Essentials and non essentials!

onourway13

Newly engaged here! My fiance and I are trying to set a date, which half way requires us to set a budget. Have the budget tool on TK is helpful, but I am wondering what you found on there that absolutely was not needed and if you felt there were things left off that were absolutely necessary to you. Things like my wedding band, certain transportation, videography etc are not needed for us but of course without other things listed I am wondering if we may be forgetting some things!

If anyone would share their thoughts or even point me in the right direction of a good inclusive list that would be helpful!

Jager1219

I personally dislike TK budget tool.  I would just do it out via pen & paper.  Whatever number you have for the budget, figure 50% to go to the venue & catering.  This would be site fees, rentals (chair, tablecloths, chair covers), food, alcohol, waitstaff, cake.

Then figure 10% to go towards your attire.  Include the cost for alterations.  Best idea is to ask at bridal salons what they normally charge for alterations since it varies by location.  In here also include hair/make-up, undergarments, shoes, jewelry.

Then another 10% each for photography (this would include videography if applicable), flowers/decor, and music (including ceremony music).

Finally leave the last 10% for miscellaneous stuff.  This would be tips, transportation, welcome bags, your hotel room, gifts for the WP, rings, etc.

Use the above as a guide.  Then start booking things in order of importance, but I'd start with the venue.  Then adjust your budget allocations as you go along so that if photography is really important to you but you don't care about the flowers, then you can spend more on one and less on the other and still get to the same bottom line.

onourway13

I think I like it for ideas but definitely not a strict guideline. Thanks!

missyjp94

This post was really helpful, thanks to the both of you!

onourway13

Glad to help someone!

Sara G to be

I kind of use it as a guide. Some things I am putting more money into then they suggest and others I am putting way less into, but that is also because a bunch of stuff people are helping with like flowers and venue and food so we don't have to pay that much. Luckly we have amazing friends and neighboors who are offering left and right to help us out. They know where we are in our lives and how we don't have a crazy lot and want to help us make the best day possible. So yea I just used the budgeting tool a guide

Vintagelove4

I don't use the TK budget tool or their website option. I'd follow what Jagar said.