Budget Planning Help Needed

JustineMarieD

Hello Ladies, 

I recently booked a wedding venue for October 2017 which includes all food and drinks, etc. Now, my fiance and I are trying to make a wedding budget for the rest of the wedding. We've already booked a band which is a huge chunk of money (Ouch!) compared to a DJ, but that was something we agreed to splurge on. Moving forward, we'd like to create a wedding budget before we need to arrange anything else and the spending gets out of hand. We're fortunate enough where my family is paying for the wedding venue. That leaves all the other stuff in our hands. That being said, what have you guys experienced in terms of cost for everything else? We're thinking of making the budget 20,000 (including the band), but we'd rather not hit that mark! We'll need flowers, the dress (which I'm thinking 2,000 tops), the suit, the bridal party gifts, the church (800), wedding bands, transportation, photo/videographer, stationary & postage, etc. The band costs 7,000 for an 8-piece ensemble. 

I know that Long Island, and NY, is one of the most expensive locations to get married. Do you think this budget is realistic?

What have you found to be the average pricing of the things mentioned?

I really appreciate the help. I just have no idea where to start! 

[Deleted User]

Well since you booked the band already, that leaves you with $13k left.  Your other large costs are going to be photo/video and flowers, both of which you could keep costs low if you start researching way ahead of time (like I'm doing for my May 2017 wedding).  I honestly think you'll be okay with what you have left but you may hit the $20k depending on what you want.  For instance I'm sacrificing fancy centerpieces for an amazing photographer/videographer.

For the type of photographer I'm looking for I'm looking at $3000-$4000 for the photographer alone (and I need two shooters); the same for a videographer.  Also I'm trying to keep costs low by booking someone who does both or book with one and I get a discount with someone they work with/recommend.

I haven't priced flowers yet, and I'm going by what I've seen other brides pay.  First, I'm not really interested in flowers (I'd rather have branches) and I only have one MOH and my FH will only have a BM.  I need a bouquet of course (as well as a throwaway bouquet).  I'm saving by not having my FH or his BM have bouts, just hankies (they hate flowers anyway).  I plan on having roughly 15 tables so I'm hoping for $2k or less.  I've seen posts that I could certainly get that or less if I don't go to a florist that specializes in weddings but rather a local floral shop - we shall see.

For a MUA I was quoted $75 for an in-studio trial or $125 if they come to me.  Day of is $175 and bridesmaids are $75-$85 each - this is with a celebrity MUA.

Stationery:  might be your lowest cost.  Depends on what the venue is providing and what you want to get.  Save the dates?  Seating cards?  How fancy you want the invitations to be.  A program for the ceremony?

FYI I used The Knot's budget and checklist to help me out because I didn't know where to start either.  Hope some of my info helped.

JustineMarieD

Thanks so much! Definitely gives me an idea. The band is a big chunk (which I only started to regret a little when I heard an amazing DJ was under 1500) but it is what it is. I like you're idea of the men not having bouts. And I have my eyes set on a local flower shop so hopefully that helps. (No roses or anything like that. More like wild flowers and twigs so hopefully that helps!)

[Deleted User]

I want twigs too! lol  I saw my venue set up for a wedding where the couple either had no centerpieces or they were very short candleholders - I couldn't tell in the video because it went by too fast.  And honestly it didn't make the room any less beautiful because the space with the LED lights are amazing.  Best of luck to you!!!  I would LOVE to have a band - or  a band AND a DJ!