Important info on setting a wedding budget before you start planning.

Before you start with all the details that are involved in wedding planning, its important to set some time aside to prepare a wedding budget.  The total amount of your budget will depend on how many guests you plan on inviting or how large the wedding will be. Other factors will include where you want to hold the reception, the type of food you will serve, photography, wedding floral arrangments, and other details you want to incorporate into your special day.

There are a few ways you can begin setting a budget. The first way is to see how much money you have currently saved between you and your fiancé as well as any contributions given by famliy or parents. You will need to find out from your family exactly how much you are being given in order to form a figure for your budget. This is assuming you will be paying with cash and not on a credit card. It's preferable you pay in cash rather than on borrowed credit since you don't want to start out married life in debt.

You could also estimate the cost of the major items and provide a figure to your parents and see if they are able to provide that amount. If not, you may have to trim down some details to bring the budget down. But don't worry, there are many beautiful weddings on a tighter budget. You can download our free wedding worksheet if you need a guide on the specific itemized expenses.

You might also want to ask friends who have been recently married how much their wedding expenses were. Don't be afraid to ask this, it will help you to guide you in your budget planning. Once you've calculated all the itemized expenses and tallied the total, you can set the budget of the wedding. Setting a range is better than an actual fixed price. Make sure the range price is comfortable and don't stretch yourself but rather give yourself some fudge factors for unforseen expenses that may arise.

It is customary that the bride's family pay for the majority of the expenses but depending on your circumstance, it can be different. You may decide the bride and groom will carry the expenses or the groom's parents. It's okay to break tradition, just evaluate your situation and than do what is best for you and your fiancé.

Here are some traditional expenses that are traditionally paid for by the family of the bride:

• Groom's ring
• Invitations, wedding programs, receiption cards, and wedding announcements, and thank you cards
• Wedding gown and accessories
• Wedding ceremony location and reception hall, food, decorations, and music)
• Wedding flowers for the ceremony and reception (decorations, flowers for attendants, and bridal bouquet)
• Photography and videography
• Music for the ceremony 
• Limousine or transportation to reception hall
• Bridesmaids gifts

The family of the groom traditionally are responsible for these expenses:

• Bride's engagement and wedding rings
• Marriage license
• Wedding ceremony Officiant fee
• Boutonnieres for groomsmen
• Rehearsal dinner
• Honeymoon

If you choose to work with a wedding planner consultant, look for one that is in a private practice rather than a big company. Wedding planners can be of great assistance in the details of the wedding. Otherwise, a good use of time management and planning ahead and also be your greatest ally when planning this memorable event!

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