How did you divide your budget?

[Autumnovember]

What did you choose to spend the most on? The least amount on?

For us its going something like this:


Food

Photography

Lighting/Centerpieces

Invites

Favors


I'm missing a lot

 

[mayerling]

I suppose 'Attire' should be part of the budget (that could include accessories).

We're spending the most on food and the least on invitations (they're free!).

 

[vc10um]

Some things you might be missing:

Are bouquets/bouts/corsages included in your "Lighting and Centerpieces" category?

Venue Rental Fees (Outside of Food/Bev Minimum)

Transportation (For not only the Bridal Party, but possibly guests)

DJ or Band and Ceremony Musicians

Baker (if not included with your catering package)

Does "invites" include all stationary? (Save the Dates, Menu Cards, Escort Cards, Programs)

Hair and Makeup (plus a trial) and all other primping (mani/pedis, etc.)

Bridal Party gifts

Rehearsal Dinner

Accommodations for the Bride and Groom

 

[bebe]

Tips

Fees

Liquor

taxes

 

[rosetta]

and if you need them:

videography

vendor meals

groom's gift/cake

maps/direction in your invites

master of ceremonies

registrar's fees for the ceremony

marriage licence!

brides accessories: shoes, garter, jewellery, veil

 

[Autumnovember]

Thanks guys

I was curious how everyone else divided up their budgets in terms of spending the most and least on X.

 

[rosetta]

Venue and food (linen, cutlery etc) will take up 50% of my budget. This also includes serving staff, security, clean up etc.

The other 50% is for everything else apart from the honeymoon and for wedding jewellery. I am Asian and traditional jewellery is a big deal in our culture, and something that the groom's family gives to the bride. I'm not complaining!

I think venue and food takes up the biggest chunk of most budgets, with flowers/lighting next.

 

[vc10um]

In order:

Food and Beverage (including Alcohol): 33%
Photographer: 17%
Wedding Bands: 13%
Ceremony Venue Fee: 8%

Followed by:
Flowers
DJ
Paper Products
Groom's Attire
Cupcakes and Cutting Cake (we found a really cheap but awesome baker!)
Bridal Hair and Makeup

 

[paris29]

In order from most to least:
E-ring and wedding bands
Ceremony and Reception Venue (same place)
Photographer
Florist
Caterer
DJ
Dress, Shoes and Veil
Grooms Attire
Invitations
Linens, Chairs, etc
Hair, Nails and Make-up
Wedding Cake and Grooms Cake
Transportation
Officiant
Wedding License

 

[Dreamer_D]

I'd have to look up the budget but I know the largest expense by far was food and alcohol for the open bar. I think it came to about 35% of our wedding costs (~$25k for 110 people). It is a party and I wanted the guests to have a good time, after all. Once I knew those costs, I figured out what was left for everything else.

Of the miscellaneous the next biggest cost was the photographer because I wanted great pictures.

Martha Stewart Weddings includes a budget page in every issue and I used it for planning. Totally helpful!

 

[PavePrincess]

We're using theknot.com's budgeter

Reception:
Venue/Food/Beverage/Cake - $26K

Attire:
Gown/Accessories/Suit - $5,800

Ceremony:
Officiant/Location Fee - $2K

Flowers:
Centerpieces, bouquet, boutonnieres, etc. - $3K

DJ - $2K

Photography/Videography - $7K

Stationary
Invitations/Escort Cards - $1,500

Wedding bands - $3K

Gifts - $1K

I know these aren't percentages (too lazy), but I hope this helps!