Welcome back to Part FOUR of our wedding budget breakdown series! If you've been following along, you know we've been peeling back the layers of wedding budgets, and today, we're diving into 4 more main wedding budget categories you definitely want to think about when creating your wedding budget. Sure, we've covered the big-ticket items in previous episodes (you can catch up on part 1, part 2, and part 3 here), but now it’s time to shine a spotlight on 4 wedding budget essentials you need to budget for.
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: WEDDING BUDGET ESSENTIALS
To fast-forward to a specific part of the podcast episode, check out the timestamps below:
- Budgeting for wedding photography and videography [3:50]
- What to include in your wedding stationery budget [7:08]
- Budgeting for entertainment (from DJ's to a band!) [8:50]
- Don't forget about the wedding cake! [12:58]
- Other things to budget for that deserve a special mention [14:24]
Links Mentioned in the Episode
- Grab our FREE wedding budget checklist
- Purchase our COMPLETE wedding budget bundle spreadsheets
- Visit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop
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Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of budgets, have you snagged our ultimate wedding budget checklist yet? It's packed with so many questions you need to consider when creating a wedding budget that you can actually stick to. I promise you that there are at least a few items on there that haven't even crossed your mind even if you are keeping your wedding small. Those surprise expenses like to sneak up on you when you're least expecting it and that’s what we want to prepare you for today!
While we've navigated the big-ticket items like venues, attire, and florals in our series, today we are talking about what you need to consider for the other major categories on your wedding budget. We’ve said this over and over again but we want this budget series to be about more than listing categories, but showcasing exactly what you need to account for that your typical checklist is forgetting to tell you about.
We hate budget surprises as much as you do! So, grab your planner, a cozy drink, and let's pull back some more of the layers that go into creating a fully realized wedding budget.
Photography and Videography
First, let’s start with an “easy” one. Photographers and videographers generally charge a flat fee or package price, so you generally know what you should expect to spend. It’s one of those line items where whether you're inviting 50 or 500 people, you're going to be spending a chunk of your budget here, easily between $3,000 and $10,000 per service, sometimes more if you want someone really top-notch or if you're adding a second shooter to capture multiple angles or to take photos of your partner while the main photographer is with you, etc.
Like we said, you’re going to likely book a set price package when it comes to these vendors, but a few things that can impact your budget are:
- How many hours of coverage you need. Most couples choose to have their photographer come about an hour before the “getting ready” time ends and leave after cake cutting. For our weddings we are rarely under 10 hours for a wedding photographer.
- Whether or not you are having a second shooter, which is something we almost always recommend because it’s impossible for them to be in two places at once
- Whether another event, such as a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, or fare well brunch, albums, prints or anything extra is included. Heirloom quality albums are not cheap so you don’t want to forget to budget for them if having something gorgeous and printed is important to you. And trust me, no matter what you say, you’re not going to take the time to put together that wedding album on something like Shutterfly. Life just gets in the way. Plus, if you’ve spent that much on a wedding photographer, do their photos justice and have them displayed forever in a real album.
Wedding Stationery
Next up, let’s talk paper. This is often what those budget wedding websites will tell you to cut but personally, we couldn’t disagree more! Stationery is your guests' first impression of your wedding. From your save-the-dates to those gorgeous multi-card suites, you could be looking at anywhere from a several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars or more – but keep in mind, you may end up keeping your invitation as a treasured keepsake (and there is a good chance your parents will too).
Other things you may want to budget for are envelope calligraphy and additional invitation embellishments like envelope liners (I think envelopes are naked without them) or wax seals. On top of that, don’t forget postage! Sending out those invites isn't cheap, especially if you've got something bulky. BUT it might be a detail you don't want to skimp on, because it sets the stage for your whole day! The U.S. Postal Service has really been cramping our style lately with their ghastly stamp options. They’re just too cartoony for me, so a lot of times we have to budget for vintage stamp curation, which is a whole other world.
And speaking of your day, so many couples think their stationery budget is only for the invitations – which couldn’t be further from the truth. In this category, we also want to consider things like place cards, menu cards, signage, table numbers – anything else you might be hiring a calligrapher or stationery designer for. Also, don’t forget here may be a design fee on top of the product fee too. You’re paying for the stationer’s artistry but also for them to manage your stationery vendors, set up your files before they go to print, manage the printers, someone to assemble everything, the list goes on.
Entertainment
Next, let’s talk about entertainment. Over the past 17 years of planning weddings and events, I can say confidently that the right music or performance can truly set the tone and create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're dreaming of a live band, a DJ, or something a bit more unique, like a strolling violinist or a classical quartet, the options are endless. Plus, you don’t have to choose just one!
For a DJ, you're likely looking at spending anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on their experience and demand. They're the go-to for keeping your dance floor lively and can customize their playlist to suit your tastes (and needs) so if you’re picturing a packed dance floor all night, this might be something you want to invest more in.
Live bands, on the other hand, bring a whole other level of energy and can range from $5,500 to $25,000+ for a 15 piece band. The price varies based on the band's size, reputation, and how far they're traveling to be there!
And for those considering something a little different, like a jazz band or a string quartet even just for the ceremony, prices can start around $750 and can go up to $2,500 or more. These options can add a touch of elegance to your ceremony or cocktail hour, providing a memorable experience for you and your guests so if you have the room in your budget, we would highly recommend it!
Wedding Cake + Dessert
We touched on catering in part one of our wedding budget series, but while we are talking about extras – who could forget the cake? Whether you dream of tiers adorned with the most delicate sugar flowers or a dessert table offering bites of bliss, this sweet finale can range from a modest few hundred to well over a thousand dollars. It's a focal point, a tradition, and let's be honest, one of the best parts of the evening. If you’re doing a dessert bar, which is quite popular these days, we typically budget for between 3-5 pieces of mini desserts for each guest, depending on if you have other food like cake or a late-night snack planned.
Other expenses to consider
While those may be the other big things you want to budget for, there are a few other line items that I believe deserve a special mention.
Weather prep, like umbrellas and wraps, might set you back a few bucks—think $5 to $20 each—but they're your best bet against any surprise weather.
Tipping your vendors is also something that is never expected, but often appreciated. Budgeting 50 to 500 for each main service provider should cover it, but remember, it’s the thought that counts. It really depends on what they’re doing for you and if they went above and beyond what you expected.
Then there is vendor insurance. This safety net can range from $100 to $500. Trust me, it's worth considering for peace of mind.
Finally, for those all-important gifts and favors, expect to spend $3 to $10 per guest for favors, and $50 to $250 for those special thank-you gifts for your wedding party. If you do the math, these can quickly add up! And don’t forget stationery or tags to go on the favors so they’re cohesive with the rest of the wedding design. Tune into our episode on wedding gifting here.
CONCLUSION
Alright! That wraps up today’s episode of Ask the Planner Podcast, and wow, did we cover a lot! Thanks for tuning in as we dove into part FOUR of our series. Everything ELSE you need to include in your budget! It’s all those little things that truly make your big day shine. Don’t forget to join us next week as we continue to unravel the mysteries of your wedding budget, offering up more tips, tricks, and need-to-knows to help you plan the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. See you then!
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