When you first become engaged the whole planning process can seem overwhelming. There is so much to plan for and buy! Begin planning by making a list of expenses. (You may find the Wedding Planning Cheat Sheet helpful in conjunction with the all-inclusive list below.) By understanding the full picture ahead of time, you can avoid getting blindsided by unexpected costs or needs.
Here is the complete list of possible wedding expenses, excluding the wedding party’s attire, which bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for themselves (Also found in the Dream Wedding on a Dime; 7 Secrets for the Budget-Savvy Bride ebook). Note that these expenses cover the entire range of choices, e.g., hiring a vendor, doing it yourself, and blended solutions. Only some will apply to you. AND if there is something I’ve missed please add it in the comments.
Rings
Engagement ring(s)
Wedding band(s)
Diamond certification
Resizing
Ring alternatives
Venue
Ceremony and reception facility fees
Setup or takedown fees
Equipment or other rentals
Cake cutting or plating charge
Corkage fee
Tips
Hotel room rental
Overage charges
Parking
Sales and other taxes
Wedding planner
Planning package
Hourly consultation
Day of coordination
Officiant or clergy
Church donation
Officiant fee
Gift or tip
Marriage license
Reception supplies
Decorations (for walls, overhead, floor, covering “unsightlies,” guest tables, food stations, card-and-gift table, head table, entrance, cake table, and chairs)
Guest tables
Escort-card table
Card box
Guest book alternative
Gift table
Table covers
Table setups (including dishes, silverware, and drinking glasses)
Napkins
Miscellaneous rentals
Reception meal
Caterer or restaurant charges
Station cooks
Servers
Tips for paid personnel
Gifts for helpers
Recipe ingredients and seasonings
Crowd-sized pots and pans
Knives and cooking utensils
Serving pans or bowls and utensils
Kitchen, buffet, or refrigeration rental
Food tables
Coolers or other insulated containers
Ice
Condiments
Sales tax
Drink
Liquor, wine, and beer
Champagne
Signature cocktail ingredients
Non-alcoholic beverages
Drink mixers
Bar rental
Bartender’s tools
Bartender
Servers
Tips for bartenders and servers
Gifts for volunteer helpers
Coolers or other insulated containers
Ice
Beverage tables
Drink dispensers
Glassware
Straws and stirrers
Garnishes
Serving containers for garnishes
Garnish serving utensils or toothpicks
Beverage napkins
Sales tax
Cake and dessert
Bakery-made cake
Cake and dessert ingredients
Baking pans, bowls, and utensils
Frosting or icing ingredients
Decorating supplies
Kitchen rental
Cake knife and server
Cake stand and dessert trays
Station chef
Tips for paid personnel
Delivery tips
Gifts for unpaid helpers
Serving plates, bowls, and utensils
Cake table
Dessert table
Coolers or other insulated containers
Ice
Special-equipment rental
Sales tax
Favors
Premade favors
Favor supplies
Invitations and stationery
Save the dates
Invitations
RSVP cards
Thank-you cards
Premade guest book
Ceremony programs
Place cards or escort cards
Reception menus
Floral
Florist-arranged flowers
Tips for florist and delivery personnel
Wedding party flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower girl basket)
Fresh cut or silk flowers or live plants for…
– Ceremony decorations (aisle, pew, altar, misc. other decor)
– Reception decorations (centerpieces, backdrops, floor stands, entrance decor, miscellaneous embellishments)
Cooler (to keep flowers from wilting)
Flower-arranging supplies
Non-floral adornments
Sales tax
Photo and video
Photographer
Videographer
Tips for photography and videography personnel
Gifts for volunteers
Photo packages and à la carte prints
Video package or footage
Editing
Digital camera
Photo-sharing apps
Internet-ready devices
Memory cards
Makeup, hair, and nails
Beautician or hair stylist
Makeup artist
Nail technician(s)
Tips for beauty pros and assistants
Hair-care products
Makeup
Nail-care products
Transportation
Limo, car, or other vehicle rental
Chauffeur(s)
Tips for driver(s)
Private cars
Gas
Getaway vehicle decorations
Music and songs
Soloist
DJ
Band
Tips for paid professionals
Gifts for volunteers
MP3 or other music player(s)
Song downloads, CDs, or sheet music
Karaoke machine rental
Skin care
Skin care regime products
Home remedy items
Over-the-counter remedy products
Dermatologist
Bridal ensemble
Wedding gown
Petticoats
Foundation undergarment
Bridal veil or other headpiece
Hair jewelry
Shoes
Clutch or bag
Wrap or scarf
Bridal jewelry
Necklace
Earrings
Brooch
Bracelet or cuff
Groom’s ensemble
Suit, tuxedo, or pants and jacket
Shoes
Socks
Tie
Cummerbund
Vest
Pocket Square
Shirt
Suspenders
Cuff links
Flower girl and ring bearer
Flower-girl basket or alternative
Ring bearer’s pillow or alternative
“Here comes the bride” or other sign
Rehearsal dinner
Caterer or restaurant charges
Recipe ingredients
Premade food
Gifts
Bride’s gift to groom
Groom’s gift to bride
Bridesmaids’ gifts
Groomsmen’s gifts
Parents’, step-parents’, and grandparents’ gifts
Flower girl’s, ring bearer’s, and their parents’ gifts
Gifts for anyone who performed in the wedding for free
Gifts for anyone who helped with the reception or ceremony at no charge
The above is based on content from the ebook Dream Wedding on a Dime; 7 Secrets for the Budget-Savvy Bride.
