Creating a wedding budget is the first step every couple should take when wedding planning. Your wedding budget ultimately shapes the type of wedding you will have and the guest list. Unfortunately, figuring out your wedding budget can quickly become an overwhelming and daunting task. In other words, wedding planning can go from exciting to overwhelming in a flash. As a result, numerous engaged couples forgo a wedding budget. Furthermore, engaged couples who do not make a wedding budget typically spend more on their wedding. If going into wedding debt is not an option for you, we got you. Here at The Venlist, we are all about wedding planning and budgeting! We have created a comprehensive wedding budget list below just for you. If you incorporate this handy list into a spreadsheet, it will make your wedding planning experience a lot better!
The Ultimate Wedding Budget List
Ceremony
Location
- Site fee
- Officiant fee or church donation
Reception
Venue
- Security Deposit
- Facility Cleaning Fees
- Venue fee
Catering
- Staffing fee (Servers, Captain, chef, kitchen prep, etc.)
- Food cost
- Tax
- Wedding Cake cutting fees
Beverages
- Staff (Bartender and additional staff)
- Service fee
- Alcohol
- Mixers and garnishes
- Non-Alcoholic drink options
- Tax
Wedding Cake
- Wedding cake cost
- Tax
- Delivery fee
Party Rentals
- Chairs
- Tables
- Tablecloths
- Napkins
- Plates, forks, knives, glasses, etc.
- Dance floor
- Delivery fee
Wedding Attire
Bridal Attire
- Headpiece and/or veil
- Alterations
- Bridal accessories
- Hair and makeup
- Bridal Attire
Groom’s Attire
- Groom’s accessories
- Alterations
Flowers and Decorations
Wedding Party
- Bride’s bouquet
- Bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Boutonnieres
- Corsages
- Flower girl’s buds and basket
- Ring pillow
Ceremony
- Floral arrangements for the ceremony
- Ceremony decorations
Reception
- Centerpieces for the reception
- Reception decorations
- Lighting
Music
Ceremony
- Ceremony musicians
- Set-up fees
Reception
- Cocktail-hour musicians
- Reception band and/or DJ
- Sound-system
- Set-up fees
Photography and Film
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Additional prints and albums
- Travel fees
- Additional hours
Favors and Gifts
Guest
- Welcome gifts for out-of-town guests
- Departing favors
Wedding Party
- Wedding party gifts
Stationery
Pre Wedding
- Save-the-date cards
- Invitations and RSVPs
- Postage
Ceremony
- Ceremony Programs
- Signage
Reception
- Seating chart and/or place cards
- Menu cards
Post Wedding
- Thank-you notes
- Postage
Wedding Rings
- Bride’s wedding band
- Groom’s wedding band
Transportation
- Limousine or car rental for the wedding couple
- Limousine or car rental for the wedding party
- Transportation for out-of-town guests
- Valet parking
Miscellaneous
- Miscellaneous expenses
