Photo by Jennifer Yarbro Photography.
Thanks to Heidi Miller at Altar Ego Weddings for answering this week’s reader question:
What is a standard budget allotment for my upcoming wedding? I’d like to know what percentage of my budget goes to all of the different aspects of planning a wedding.
We always customize budgets for each of our clients based on their priorities, but here’s a template we start from:
Ceremony 3% (includes ceremony site fee, officiant fee, ring bearer pillow)
Reception 49% (includes food, drink, rentals, cake, favors, toasting glasses, lighting)
Attire 8% (for bride and groom)
Flowers 9%
Entertainment 10%
Photography 11%
Transportation 4%
Stationery 4%
Gifts 2% (includes gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests and parents)
From there, the bride and groom can alter their percentages based on their priorities. For example, one couple may prioritize reception music over stationery. Therefore, they can “borrow” from the stationery budget for the reception. Another may consider photography most important and flowers less so. They can adjust how they see fit! The percentages are a good starting point.
There can be give and take throughout the process, but you, as a couple, need to make sure you’re on the same page with every financial decision. Do your research so you can understand what pricing is realistic for each category and be flexible in your decision-making.
The best advice regarding budget is to hire a wedding planner! We can guide you through this process and show you where you can maximize your investment in your wedding. We want you to get the best quality vendors and service possible!
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