Event Planner Tammie Hawkins knows that a wedding that sticks to its budget is usually the most successful. She has years of experience working with her many clients to create a realistic budget, and follow that number through until the event is complete. To do this, she follows a breakdown of standard wedding costs, applying this formula to each event. While everyone desires different and unique items on their big day, starting with this cost formula works every time.
Hawkins instructs her clients to allot half of their budget toward the venue and catering of the wedding. This should include taxes, tip, and all staff needed. If a couple has a total budget of $28,000, then they should not spend more than $14,000 on the catering and venue. From this same example, the couple should also expect to spend 10%, or $2,800 on each of the following; flowers and décor, wedding attire, photography, and music. The remaining 10% of the budget will have to be used for things like the marriage license, wedding favors, transportation from the church, and invitations.
Again, Tammie Hawkins says this formula is not set in stone, and there may be increases and decreases to the allotment of each category. If the couple is getting married at a friend's home, or family is catering the reception, that will free up a great deal of the costs. However, if the bride is dead set on having an expensive couture gown, more money will need to come from a different area of the budget.
Hawkins instructs her clients to allot half of their budget toward the venue and catering of the wedding. This should include taxes, tip, and all staff needed. If a couple has a total budget of $28,000, then they should not spend more than $14,000 on the catering and venue. From this same example, the couple should also expect to spend 10%, or $2,800 on each of the following; flowers and décor, wedding attire, photography, and music. The remaining 10% of the budget will have to be used for things like the marriage license, wedding favors, transportation from the church, and invitations.
Again, Tammie Hawkins says this formula is not set in stone, and there may be increases and decreases to the allotment of each category. If the couple is getting married at a friend's home, or family is catering the reception, that will free up a great deal of the costs. However, if the bride is dead set on having an expensive couture gown, more money will need to come from a different area of the budget.
