Wedding Budget

alschmid

If you feel comfortable with it, I'd be interesting in hearing what everyone's budget and spending breakdown was for their wedding.  Trying to weigh the pros/cons of the packages vs plan yourself and diy etc.

Thanks!

lcarp203

I looked at both options.  However, most of the all inclusive that I liked, were way out of my budget for what I wanted.  I wanted a Saturday wedding and reception in November.  Since November is a high wedding time, I found what I wanted was out of my budget range (25,000 to 35,000) when all was said and done.  There were some less expensive all inclusive options, but I did not like the venues or location or options. 

So, I searched for a venue where I found the vendors.  I found a venue that was reasonable and then can work to keep it in my budget. 

I would recommend looking at the knot budget tool.  Put in the amount you want to spend in and see how they divide up your budget.  You can even search the web for other budgeting tools.  Then, start looking at both.  See which way is more feasible on your budget.  

I am aiming for 15K as my budget.  In the end, I think I am happier knowing where the money went!  And, I have some control over it.

Good Luck!

NillaWafer10

I originally tried to budget for a $7,000 wedding, but I'm probably going to be at about $10,000 out the door.  Often times you forget about tax, gratuities, gifts and misc spending. 

I second using the knot budgeter.  It was a really good baseline for my budget.  I adapted it to fit my personal needs, and I use an excell spreadsheet to keep track of ALL of my spending.  I know it can get really out of hand if you don't realize how much you are spending.

Here is a rough estimate of where my money is going.

Attire/Beauty $1,000
Venue $2,500
DIY Catering and Bar $2000
DIY Wholesale Flowers $600
Photography $1,500
Videography $800
Stationary $500
Groom's Ring $300
Gifts $200
DIY DJ Equiptment $200

That totals to just shy of $10,000. I figured that there will be unforseen purchases to round it up nicely .  FI's family is orchestrating all of the music with the exception of about 2 hours of dance music, so that was not included in the budget. Also not included is an officiant fee, because my pastor graciously does not charge.

I have heard a lot of really great things and bad things about the all inclusive packages. They are great if you want stress free planning, and don't mind spending a little extra.  (A wedding planner can help you plan and organize, and they often times can save you money with the vendors)  I would recommend planning yourself if you are willing to put in the time and energy for research.  You can have a fantastic wedding on a budget, as long as you research. 

FI and I decided that we weren't willing to pay for our wedding with what could be a down payment on a house.  It was a personal decision, and I'm happy we agreed.  It's was important to us that we didn't get into crazy debt starting our life out together.  Splurge on what's most important to you, and conserve on other areas.

Good luck!

fisktobe

I am doing a plan yourself with some DIY.  Its a Saturday night wedding in March.  Budget is right around $8800

Venue $750
Food & Drink $$3510
Attire & Accessories $700
Officiant $200
Decorations $355
Flowers $250
Cake Toppers $75
Guest Things (baskets and favors) $625
Photography $800
DJ $500
Invitations $40
Hotel $300
Transportation $150
Gifts $350

My cake is a gift from my mom.  The venue does the food and drinks, so we are not doing that ourselves.  I looked into all inclusive and I felt I could do it cheaper myself.

shellybeth

Here is a breakdown of all the stuff for our wedding (except for the rings). We had a smaller budget and it worked well I thought. We had around 60 guests attend.


Venue/Food/Decorations/DJ/Photgrapher - $3200
Wedding dress/accessories/alterations - $650
Flowers - $160
Cake - $100
DIY Invites/Stamps/Save the Dates - $120
Mens ties - $80.00
Gifts for bridesmaids/groomsmen - $230

Total approximately - $4540

(Favors were a gift. Toasting glasses, cake cutters, ring bearer pillow, and flowergirl basket we alredy had).

alschmid

Thanks everyone for all the feedback - that really helps in making a reasonable budget for the wedding!

Hoping to book a venue early next week!  Yeah!