What is a decent budget to set for a wedding?
@samantha_nicole (66)
United States
March 24, 2008 11:33pm CST
What is realistic budget to set for a wedding? I was originally thinking 15k, but it just seem like so much money, even with help from my significant other and I, his parents and my own. Were settling on 10k. Is this too much for 3 parties to help with? Also, does anyone have any suggestions for doing a classy, romantic wedding for less?
3 responses
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
26 Mar 08
There is no set amount you have to spend or how little to spend. ultimately it is up to you. You set that price that you want. If you want something simple you are still looking at quite a cost. If you want some extravgent then yes you will be shelling out more for a wedding. A great thing is to have a wedding list. What do you want to have there? Look into all the places that cater to weddings. Do you want a wedding planner? Are you doing it yourself? Basically start making a list of things you want and set aside a budget for each. Start with how many guests you are going to want etc. Talk this one over with the family as well. Some starters for you:Jewellery
Engagement ring:
Wedding bands:Ceremoney
Site fee:
marriage license:
Officiants fee:
Miscellaneous:Stationary
Invitations:
Reception cards:
Response cards:
Announcements:
Thank you cards:
Programs:
Napkins/Mathes etc:
Personal Stationary:Bridal Attire
Bridal gown:
Headpeice:
Accessories:
Undergarments:
Shoes:
Jewellery:
Grooms tux:Reception
Site:
Caterer:
Food costs:
Beverages:
Staff:
Rentals:Flowers
Ceremony:
Reception:
Bride:
Bridesmaids:
Flower girl:
men's boutonnieres:
Parents/Grandparents:Decorations
Professional:
Do it yourself:Bakery
Wedding cake:
cake toppers:
Cookies/Pasteries:
Other:Photo
Wedding package:
Formal Portrait:
Engagement photo:
Parent's album:
Your album:Video
Recording:
Editing:
Number of copies:Transporation
Bride's limo:
Wedding party limo:
Parents limo:Beauty
Hair:
Makeup:
Nails:
Spa visit:Music
Ceremony:
Reception:Gifts
Guests favours:
Attendants:
Bride:
Groom:
Parents:Rehearsal Dinner
Site:
Food:
Beverages:
Tip:Keep this all in mind there may be others or some that you don't want.
Good luck and have fun. Don't let it get stressful.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
25 Mar 08
$10K even seems like a bit much. You can have a really nice wedding for quite a bit less if you know how to find a bargain.
@samantha_nicole (66)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I know it really is a lot of money. This would be the first marriage of a child in both of our families and when I ask my parents or his how much they spent, all they say is "Well, prices have changed since 1985...".
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
25 Mar 08
My parents did not pay for my first marriage, but they volunteered to pay for the second (we were going to pay for it w/$3K). I know they footed the bill for my brothers wedding. Anyway, the budget started at $5K; we covered the rings, my dress, the tux for my husband & my son. Total for us was about $600. My parents paid for the reception, invitations, napkins, flowers, DJ, and the minister. We had the entire wedding at a reception hall. I know the hall rental and food was around $3K, invitations were around $75 (for 60 invitations & response card w/printed reply envelopes, double envelope - bought them online), napkins less than $20 (got a deal online), flowers were about $2K, DH $400, Minister $500...pretty close to $5K, but I know my Dad at one point made some changes so I don't know who much they really spent. I am sure it was quite a bit over budget because my Dad doesn't want to look "cheap".
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
25 Mar 08
According to me, whatever would not burden the person who spends is a reasonable budget.If it is going to be a pooling of resources, then a discussion where all the members who pool their resources is called for.Each is likely to have one's priorities.You will have to list them as 1,2, 3 on the list of priorities. Then allow the person who is going to take the maximum burden have his /her say.
Romance is in the mind. One can always optimize resources and happiness and satisfaction would come only if the desires are well within our earning and saving limits.
I may sound a bit outdated in my approach but , I feel that when an emergency or some sudden expenditure crops up we can't excuse ourselves for overshooting our budget and the control we should have exercised in considering a sizeable standby savings for contingencies.
