3 minute read
How to Realistically Budget for Your Wedding
How to Realistically Budget for Your Wedding Day
WRITTEN BY NISHAKA PROCTOR
There are no easy answers to the budget discussion because every couple’s dynamics will be different. I thought I would share some thoughts as you discuss and re-discuss your budget for your wedding.
WEDDING VISION
Once you are engaged, the natural next step is to begin envisioning the experience, colors, and aesthetics of your wedding day.
With online resources, like Pinterest, pictures, and more, there are so many ideas out there to help you with the look and feel. As you explore, you will begin to identify your wedding colors, bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen attire, flowers, ideal wedding city, and even your venue.
TOP 3 MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE WEDDING
Once you develop the picture in your mind about the wedding day, another helpful tip is to really think about the top three elements of the wedding that are most important to you. Of course, you can list five or even 10 things, but the top three are the ones you will gravitate toward and notice on your grand day.
IDENTIFYING THE NUMBER
Now that you have done the preliminary work with the vision and the top three elements for the wedding, the next big question is how much will you spend? This is a really important discussion between both partners and all family members involved. Being clear about your budget will drive your decisions about your wedding going forward. In many cases, it will cause one to rethink elements of the original vision. Keep in mind that working with a wedding planner can be helpful in identifying cost ranges in your market.
WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?
There are wedding traditions out there that identify who will pay for what. In my experience, it varies per couple and family. Though parents or even friends may contribute, many couples are actually covering the entire cost of the wedding themselves.
“SO… HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST?”
Estimated expenses will vary per city, state, and region, especially in areas where the cost of living drives the market. Here’s a sampling of some of the items and services you may require.
Venue $5,000 to $15,000+
Food & Beverage Minimums $12,000-$15,000 +
Wedding Planner $3,000-$5,000+
Experienced Wedding Planner $5,000 - $10,000+ Luxury 15-20% of the Budget
Wedding Cakes $800-$2,000+ Luxury $5,000-$10,000+
Photography $4,000 - $6,000+ Luxury $8,000 - $10,000+
Videography $3,500 - $6,000+ Luxury $8,000 - $10,000+
DJ Services (Not including add’s such as lighting, dancing on the clouds, cold sparks, etc.) $1,500+
Floral Designs $5,000 - $20,000+ Luxury $25,000 - $100,000+
Stationery $1,200 - $2,500+ Luxury $5,000+
In general, budgets realistically range from $40,000 to $60,000 for 150-200 guests. High end weddings tend to average over $100,000+, while luxury wedding budgets average $250,000-$1,000,000.
NEXT STEPS
Once you have discussed the wedding vision, the three most important elements, identified the number, most likely re-discussed the vision again, researched vendor cost, and discovered who will pay for what, now you are ready to move forward. In the process, you may have to re-adjust your numbers and expectations based on budget changes, which is okay and expected. What is most important is that you are on this beautiful journey to saying “I Do” to your best friend on that amazing day!
Nishaka is the owner and lead planner at Events By Nishaka. With a degree in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and her work in the corporate world, Nishaka began to plan weddings and events. With Aggie pride, Nishaka always had that natural impulse to define the who, what, where, why, and how of her projects. After all, she is a strategist by nature. Everything has evolved and unfolded for her in business along her wedding and event journey. She has always felt like she had what someone needed, which has lead Nishaka to believe your gifts will truly make room for you.
