So you're newly engaged and just beginning to think about putting the pieces of your dream day together. What to do first?
Well it's important to start with a realistic budget so that you don't get carried away. There are budget calculators of all kinds on the internet and in bridal handbooks, but I find it most helpful to work with percentages.
First, figure out how much you are going to spend in TOTAL. Then break that total down into each main category:
Not all couples will need everything on this list.... for example you might not need to spend anything on transportation if the ceremony and reception are at the same place. That money can then be distributed into other categories that you might want to expand, such as hiring both a photographer and a videographer.
Also remember that this is just a starting place and that you and your fiance will need to do your own prioritizing.
Well it's important to start with a realistic budget so that you don't get carried away. There are budget calculators of all kinds on the internet and in bridal handbooks, but I find it most helpful to work with percentages.
First, figure out how much you are going to spend in TOTAL. Then break that total down into each main category:
- CEREMONY (3%)
- RECEPTION (48%)
- ATTIRE (10%)
- RINGS (3%)
- FLOWERS (8%)
- MUSIC (8%)
- PHOTOGRAPHY (12%)
- TRANSPORTATION (2%)
- STATIONERY (3%)
- GIFTS (3%)
Not all couples will need everything on this list.... for example you might not need to spend anything on transportation if the ceremony and reception are at the same place. That money can then be distributed into other categories that you might want to expand, such as hiring both a photographer and a videographer.
Also remember that this is just a starting place and that you and your fiance will need to do your own prioritizing.
Stacy LaCombe-Kraft
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