How It’s Done wedding

For many couples, the idea of a debt-free wedding seems like a fairy tale. They think, it can’t be done. Or, I won’t be able to have the kind of wedding I want. Or, I’ll spend now and pay later. But in actuality there are many couples who plan beautiful weddings—dream weddings—on many budgets, and who manage to finance the full package without going into debt or jeopardizing their futures.
As you get started on your budgeting process, take a look at how the costs break down in an average wedding and reception. The items listed here correspond to the wedding list on pages 26 and 27 and in the money-saving practices you will find in Part Three of this book. Using these percentages as a guide, you can create your own wedding budget, or use one of the sample budgets you’ll find below.

By way of explanation, you will note that I have not included the engagement ring in any of these wedding budgets (though that may be an up-front expense for the groom), and I have conveniently lumped the reception/Catering/Beverage and Cake together, as these costs will consistently, when taken together, account for fifty percent of your wedding costs. The reception, then, gives you much more flexibility when figuring your budget, but please read Part Three of this book to find dozens of money-saving tips for these expenses!