What factors contribute to the higher wedding costs?
You have started thinking about planning your big day, and there are plenty of things to go through! You may find yourself with a long list of things you need to complete so you can have your perfect day. Of course, everything on that list will have a cost.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you with the financial aspect of planning. Let’s look at all wedding costs, breakdown them, and make the most of your budget.
Wedding venue
The first thing on your wedding cost breakdown list should be the venue! Make a guest list and see how big of a venue you need. Also, consider other parameters, such as the location of your venue, whether outdoor or indoor, etc. The wedding venue can cost up to 40% of your budget (less if catering isn’t involved).
Catering wedding budget
As you embark on the journey of planning your wedding, you will soon discover that a significant portion of your budget will be dedicated to customising your menu. The total expense is closely linked to the size of your guest list. A bigger list means increased costs. Another aspect to consider is the quality and the type of meals you wish to have served. The catering costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching up to 23%, based on your specific requirements.
Photography
The wedding cost breakdown guide would not be complete without photography and videography. Look into photographers, their style, portfolio, and the services they offer. This would consume about 15% of your funds.
Wedding cake
They say a wedding without a cake is just a party. So setting aside a small chunk of your budget for a spectacular cake is just a must! Currently, depending on how many guests you plan to have and how large you want the cake to be, the cost should be about 3%.
wedding flowers
The floral decor will compliment your wedding aesthetic, reflecting your personal style. It is an investment that is bound to amaze everyone and set the tone of your celebration. Besides the ceremony and reception decor, the bouquet and boutonnieres enter the overall equation. The wedding budget breakdown for florals can go as high as 10%.
Music Entertainment
Music is one of the most important factors in setting the mood for your big day. From ceremony to the afterparty, whether you fancy a show band or a DJ, working out the cost of wedding music is a top priority, and it will typically require about 10%.
Wedding outfits
Do not forget your attire! Everything from a wedding gown to shoes, make-up, hair, a suit, and a tie can cost from 5–7%, depending on your preferences. The funds that you spend on your wedding outfits don’t need to be reported to your wedding planner, but they’re still part of your wedding cost breakdown. The same goes for accessories.
Wedding rings
Essentials check! You can’t have a wedding without wedding bands! The price of the wedding rings will vary, so look into the styles you desire and see which style would fit you and your partner’s personalities the most. An average expense is about 3%.
Wedding costs breakdown: miscellaneous
Wrap up the ultimate wedding budget guide with everything else that forms part of your big day! From the stationery (3%) to the officiant fees, and from the transportation (3%) to favors and welcome baskets (2%), go through everything you need and set aside these extra funds.
Before diving deep into the organization, make sure to prioritize what’s important to you two. See what to book first and which items are not essential. This can help you get a more realistic picture of what you would spend on your celebration.
Keep this wedding costs breakdown guide to keep track of your budget and keep in mind that you don’t need to fully stick to it, but rather take it as advice that can assist you in managing your costs while organizing your wedding. Consider this invaluable advice on effectively spreading your budget, and start planning.