Budgetting

How much money you can spend celebrating your commitment to one another is not a measure of its strength. Weddings are about people, not the Euros or dollars. Always keep this in mind!

Budgeting is the most important, but usually most difficult, wedding planning task. As soon as you can, ascertain if others might be willing to contribute to your day. Sometimes parents give cash or offer to pay a particular part of the day. Anyone contributing a significant sum may also reasonably want a say in how its spent. Assume financial responsibility for everything unless someone advises you otherwise. Decide too who is paying for bridesmaids’ outfits and the costs of hiring menswear. Unless they offer or you ask, the bridal party is likely to let you foot the bill.

Typically the wedding budget breaks down as follows:
50%     On the wedding reception, dinner and party (including food and drinks)
15%     On wedding outfits
10%     On flowers
10%     On photography
5%       On entertainment
10%     On everything else (stationary, Gifts, Marriage fees, etc)