So, we made our initial budget. We have about $75k to spend, so here's the breakdown I came up with. This does not include the rehearsal dinner or my dress (since my parents want to host / pick up those things separate from the wedding budget). Am I missing anything? Are my estimates way off?
The venue fee ($5k) and ceremony fee ($2k) are based on our top choice venue, and we are planning to have 200 guests. The venue we're looking at is beautiful so we don't plan to do a ton of decor.
So what do ya'll think?
Catering |
40,000 |
Venue Fee |
5,000 |
Band |
12,000 |
Photographer |
5,000 |
Décor (centerpieces, bouquets, escort
cards, card table, etc.) |
5,000 |
Ceremony Fee |
2,000 |
Officiant |
1,000 |
Invites / Paper |
1,000 |
DOC |
1,000 |
BP and Parents Gifts |
1,000 |
Groom attire |
500 |
Bride beauty (hair, makeup, nails) |
500 |
Cake |
1,000 |
|
|
Total |
75,000 |
Re: Critique my wedding budget / what am I missing?
We're in the NYC area. This is good insight - i didn't have any idea what cakes cost and it already pained me to write down $1000. I don't have a crazy cake vision, just want something yummy and reasonably attractive for a cake cutting. But I know FI is into the idea of alternative deserts (he doesn't love cake) - something like a sundae bar or an ice cream cake for the groom's cake.
How many attendants are you having? Readers? Ushers? What about hostess gifts for your shower(s)? Are you taking a honeymoon? Why is the officiant fee separate from the ceremony venue fee? $3K seems quite steep for those things - does it include all chairs, set up/tear down, etc.? Are you having wedding bands? Are your parents also paying for alterations to your dress? What about your shoes, jewelry, veil, purse, hair clip, etc.? Are you staying at home or in a hotel the night of/night before? Do your numbers factor in tipping? If not, calculate 20% tips for everything needing tipping so you're covered.
I don't think $1,000 for stationary is enough unless you plan to DIY some of it. You'll probably do STDs, invitation suite, programs, menus (for your 4 course dinner), escort cards, and thank you cards. Invitation suites are shockingly expensive. Then there's stamps for the heavy envelopes, RSVP envelopes, STDs and thank you cards - a surprisingly big chunk of change.
$1,000 seems low for a DOC as well, but you've probably gotten quotes so maybe not in your area.
$5,000 seems high for a photographer unless you're getting top of the line, multiple day of shooters, multiple sessions (e.g. engagement, bridal, etc.), and/or several prints/albums.
$500 seems a little low for bridal services, unless you aren't including tipping. Average, you'll probably have two hair appointments ($100+/ea), 2 make up appts ($80-100/ea), mani/pedi ($100+). $500 would just barely cover it without tipping.
This is extraordinarily helpful. Some answers in the quote
Depends on your area, but unless you really are looking for someone specific, you can find a JOP for less than $1000. You could potentially also find less than $5k for photography- depends on what you want.
Thanks - again, these were my random estimates and this is exactly the feedback I'm looking for. I've revised my photog budget down to $3k (since I don't want multiple days/shooters/etc, I just want fairly standard wedding photography) and will look into the JOP thing more.
Thanks! We actually booked a venue today and it includes a designed custom cake in the PP price, yay! Price is $175 PP, including premium open bar including a signature cocktail and champagne toast, 8 passed apps, 2 stations, salad course, choice of entrees, and desert buffet and custom designed cake. Also includes valet service, coat check, a bridal attendant. Plus tax and tip, so actually $230 PP all in. I know it's not cheap, but it does feel like good value.
TBH - my groom is wearing a tux he already owns, most likely. He got one custom tailored for him as a GM in a wedding this year, and it looks amazing on him. I don't really see any reason for him to buy a new one? unless I'm crazy. Maybe he'll add some new pocket square/bow tie/cuff links, but I actually feel like we can cut that down.
On the band, my thinking is, "we really want an awesome band!" and people have been telling us anything from $5k to $15k. I wanted to make sure we had room for it in the budget, though I definitely hope to find something I love for under $10k
Thank you!!! I will look into them.
I actually just contacted them! They quoted me $8100 for the 4-hour reception and guitarist at cocktail hour. Great to hear the recommendation! Love the videos so far
Happy planning! You seem to have a real handle on things but if you need any other NYC area recs let me know.
Awesome - thank you! I'll PM you
Also - I am so impressed you think I have a handle on things! This whole process has been SO foreign to me
Thank you - I don't think we plan to do premarital counseling, but will obviously need a marriage lisence