The first step in planning a wedding is to
establish a preliminary budget and an assignment of expenses. Once established,
you'll find it easier to begin effective decision making. Traditionally,
the bride's family has been responsible for a majority of wedding expenses, but
today it is common and acceptable for the bride, groom and groom's parents to
volunteer their monetary assistance.
To gain a commitment from those involved, you
must first prepare a preliminary budget; decide upon the desired style of your
engagement, wedding, reception and honeymoon; list all services and supply
expenses needed; make telephone calls to research price ranges and summarize your findings into a presentable
format.
See also Article:
Over
budget?
How to cut back!
Below are some of the expenses of a
wedding, and ranges of prices.
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Foto First Photography
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Bridal Gown: The
bridal gown can be anywhere from $500 to over $2000. Determine your budget and
style, it's good to consult various bridal magazines available or visit bridal
salons. (see bridal and evening wear section) You may borrow an heirloom dress
from a family member or close friend, in which case you save a considerable
amount of money. If you do this, be sure to have it professionally cleaned,
treated and stored.
Music: The
cost for the music at the church is not usually very high. The reception music
can range from $200 to $1000 depending on if you have a D.J. or a band. If you
have a small wedding with no dancing, the cost here will be on the lower end.
Flowers: The
normal range for this portion of the wedding is $50 - $500, depending on how
many arrangements you choose, and what kind of flowers.
Invitations: There
is a wide range here. You can make your own for a minimal cost, or go all out
with engraved invitations. Don't forget to add postage to your estimate here.
Photography: Can
range from free to $1000+ for formal and candid pictures. You may have a friend
or family member who is willing to do your wedding pictures as a gift to you, or
who will provide the service for free if you purchase the film and other
necessary equipment.
Videography: Anywhere
from $200 to $1200, depending on if you hire a professional, how many cameras
are being used, and how much editing you want to have done.
Reception: This
is normally the most expensive part of the wedding, as it includes the food,
drinks, cake and caterer. You can control the cost here by determining if you
want to do a lot of the work yourself, and if you want to have the reception at
home. The range here is anywhere from $400 - $10,000.
Transportation:
You may arrange to borrow cars, in which case the cost is minimal, or hire
one of the services described on the transportation page.. The price will vary
depending on which service you choose, and what area you live in.
Clergy fee: Varies.
Check ahead of time.
Gifts for attendants: You
may spend anywhere from $10 to $50 each on these gifts, depending on what you
wish to give, and your budget. There is no proper "set" amount.
Contingency fund: It
is always a good idea to set some money aside ($50 to $200) for
"extras" because they inevitably arise.
We advise you to start shopping early. Get quotes
from many places and then decide what price you can afford, without sacrificing
the quality you want. It may be that you spend the minimal amount in one area so
that you are able to do more in another. Get all contracts with service
providers in writing, and keep track of deposits made.
So the conclusion of the matter is this: decide
how much you are willing and are able to spend on your wedding. The wedding is
simply a nice beginning to a long and lasting relationship, do not let it begin
badly by unwise spending. Be indebted to your spouse, not your bankers.
