When planning a wedding, even the wealthiest individuals have to keep expenses in check. This is why everyone who is starting to make wedding plans needs a wedding planning budget list.

How Do I Create a Wedding Budget

Before you can come up with a total budget, make a list of everything you want at your wedding. Just brainstorm and come up with everything you can think of that will cost money.

Your wedding budget checklist should include your dressi, the groom’s attire, the church or house of worship (if any), flowers, cake, reception hall, menu, wedding favors, brides maid’s dresses, wedding hymns or music, photography, Master of Ceremonies and more.

Once you have this list, you can start to make a budget that makes sense.

The average wedding costs between $15,000 and $30,000. Your budget should be anywhere from 10% to 30% more than you expect to pay for everything.

This way, when emergencies arise they are not disasters, only a minor annoyance. So for a $15,000 wedding, set your budget to a minimum of $16,500. Next figure out how much money you can actually spend.

If you only have $10,000 to spend on a wedding, set your budget to no more than $9,000 and $7,000 would be even better. Also, decide on who the wedding is going to be paid for.

Are the bride’s parent’s paying for the entire ordeal? Are the bride and groom going to contribute? Perhaps the betrothed wish to pay for the wedding themselves and not burden relatives with this expense.

No matter how you look at it, plan on your wedding expenses falling into the range of the average wedding budget.

Wedding Budget Checklist

So what if your finances dictate that you must plan this wedding on a small budget. This is where a wedding planning budget list comes in very handy and actually, it is crucial.

Have your list of what you want at your wedding, along with the total amount you can spend. Then mark that list as to what is an absolute must (like your dress) and what would be nice but not necessary.

Get a notebook, a wedding planner or wedding folder system and put each item on single page. Some up with your dream item and then list acceptable alternatives.

For example, you may want a designer dress and Prada shoes. To buy new, this will be impossible. But you could search the internet, resale shops or find a dressmaker to make a designer dress from a pattern.

It may take more work on your part, but with a little research and hard work you can have just about everything you want for your wedding. Be sure you have plenty of time to accomplish this.

All of these items then become part of your wedding planning budget list.

Budgeting: A Complete Guide to Idiot Proof Your Wedding

We have all heard the phrase, KIS or Keep it Simple. This is true with the budget. There is no need to spend money on an extravagant wedding planning kit.

A notebook and pocket folders work very well. There are many online websites that will help you plan and budget your wedding for free. Theknot.com is a favorite one.

On this website you will find many wedding tips; budget tips included. Once you can break down what your expenses will be and where you can make cuts, your wedding plan will fall into place.

With a wedding planning budget list and proper planning your wedding day will be an event to remember.