The Wedding Budget - How Much on What?

So, you set your budget....ish.  And now you're trying to decide how much to spend on all the things you need, right?  Venue, flowers, dress, photographer, etc.  Most Brides and Grooms will spend the bulk of their budget on food, drinks and reception or venue site fee.  But...what about the rest?

Here is a rough guideline of where your money will go:

Venue/Reception (site, food, drink):  42%
Wedding Rings:  8% (this doesn't include your engagement ring)
Photography:  8%
Flowers:  6%
Rehearsal Dinner:  6%
Wedding Dress:  5% (this assumes ONE dress, although some Brides have more)
Videography:  5%
Reception Music:  4% (this could be a DJ, band or both)
Groom's Formal wear:  3%
Hair/make-up for Bride (and usually bridal party):  2%
Invitations and announcements:  2% (this might also include your Thank You cards)
Ceremony Music:  2%
Church/Synagogue/Ceremony Location:  2% (assuming it's different from the reception location)
Wedding Cake:  2%
Transportation:  2%
Favors:  1%

The average cost for a wedding is now between $21,000 and $24,000.  For a $21,000 budget, you should plan to spend approximately $1,700 on your photographer.  Gardner Photography & Design has the perfect package for your budget:

• 1 Photographer (Up to 7 hours; each additional hour at $100)
• Up to 3 locations (within 50 mile radius)
• Download high resolution images from private, online gallery, DVD of images with Letter of Release allowing you to make your own prints.
• 12.5” x 10" Custom Hard Cover Coffee Table Book, 10 pages, with custom cover
• $100 credit/coupon towards print photo order (from gallery only)
• Engagement Session (1 hour, 1 location) 

All that for only $1,500 - so, you'll even have $200 left to spend on your honeymoon (or extra bling for yourself...shhhhh....we won't tell the Groom).

Want some helpful tips on cutting your budget?  Check out They'll Never Know:  Eight Hidden Ways to Cut Wedding Costs.