Wedding Cost Checklist
If you're planning your wedding, you likely will be concerned about staying within a budget. Creating a wedding checklist will help you allot the right amount of money for accessories or services necessary for the ceremony and reception. A well-prepared list can go a long way toward making one of the most important days of your life as stress-free as possible.
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Cost of Wedding Dress
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Your wedding dress will likely be the most expensive garment you'll ever wear. This should be one of the first items on your wedding cost checklist. Set aside at least $2,000 for your wedding attire--even if you're dress is only a few hundred dollars, you'll still need undergarments, shoes, and a veil or jacket. Some wedding dresses can be up to $5,000, so if you select your dress very far in advance, you can comfortably pace yourself when saving for the gown of your dreams.
Cost of Venue
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Cost of the wedding venue should definitely be on your checklist. The sooner you decide where you will have your wedding, the cheaper this expense will be. If your ceremony is at your church, or your fiance's place of worship, the rental rate may be more affordable, or you may not have to pay anything. This will free up money for your reception and may allow you to get a fancier cake or more elaborate table decorations. If you're having the wedding at a hotel or resort, you can save money by having the ceremony in one of the banquet halls, then using the facility for the reception.
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Cost of Clergy
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The amount you'll pay the preacher to officiate your wedding may seem small compared to the other costs. However, it's important to include this in the budget so you can be sure the officiant you've selected is paid in a timely manner for his or her services. It's usually acceptable to pay about $100, unless additional services are performed, such as a special cultural ritual or making a presentation at the reception. Be sure you have the money in cash or a check so the groom can give it to the minister immediately after the wedding.
Cost of Decorations
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After you've determined where the wedding and reception will take place, you'll need to start searching for decorations--and comparing prices. Factor in the cost of the real or synthetic flowers that you'll use to decorate the pews or wedding altar, as well as the blooms you want for the reception table. Get an estimate for all the candles that will be used for the wedding and reception, as well as tablecloths and banners.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding celebration image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
