Budget

A budget is an itemized summary of intended expenditures for a wedding.

Budgets usually include all costs associated with the wedding, but often don't include honeymoon expenses.

[edit] Average Budget

According to The Wedding Report, in 2007 couples spent an average of $28,800; however, the average budget couples set that year was $14,250.

Set your budget below what you want to spend, and start saving from the moment you become engaged.
A good rule of thumb is to save 20% of your monthly income in a separate, high-interest savings account that you set up solely for wedding expenses.
If you already have money saved, consider setting up a bank certificate of deposit (CD) or money market account, which can earn more interest than a traditional savings account. Just be sure to check the fine print for withdrawal rules to avoid paying penalties.
Avoid cashing in your retirement plan, taking out a loan, or using credit cards to cover expenses. If a vendor requires a credit card payment, have a plan to pay it off immediately (and stick to it!).
Think realistically about what you really want or need to have for your wedding. Often you can find creative DIY ways to cut costs so you can afford the must-haves.

Ceremony and Reception - 50%

Photography and Videography - 12%

Attire - 10%

Flowers and Decor - 10%

Music - 8%

Stationery - 4%

Favors and Gifts - 3%

Rings - 2%

Transportation - 1%

Prioritize your budget items in order of importance. Allocate a higher percentage to items higher on the list and seek out inexpensive solutions to lower priority items or completely omit them if possible.
Choose to have your wedding in the off season or on a Friday or Sunday to take advantage of lower vendor rates.
Choose flowers that are in season in order to keep within budget.
Research is your pal so definitely do a lot of those before signing off on a contract and remember, everything is negotiable!
It usually takes a whole year to plan a wedding so take your time with purchases and try not to be an impulse buyer. Try to make your decision once you have a night to sleep on it.

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