Getting Started
There's so much to remember as you plan your wedding. Feeling overwhelmed? Relax! This list of what you need can help you feel more in control.
Regardless of whether you are planning a modest, moderate, or luxurious wedding, you need to account for the basics. Typical planned expenditures include the following:
Invitations, stationery, and programs
Bride's wedding gown, alterations, and accessories
Groom's attire
Flowers
Ceremony location
Reception location
Catering
Ceremony music
Reception music
Photography
Videography
Transportation
Wedding rings
Marriage license
Blood tests
Officiant's fee
Attendants' gifts
Rehearsal dinner
Honeymoon
Essential
The groom's family traditionally pays for certain expenses, such as the marriage license, wedding officiant's fee, the bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon, and some lodging expenses.
You may not require all of these for your own wedding, so keep that in mind as you prioritize what you need and want.
You can use the worksheets in this book to help you manage your wedding budget or easily use a spreadsheet to keep a master ledger of transactions.
Create your own or use a budget calculator at The Knot or Wedding Channel.
