Ways to Finance a Wedding

Wedding Expenses Checklist

It is no secret that weddings are expensive. A wedding can cost anywhere from $1000 to $100,000. While there are several expenses involved in the wedding ceremony itself, such as the minister, location (i.e. church or other venue), wedding license, etc., the majority of traditional wedding costs are usually associated with the reception.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your reception:

• Size of your guest list
• Time of year
• Location
• Type of Wedding (i.e. formal, informal, morning, evening, black tie, etc.)
• Food
• Photograpy and videography
• Music

Thinking about your guest list is very important. How many guests you invite will have a major impact on your budget. You will also have to make sure the location can accomodate the number of people you are inviting.

The biggest part of your reception expenses will be the food and beverages. Most likely your reception will consist of appetizers, dinner, and then dessert with a bar for drinks (alcholic or non-alcholic). Appetizers are important to your guest, as it is nice to have something to nibble on while they are waiting for the wedding party to arrive.

It is standard for the reception site to charge for a bartender even if it is a non-alcholic wedding. Don't forget to have a tip ready for the bartender.

The dessert served at the reception is typically wedding cake. Although some weddings will serve a different dessert and have the cake cut and wrapped to take home. Be sure to inquire if there is an additional fee for cutting and wrapping the cake. You can also order personalized boxes for the cake to be taken home in. This adds a nice touch for your guests.

Of course photography and videography are going to play a huge part in your special day. You'll want to capture every moment. When choosing a photographer be sure to ask how many hours they will spend at your wedding. They will typically give you time before, during and after the ceremony and then a couple hours at the reception. If you don't think that is enough time to capture everything, you might have to pay for an additon hour or two. Similar rules usually apply to a videographer.

Music is a great way to set the tone of the wedding, and there are so many options available. You can have live music during the ceremony and then also have a DJ or a band play during the reception for dancing.

Some other things that may add to the expense of the reception are wedding favors for your guests, centerpieces for the tables, personalized napkins, small cameras for your guests to take photos, overtime if you don't want the party to end, gratuities, and possibly coat checks and valets.

Once you've put together a detailed checklist of expenses, coming up with a plan for how to pay for a wedding is the next step.