How to Set a Budget for a Wedding

While there are many things more pleasant about planning the wedding of your dreams than a budget, it is an essential part of the process. It should be the first thing you do after deciding to get married. The budget might even dictate the date you pick, so get started on planning that budget. Read on to learn how to set a budget for a wedding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on an amount you want to spend on your wedding.

2. Find out if your parents or your fiancé's parents are willing or able to contribute to the wedding or if you are on your own.

3. Break down on a spreadsheet all of the expenses that a wedding can incur. You can go to websites like the Knot for help in determining what costs there are. Download a copy of their budget worksheet and use it as your own.

4. Look at what percentage of your budget should be spent on what. A good rule of thumb is 3% on the ceremony, 48% on the reception, 10% on the bride and groom's attire, 3% on the rings, 8% on flowers, 8% on the music, 12% on the photographer, 2% on transportation, 3% on stationery and 3% on gifts.

5. Enter the amounts on your spreadsheet as you begin to incur costs.

6. Change up your numbers if you need to because something is more or less expensive than originally planned.