Where to start?
The decision to have a wedding is huge for a couple. They deciding to spend their life together but there is also the strain of affording the perfect wedding. Having everything they want on their special night can be a big strain you finances. The main focus for any couple when creating a wedding budget would be to concentrate on what they are looking to get out of their wedding; how much disposable income the couple has together and how much money they need to have left after planning their special day.
Step #1: Decide your total budget for the whole wedding
This must involve all costs associated with a wedding, from venue to food to the wedding photographer all of the tips that you plan to provide to workers after the fact. Make sure you also take into considerations any minor issues or need for side cash that might arise during the wedding. Generally, an extra $2000 would be recommended just because it is always good to have a nice bumper fund.
Step #2: Consider all of the possible items, venues and food that you will have at your wedding
Sometimes, this step is easier to accomplish at the end of doing some basic planning for your big day. Until you know more than the basic details it’s difficult to decide how much everything will cost.
The list below will help you budget:
Ceremony Costs:
- Clergy
- Altar Decorations
- Chair Rental
- Chair Decorations
- Guest Book/Fountain Pen
- Aisle Runners
- Ushers
- Gratuity
- Transportation to Church
- Rose Petals or Bubbles for the exit
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Costs:
- Flowers
- Bridesmaids bouquet
- Bridesmaid accessories
- Corsages/Boutonnières
Stationary:
- Save the Date Cards
- Invitations
- Directional Cards/ Maps
- Postage
- Calligrapher(Optional)
- Thank You Notes
- Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
- Party Invitations (Showers, Luncheons etc.)
- Wedding Programs
- Address Labels
Outfits:
- Wedding Dress
- Wedding Rings
- Bridal Veil
- Bridal Bouquet
- Alterations
- Lingerie/Garter
- Bridal Shoes
- Hosiery
- Jewelry
- Gloves
- Dry Cleaning for the couple
- Grooms Tuxedo and Alterations
- Hair & Make-up Artist ( Click Here for a great one )
Other Extra Costs:
- Wedding Planner or Consultant
- Location fee for reception
- Caterer
- Musician
- Bar Tender/Servers
- Alcohol
- Wedding Cake
- Table Decorations
- Centerpieces
- Dishes/Glassware
- Linens and Napkins
- Tables
- Limo or Car
- Hotel for Guests
Reception Costs:
- Reception centerpieces
- Alcohol (Open bar, closed bar or table wines)
- Table Decorations
- Room Decorations
- Dishes, Glassware (usually compiled into full cost of reception hall)
- Linens, Napkins, Chair Covers
- Dj ( Here’s one we recommend )
Engagement Cost
- Wedding Photographer
All Photography and Videography Click here for a link to our price list
- Photo Albums
- Engagement Portraits
- Photoshoot Outfits
Your Friendly – Toronto Wedding Photographer