A: The answer to this question is going to vary by region and depends on so many factors, like the size of your guest list, day of the week, time of year, etc. There’s a website called Cost of Wedding, where you can type in your zip code and it will tell you the average cost of a wedding in your area. 

Keep in mind this is just an average based on what other couples have spent. The average can be easily skewed higher by a few extremely large and expensive weddings or skewed lower due to several inexpensive and smaller weddings. So the average cost may not be truly representative of what the majority of people are paying in your area. 

Regardless, this should only be used to give you an idea of how much a wedding could cost. Your budget should be based on what you can afford and what you are willing to spend, whether that's higher or lower than the average. Remember, you can have a wedding on any budget. Sometimes it just means scaling down, thinking outside of the box and getting creative.  


Do you have a question? Email us and we will be happy to answer it.

 
 
 
After we talked to Gabrielle last week she completed the budget breakdown questionnaire to see how her budget should be allocated. 

Based on her $30,000 budget and estimated 150 person guest list, lets take a look at what that means in terms of dollars for her top priorities: bride’s attire, photographer and reception site.

Attire accounts for about 10% of the total budget. So in Gabrielle’s case she should allot $3,000 for her attire, hair and makeup as well as the groom’s attire.

The cost of the photographer, which would also include the cost of a videographer (if you choose to have one) and any prints and albums you purchase, should account for about 12% of the total budget or in Gabrielle’s case $3,600. 

Lastly, the reception venue, which includes the venue fee, food and service, beverages, bartenders and the cost of the cake, makes up the largest percentage of the budget at 48%. For her size guest list she should be looking to spend around $96 per person after tax and gratuity.

Defining her top priorities and seeing how her budget should be divided up gives Gabrielle the ability to focus her funds and adjust where necessary. Just remember when you decide to increase the percentage of funds in one area you must decrease the percentage in another if you want to stay on budget.

If you would like to receive a customized budget breakdown of your personal wedding budget by category click here.

To see Gabrielle’s complete budget breakdown click on the file below.
Gabrielle & Lenny's Budget Breakdown
File Size: 99 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
 
 
You can plan a stunning wedding while staying under budget. The following are the top three things you can do to cut costs while keeping your vision alive.

Change the day of the week. Most venues will quote you a lower price as well as lower the minimum number of guests you have to guarantee if you book your wedding on a Friday night, Sunday night or a Saturday afternoon. If you are set on having a Saturday evening wedding but you are still looking for a way to cut costs, consider having your wedding in the “off-season”. Exact dates and discounts vary by venue, but most venues offer a lower rate December through April. (Seasonality will vary by region)

Cut the guest list.  Each person you remove from the guest list is one less favor you have to buy, one less program you have to print and one less out-of-town bag you have to put together. All of these little things plus the cost per person for the catering add up to big savings.

Do it yourself (DIY). DIY projects can save you money and are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Choose your DIY projects carefully and make sure you can realistically complete them in the amount of time you have. Also, weigh the amount of savings versus the cost of your time to complete each project before committing to any DIY project.


 
Your Budget 11/05/2009
 
Setting your wedding budget is essential and it will be the ultimate factor in determining the size and style of your wedding. Before you start planning your wedding, sit down with everyone who will be contributing financially. Discuss how much they are willing to contribute and come to a consensus on what the final budget will be. 

To receive a customized breakdown of your personal budget by category click here.