Realistic Wedding Budgets

By Jodianne Murdock

Zedoj Events & Weddings

We all have big dreams of a magnificent fairytale wedding with the perfect husband/wife, close friends and loved ones in attendance, sparkling lights, fresh flowers, elegant decor and a scrumptious menu. The question is, does your budget match your taste?

THE SPENDING POWER

I have heard it many times 'I have never been married so I don't know how much a wedding costs'.

You do not have to know how much a wedding cost to plan a budget. What you 1st need to determine is your personal spending power. Each Couple is different, each wedding has a different value. Two weddings with the same amount of guests can end up on two different ends of the budget scale.

1 OR 1 TOO MANY

By now you should have decided on how much you would like to spend.

The next step is to match the services you require for your special day and the amount of guests with your Budget.

Below is a simple calculation I always use to test if you are on the right track.

The key items you need to take into consideration are:

* VENUE

Outdoor - Garden or Beach Space

Value US$1000 - US$1500 (approximately)

(nothing comes with the space)

Indoor - Some indoor venues may provide Tables, Chairs, Linens

Value US$300 -$1800

*DINNER

Plated - $30-$45 pp

Buffet - $35 - $45pp

(Dependent on choices)

*BRIDAL PARTY

Each Bridesmaid's Bouquet adds up

US$45-US$80

You may want to have 7 or more bridesmaids but does this fit within your budget.

These prices are estimated and are based on what the client requests. There are other services to take into consideration like:

DECOR PHOTO & VIDEO SERVICES

CAKE

MUSIC

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

A WEDDING PLANNER (If required)

It is important to do your research when planning a budget. Your planner should be able to guide you on what fits in your budget or what budget fits your requirements. They may also be able to get you vendor discounts that you are not eligible for on your own.

Don't be caught with a Champagne Taste and Beer pocket as they call it. Be very realistic about your plans and remember elegance does not have to be expensive.