services, you may be able to invest that percentage into another area. You may also choose to spend more on one area than another. For example, you may forgo the pricey dress  because you'd rather have amazing flower arrangements . Or you'll use your iPod if that means you can get a better photographer . It all depends on the individual.

• The Reception: This is what you'll spend the most money on.
• Average about 40 to 50% of your budget for food, drinks, the location fee, the service fee (for the waiters, bartenders, and valet), the rentals  (tables  and chairs ), the decorations , and the wedding cake, as well as a cutting fee. Keep in mind that if you would rather spend the money on other things, you can reduce these costs to a mere 30% to 35% of your budget.

• Wedding Attire: You'll spend around 10% of your budget on the gown , the tux , and accessories. Don't forget that you'll have to put down extra money for alterations, hair and makeup, and any other beauty services you want before the wedding.

• Photos and Video: These precious memories will cost you 8% to 12% of your budget. You'll have to factor in not only the services for the day of the wedding (photographer and/or videographer), but an album , copies, reprints, and additional videos. Often, this is an area where people skimp and regret. These will be your memories, aren't they worth the investment so your grandkids can see how beautiful the wedding was?

• Music: Consider spending between 6% and 8% on music. This includes music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

• Flowers and Decor: This costs about the same as the music, ranging from 6% to 8%. Factor in centerpieces , garlands, bouquets  (for the bride and her party), corsages  and boutonnieres , ceremony and reception flowers, and arrangements for the cake table. You may also need something for the flower girl.

Stationery: Save the date cards , announcements, invitations , RSVP cards, programs, place cards ,thank you cards , stamps, a guest book , and a calligrapher will run you about 3% to 5%, depending on how elaborate you want to get. Rings: Two rings at 2% of your budget. Transport: Another 2% for getting to the ceremony and reception (for you and your attendants), parking, and optional guest transportation.

• Gifts: Bridal party gifts ,wedding favors , and welcome baskets  should total about 2% to 3% of your budget.

• Ceremony: You'll need a donation or a gift to give to the location and/or officiant. That should be about 1% to 3%.

• Other : Don't forget that tipping, obtaining your marriage license, and paying miscellaneous taxes will account for around 5% of your budget.

You May Need...

A few things to help you stay organized throughout the wedding planning process:

100 Day Countdown Desk Calendar  Eighty days, seventy days, 60, 40, 20--the excitement is palpable. Each day on this calendar  offers a new tip from wedding planning expert. It's time to celebrate and make way for a series of new countdowns.	Bride-to-Be Tote Bag  While you're planning, be prepared to be on the run! Magazine clippings of your desired gown, hair, makeup; vendors contracts, and fabric swatches can be kept in a personalized tote bag that lets the world know you've got things to do and people to see!	The Knot Inspired Bride Kit   As a bride-to-be , you'll have a million bits and pieces to keep track of: dress ideas, photos, and other important documents. This kit includes a three-ring binder with paper, a memo pad, and mounting squares so you can create a cohesive plan, complete with visuals.	The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers  Pink roses or orange calla lillies? Powder blue hydrangeas or burgundy gerberas? Maybe you want some bright sunflowers for a late-summer wedding, or to throw in a few bright red snapdragons? Flip through this book to draw floral inspiration for your big day.	The Knot Seating Chart Organizer  Aunt Amy and Cousin Allen had a falling out last year and can't stand each other. Your brother is allergic to cats and your great aunt Mabel-to-be can't seem to get enough of them (or find a way to remove the fur from her clothes). A handy seating chart organizer allows you to mix and match, reseat, and start over if the need arises.

Related Guides

• Wedding Budgeting
• Money Saving Tips for Weddings
• Actual Wedding Cost
• Who Pays for What
• Wedding Insurance