While you may have dreamed of the perfect wedding since childhood, it shouldn’t be an event you need to
mortgage the family farm for. A wedding is an important milestone, so to keep to your budget, you will need to track every penny. Remember, the perfect wedding shouldn’t be about how much money you spend, but how you spend it.
expenses estimated actual
bridal attire
Wedding gown
Headpiece and veil
Shoes
Jewelry
Groom’s formalwear
Groom’s shoes
Going-away ensembles
Attire for other wedding events
(showers, rehearsal dinner, etc.)
Bride’s ring
Groom’s ring
Beauty costs (hair, nails, makeup)
Gown preservation
ceremony/reception
Officiant’s fee
Site usage fee
Musicians
Awning/aisle carpet rental
Reception location rental
Food
Wine, liquor
Champagne
Waiters
Wedding cake
Groom’s cake
Music
Site decorations
Gratuities
Reception favors
photography
Engagement photo
Bridal portrait
Wedding day
Album
Videographer
stationery
Announcements
Invitations
Save-the-date cards
Personal cards & thank-you cards
Calligraphy
Postage
Ceremony program
Expenses Estimated Actual
flowers
Bride’s bouquet
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Bride’s mother
Groom’s mother
Grandmothers
Flower girls
Boutonnieres
Ceremony
Reception
gifts
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Groom’s gift
Bride’s gift
Other
legalities
Marriage license
Health/physical/blood tests
Other
transportation/parking
Limousines for bridal party
Traffic officials at ceremony
and at reception, if necessary
Valet parking
Travel costs for ceremony
officiant, if necessary
Travel costs if destination wedding
Other
miscellaneous
Wedding planner fees
Bridal luncheon
Rehearsal dinner
Trousseau
Honeymoon costs
Additional gratuities
Additional taxes
Attendants’ accommodations
Other
Other
Other
TOTAL
