Money is always a challenging topic to start in a discussion. However, when it comes to wedding planning, you are lack of choice. And must have to put more efforts to allocate and decide how much to spend. Indeed, it’s necessary for every wedding couples to make your own wedding budget checklist. The purpose to create budget checklist is to avoid overspending and keep your finances healthy.  

I would suggest you to read the article Tips on how to plan wedding budget before you continue. Alright, let’s figure out what to include in your wedding budget.

1. Wedding Reception 45-50%

A wedding reception can be the most costly items in your wedding budget checklist. As it usually takes 45 to 50% of the total cost of wedding event. That’s include the cost of wedding venue rental, food or catering, beverage, alcohol, cake or dessert and etc.

  • Venue
  • Catering or food
  • Beverage
  • Cake or dessert

2. Attire 10-20%

Wedding gown and suit will be the most important part of your wedding budget checklist. You can’t complete a perfect wedding ceremony as your dream without it. Moreover, you definitely want to look awesome during your big day. So please remember to keep about 10 to 20% budget for that.

  • Wedding gown
  • Hairstyle & makeup
  • Accessories

3. Ceremony 5-10%

It doesn’t matter how expensive is the wedding and engagement ring. But for sure, you will allocate some budget, about 5 to 10% for the accessories for wedding ceremony, for example wedding etiquette accessories.

  • Engagement Rings
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Wedding Etiquette Accessories

4. Photography & Videography 10-20%

In order to keep the most beautiful moments during your big day, you are advise to keep around 10 to 20% budget for photography and videography cost.

  • Pre wedding Photography
  • Actual day Photography
  • Actual day Videography

5. Decor 10-15%

To create a warm and cozy wedding ceremony, decoration is the must. Allocate 10 to 15% for the cost of wedding decor, for example flowers and lightings.

  • Flowers
  • Venue decorations
  • Lightings

6. Entertainment 10-15%

Similarly, live band and performances can bring greater atmosphere to your wedding ceremony.  You are advice to prepare 10 to 15% for the cost of wedding entertainment.

  • Emcee
  • Live Band
  • Performances

7. Planning 5-10%

In addition, keep 5 to 10% budget for wedding planning cost. As it make sure you looks amazing without any worry and trouble in organise the wedding ceremony.

  • Wedding Planner / Coordinator
  • Guest Management
  • Transportation
  • Favours & gifts

8. Emergency Fund 4-5%

Finally, always try to have 4 to 5% budget to set aside. Just in case you need additional money to make the best wedding ever, for instance.

Download thebigdays FREE wedding budget template to track and manage your wedding budget.

Or check out how wedding management app works for your wedding.