Tickled Pink Brides - Orlando, Florida's Premier Wedding Planner

Budgeting Your Wedding

    Last week, Gainesville, FL wedding planner extraordinaire Melissa diStefano of MasterPiece Weddings wrote a relevant and funny letter "To the Parents of the Bride" on her blog, Adventures in Wedding Planning.  In it, she breaks down your overall wedding budget into smaller percentages, and explains why each category is important.  Spend a few minutes reading-- any wedding professional or bride-to-be (who is trying to explain to her parents why the wedding costs so much) will relate.

I am so excited your daughter (or son) is getting married! This is just such a fantastic time in your family's lives! Along with this joy comes the over-whelming feeling of -ACK! We have to plan a wedding! And those things are expensive. I know that weddings seem like an astronomical expense and it’s hard to fathom spending that kind of money on a party. But let’s talk about where that money typically goes so that you can get a good feel for how much things cost and why.

Because frankly, I don’t think that the bride wants the local grocery store to do her flowers, or Cousin Marvin with a really nice camera to take her pictures. I like to say that there are 5 F’s to a wedding: Food, Flowers, Foto’s, Fashion and Fun. Those are the biggies, and after that, everything else is cake. (Pun is intended).

Food: Food costs are typically 50% of your budget, that’s what you eat and where you are eating it. So if you your budget is $30,000, that’s $15,000 for food and venue.

Are you with me so far?

Flowers: This amount absolutely depends on both the total budget and what the bride wants. Some brides want a TON of flowers, others really don’t care for them, or their venue is a garden then you really don’t need them. But typically the flowers are about 10% to 15% of the total budget. So going back to the $30,000, that’s between $3,000 and $4500. Keeping in mind that this accounts for all the bouquets, corsages, and centerpieces.

Still with me?

Foto’s: I know its spelled wrong, but it goes with the 5 F’s, so deal with it. This is a hard area to comprehend. Good photography is expensive. Professional Photography is not expensive it’s priceless! I personally didn’t have a professional photographer and look what I ended up with. But anyway, back to what I was saying. You can hire a photographer for $1500, but what you may end up getting, grainy images, out of focus, no album (and really, why would you want one with a bunch of crappy pictures of their wedding) and I am not saying that all $1500 photographers are bad, but buyer beware.

Photography, good, Professional Photography should start about $3000-$3500 (and could go up to more than $5500). And you will have amazing images. Depending on your area of the country photography could start higher or lower. Photography should be 15%-20% of your budget.

Fashion: This is for the dress, what the bride wears, since typically the grooms tux is complimentary from your Tuxedo Boutique. The Brides dress is usually 5%-10% of the budget.

Are you still there?

Fun: This would be the entertainment, and this would also typically take 2-5% of the budget. The band or DJ would come out of this percentage. Depending on your area, a DJ on average is about $100+ per hour per person attending the job, so if you have 2 DJ’s then the price would typically be $175-$200 per hour.

And really, the rest is cake, and some miscellaneous items, invitations, a wedding planner…really an extra 20%-25% of miscellaneous stuff.

Okay, so that’s more than 100% but you get the point. I hope this makes more sense to you, I know that planning a party for 200 of your closest friends and family is not something you do every day.

Trust me, I know that. And if you need help planning, a professional wedding planner is a good idea. We can at least get you started on the hard stuff, go over contracts, make sure you aren’t making any decisions you’d regret.

Let us help you. Really it’s okay.

With love! And Happy Planning!

New Wedding Cost Calculator

   

 Wondering what couples in your own state or around the country are spending on their weddings?  Try Real Simple's Wedding Cost Calculator, with statistics brought to you by Costofwedding.com.  The breakdown is very detailed, and is a good estimate for brides-to-be who are just starting their wedding planning.  You can select any of the 50 states, and compare states to see the different in wedding spending trends.  Below are the stats on my sunshine state of Florida:

Attire: $1,883 to $3,115
Bride accessories: $239 to $396
Groom accessories: $126 to $208
Groom suit/tux: $173 to $286
Hair/makeup service: $126 to $208
Headpiece/veil: $224 to $371
Wedding dress: $995 to $1,646

Ceremony: $2,170 to $3,590
Ceremony accessories: $140 to $232
Ceremony decorations: $418 to $691
Ceremony location: $488 to $808
Officiate/pastor/priest: $175 to $290
Rehearsal dinner: $949 to $1,569

Entertainment: $2,419 to $4,003
Ceremony/reception band: $1,426 to $2,359
Ceremony/reception DJ: $544 to $901
Ceremony/reception musicians: $449 to $743

Flowers: $1,520 to $2,517
Boutonnieres/corsages: $133 to $220
Bride bouquet: $113 to $188
Bridesmaid bouquets: $181 to $300
Ceremony flowers: $324 to $537
Flower girl flowers: $37 to $61
Reception flowers: $732 to $1,211

Gifts and Favors: $763 to $1,263
Gifts for attendant: $353 to $585
Gifts for each other: $285 to $471
Gifts for parents: $125 to $207

Invitations and Stationery: $721 to $1,194
Bridal shower invitations: $75 to $125
Guestbook: $37 to $61
Invitations & reply cards: $319 to $528
Personal stationery: $101 to $167
Save the date cards: $123 to $204
Thank you cards: $66 to $109

Jewelry: $4,624 to $7,651
Engagement ring: $3,441 to $5,693
Her ring: $694 to $1,149
His ring: $489 to $809

Honeymoon/Planning: $3,767 to $6,231
Honeymoon: $2,771 to $4,584
Bridal consultant/planner: $996 to $1,647

Photographer/Videographer: $2,624 to $4,341
Photographer: $1,520 to $2,514
Videographer: $1,104 to $1,827

Reception: $11,688 to $19,338
Reception beverages/bartender: $1,656 to $2,740
Bride/groom hotel: $208 to $344
Cake: $400 to $663
Cake knife set: $32 to $53
Cake topper: $31 to $51
Reception decorations/centerpieces: $800 to $1,324
Favors: $267 to $442
Reception food service: $5,639 to $9,329
Reception location: $1,834 to $3,034
Reception rentals: $821 to $1,358

Transportation: $724 to $1,198
Car rental: $226 to $374
Limo rental: $498 to $824

Average Cost of 2009 Weddings

Market research shows that this year in the United States, 2.2 million weddings will take place with an average spending of $20,398 each.  That's about 25,000 more weddings than last year, but spending $1,500 less each than we saw in 2008.  People don't stop getting married, they just need to balance their budget more carefully and spend wisely to achieve the same best-day-of-your life results.  What does this mean for you?

If you, your fiance, and family are looking to cut back on wedding spending this year, be sure to read these 5 tips to ensure the biggest bang for your buck!

1.  Consider hiring an event planner/coordinator.  When you work with a professional wedding planner, her connections with local vendors and experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts will ensure that you get better products and services at the best possible rate.  

2.  Scour the internet (good job, you've already accomplished this one!).  So many tips and tricks are available online, including DIY project how-tos that will save you money on details like favors, save-the-dates, and accessories.  

3.  Ask for help.  If your sister is a craft genius, your aunt is basically Betty Crocker, and your mom is a fabulous seamstress, don't be afraid to enlist their help.  This saves you time and money, and chances are they will be honored to contribute to your wedding celebration.  Not paying retail prices for invitations, guest favors, your cake and wedding gown can save you well over $2,000!  

4.  Open a Wedding Registry Account.  Some banks are now matching funds received into wedding registry accounts, growing the size of your cash gifts.  Meridian Trust adds $30 for every $1,000 deposited in your account, and the Bank of Utah will match up to $300 in a savings account when it's applied toward a new mortgage.  SunTrust Mortgage also allows your guests to contribute to a home-savings account, to be applied toward a mortgage.

5.  Host an atypical wedding.  Have your wedding on a Friday night, host a backyard afternoon gathering at your parents' house, or invite guests to a ceremony and Sunday brunch at a great restaurant or hotel.  All of these will save money on venue, food and beverage, and you can get away with not paying for all of the typical wedding costs.  Everything costs more on a Saturday night, so basically any other day and time can cut expenses.  Daytime weddings don't usually end up with as heavy a bar bill as night time, and the food can be simpler and less expensive than dinner.  Have fun with the limitless ideas, and spend your money on the top 3 most important things to you.

How Important Is Your Wedding Gown?

    Even in this economic downturn, many brides are unwilling to skimp on one wedding day aspect that matters so much---the gown!  Smaller budgets are causing more brides to think twice on other priorities, though it seems wedding gown sales are remaining high.  "It's OK if you have a few less flowers -- no one will notice. But you have to have your hair done, makeup done, great shoes and a great dress," says Tatiana Byron, who founded The Wedding Salon bridal expo event. 

    High-end bridal salons are finding that more brides come into the store with budgets, though they have yet to lose customers that find a gown they love--even if it is out of their initial price range.  It's a magical moment to finally be able to visualize yourself walking down the aisle or dancing your first dance, and the gown has everything to do with that vision.  Even brides who think gown prices are steep often come to realize that the wedding is your one (hopefully!) chance to get away with something elaborate, glamorous, and stylish.  Every bride wants to feel like a million dollars as she approaches her man at the altar!

    So what happens when the gown you love has a price tag you don't love?  If it's your priority, you'll have to cut back elsewhere.  To really reduce costs in other areas, have the wedding on a Friday or Sunday; serve heavy hors d'ouevres instead of a full dinner; reduce the bar to wine and beer.  Hey- a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do!

    If you've got a tight budget, what areas are you cutting back on, and what priorities are you unwilling to skimp on? 

How to Budget Wedding Costs

 

      I've spoken with countless brides about average wedding costs, estimates of their wedding spending, and how much they are allocating to different budget categories.  It seems that no two brides are the same and most do not know what to expect when trying to finance the party of their life.  How much is too much to spend on a wedding gown?  Is $5,000 excessive for flowers?  Why can't you find a DJ for under $1,000?  Don't worry...other brides are asking the same questions and most just want a general rule of thumb when trying to understand how and on what to spend their money.
    To break it down, here's a simple index of wedding spending percentages to show you what is typical no matter your total budget.  Remember, you can always spend more or less on any category--just remember that to stay within your ideal budget, you'll have to modify elsewhere!

Food/Beverage            45%
Photography/Video      15%
Flowers                        8%
Invitations                    6%
Music                           5%
Ceremony                     5%
Attire                           3%
Cake                            2%
Transportation              2%
Wedding rings               2%
Miscellaneous               7%

Wedding Total             100%

Cost of a 'Sex and the City' Wedding

    For all you Sex and the City fans out there, this one's for you! 

If you are Carrie Bradshaw's biggest fan (I love her, too), then I know you are tapping your foot and checking your watch for the big release of the Sex and the City movie.  Buy your tickets ahead online now!  Since the previews and reviews have spread the news that Carrie and Big are to be married in the movie, I thought we could examine the potential cost of their on-screen wedding.  The New York Post covered the filming and each detail that went into the wedding scene.  If after seeing the film this weekend you are inspired to throw your own Bradshaw-Big wedding, here is what you can expect:

Carrie is wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown.  Along with the veil, the price of Carrie's wedding gown starts at $18,000.  Average U.S. cost for a wedding gown: $1500

The Christian Dior "Gladiator platforms" Carrie wears for her wedding day cost $770.  Interested?  You can find them on eLuxury.com.  Want them covered in rhinestones?  Add another $100.

Bridesmaids, beware.  Think $300 is pricey to ask your girlfriends to pay for their dresses?  Try $3,000.  The Zac Posen dresses that Miranda wears as a bridesmaid costs $5,300 for floor-length, $3,200 for knee-length.

At the wedding, Carrie carries a bouquet of white roses and ranunculus, costing upward of $350 for the single bouquet.  Her bridesmaids' bouquets would cost around $200 each. 

Want to host your next big event in the same place Carrie does?  The reception is held at New York Public Library's Astor Hall and McGraw Rotunda.  The price for renting the space starts at $50,000.  Don't forget to add on the price of a ceremony space (the library does not allow ceremonies) and transportation to your reception.

Overall, Carrie and Big's Sex and the City wedding would easily cost upward of $1 Million.  Compared to the average U.S. wedding cost of $28,732, this event is definitely not one to be missed!  Have fun at the movies, and let me know how you like it!  I'm seeing it myself Friday!

Your (Not So) Average Wedding Day

How long will it take to plan your wedding?  How much will you spend? 
For the newly engaged and never married, questions like these can be important to see how your big day matches up to "Average Jane's".  One of the questions I get asked the most is for the average cost of planning a wedding.  I've written about the total average cost of a U.S. wedding, which was estimated to be $28,800 in 2007.  Now we'll break it down a little more. Here's the rundown, along with some other "average" stats:

The Wedding Expenses
Ceremony: $2,557                                         
Favors/Gifts: $1,122
Wedding rings: $2,067
Invitations/Stationary: $848
Limo or car rental: $410
Reception: $14,179
Reception music: $953
Photography/videography: $2570
Rehearsal dinner: $1153
Flowers:  $2048
Wedding gown:  $1564
Wedding Cake: $543
Wedding Planner: $3262
Hair and Makeup: $190
Honeymoon: $3825

More fun facts:

• Average age of first-time bride: 27
• Average age of her groom: 29
• 250 hours spent planning the average wedding--that's 8 per week in the average engagement
• It takes trying on 21 dresses before choosing "the one"
• 15% of weddings get called off!
• 1 in 5 women stress about fitting into their wedding dress
• Most want to lose 10-20 pounds before the big day
• Average value of all your wedding gifts: $14,000
• Average cost of attending a wedding: $500
• What it takes to be a bridesmaid: $1400 
• Number of bridesmaids in the wedding, on average: 5

Average Cost of a U.S. Wedding

As average salaries have continually decreased over the past few years, the average cost of a wedding has continued to rise!  In 2007, weddings will cost an average of $28,800.  By 2012, that number will jump to $31,010.  While researching the price of a U.S. wedding, I found many variations across the country, but the trend to spend more on weddings was the same.  We'll see how much longer this trend persists, as more brides become inclined to do-it-themselves with the help of magazines, media, and websites.  We're now able to find instructions on how to make a centerpiece or bouquet, print invitations from home or order online, purchase a gently worn wedding gown, and replace a DJ with an iPod.    Nonetheless, here are some stats on the "average wedding" throughout America:

    Average cost of a US wedding: $28,800 (est. for 2007)   
    Average number of guests: 167
    Destination weddings: 11%
    Percentage of weddings paid for by brides' parents: 57%   

    Details:

    Engagement ring: $5570
    Photography/videography: $2570
    Band:  $3197
    DJ: $804   
    Rehearsal dinner: $1153
    Flowers:  $2048
    Wedding gown:  $1564
    Chapel or Site Fee: $435
    Officiant: $263
    Wedding Cake: $543
    Wedding Planner: $3262 (but only 17% of brides will use one)
    Hair and Makeup: $190
    Attendants Gifts: $605
    Bar/Bartender: $2938
    Honeymoon: $3825

The average age of brides and grooms has grown higher in the last decade, with today's newlyweds aged 27-29 years old.  This age group claims a yearly salary of $51,900 (that seems high?). 

About.com featured an article on Planning an Affordable Wedding.  They say to choose the most important, lasting costs and make the most of them.  Photography ranks highest among what lasts, so do your research on professional photographers, and spend a little more in this category.  When considering the $27,000 average wedding, they raise this idea:  One could cut back and spend only $13,000, putting the saved $14,000 in a savings account that yields 10% per year.  Forty years later, you'd be looking at $634,000 in the bank!  Would you trade a more expensive wedding for $634K in the long-run?

Overall, I recommend you have the wedding that you can afford, whether that be on your dime or someone else's.  Use common sense; don't go wildly into debt!  Make it special by adding unique touches that are personal to you as a couple.  That way, no matter how much you do (or don't) spend, you will still have tons of great memories that reflect your style and personality.  If necessary, choose 2-3 really important components that you want to spend money on.  Splurge on those things, and save on the things that don't matter as much to you.  Have fun with it, make it personal, and celebrate!    

Talking Finances

There comes a time when every couple, either before or after the wedding, will have to discuss personal finances.  These things can't be kept secret forever, and the topic often raises both heated discussions and, unfortunately, arguments.  Why not have this talk sooner than later?   What happens when you are ready to buy a house, have a child, or even simply buy groceries?  Who will be responsible for the main household income, or will you contribute equally?  Will you share just one account or keep your banking separate?  Who pays the bills each month?  These questions are better dealt with up front, openly and honestly, so that you go into marriage understanding each other's spending and saving habits, with no surprises in the near future.

Psychology Today published an article about money stating that "commonly, a hoarder marries a spender".  If this is true, we need to start talking to each other now about our personal habits and goals before our differences drive us apart. It seems there is no right or wrong way to handle your new family's finances.  Here are some thoughts you can take or leave on the subject by various "experts" on finances for couples.  Do what makes you both comfortable, just make sure you do something!

DaveRamsey.com wrote about the importance of communicating with your spouse (or soon-to-be spouse) about money.  He says you can't have a great relationship until you can communicate and agree about money-matters.  Seeing that in most relationships, one person is good at numbers while the other is a "free spirit", problems arise when the two neglect the input of each other in financial dealings.  Dave also says that since marriage is a partnership, separating finances and splitting bills is a bad idea.  Work on budgets together, and give feedback and encouragement.

Oprah had a show about relationships affected by money.  One couple was facing relationship problems after cutting two salaries down to one when they became pregnant.  Financial expert David Bach recommended that they write down their values and goals so that they could work to achieve them together.  He also suggested that regardless of the lower income they were living on, portions of each paycheck should still be going to savings/retirement funds.  A small emergency savings fund was also recommended for "just in case".

Another Oprah moment--check out Dr. Phil's Five Financial Strategies for Marriage.

Rightonthemoney.com has 4 easy steps for figuring out your finances together.  Decide whether to have joint or separate accounts; Figure out who pays for what; Allow small indulgences but discuss big ticket buys; Keep money-matters private--don't discuss in front of others.

The same website also says to talk about money matters well before engagement, putting your finances and expectations on paper before you get married.  They explain prenups and why you should consider one.  There is a common conception that prenups mean you don't trust each other or that you are "planning for divorce".  Not always true--Prenups also cover how to deal with debt, assets, property, and stocks in the case of death (or divorce).  Prenups can also be ammended at any time.  If you feel like a prenup is right for you, speak with a lawyer and be prepared to pay a few thousand for the attourney fees.

Whichever way you decide to handle your new family's finances, be sure that you are on the same page and that you are making conversations, not arguments.  We don't all have the exact same values and goals, so respect each other's and find ways to compromise and work together toward them.  Even if only one of you is great with numbers, you should both be involved in money decisions that affect your family unit.  Get involved, have an opinion and show respect!

Wedding Budgets: Where to Spend and Save

Any wedding planner will tell you that before taking steps to plan your wedding, it's important to set a budget.  In order to get started, you'll first need to sit down with whomever is contributing financially to the event, and check out your own accounts if you are paying for some or all of the wedding yourself.  Budget planning can be a stressful first step, but don't let it burst your bubble.  The budget plan can be quite painless if you get the facts, check out your accounts, and get creative if you need to.  Simultaneously with planning out the financial aspects, make a list with your fiance of the 3-4 things that are most important to you for the wedding.  That list will be the things that you should definitely splurge on.  On the other hand, consider parts of weddings you've been to that you can't even remember or didn't care about in the first place.  Those are the places where you should save.  Most people's lists will be different, and that's ok!  That's what makes each couples wedding unique.

The following is a list of wedding details and some ideas on splurging and saving:

    Photography/Videography:  Your wedding photos will (hopefully) last a lifetime.  The big day that you have worked so hard to create should be captured in time with your photos and will surely be shared with loved ones for years to come.  There are multiple ways to capture the moment, so be sure to do your research on photographers in your area, or be more creative with less expensive photo stations set up at the ceremony/reception.  Photography pricing can range anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.  Most photographers offer different packages and it's usually possible to pay for a master copy of the pictures and develop them yourself rather than pay for the photographer's album.  Many couples are also choosing to do engagement photos with a professional photographer.  If you like to try something unique with your bride- or groom-to-be, set up a more informal photo shoot  before or soon after the wedding in a funky, urban location or maybe outdoors in a rural area.  Brides can purchase an inexpensive, white dress for the photo shoot, and you''ll only be paying the photographer for 1-3 hours rather than a full day of wedding photography.  I will say that working with recent brides, I have yet to hear someone say they wish they would have spent less or skimped on photos.

     Venue:  The locations that you choose for your ceremony and reception lay the scene for the style of wedding you'd like.  Once you've found your wedding style, start contacting wedding venues that may fit the look you're after.  It's usually possible to quickly get pricing on venues by calling or e-mailing the wedding coordinator at each location.  While larger hotels are typically pricier that other venues, you are paying for the service, set up, and rental of the facilities and their tables, chairs, linens, and staff.  You'll get a better rate, however, if you choose a Friday, Sunday, or daytime wedding rather than a Saturday night.  Food may be more expensive at a hotel or country club that provides the food and alcohol, while banquet halls and city-owned venues will often allow you to bring in outside caterers or alcohol that you provide.  To me, venue ranks high on my list of what's important.  I love the idea of tying in the location with your wedding style.  Get creative with this--consider outdoor amphitheatres, renovated barns, museums, or historic hotels. 

     Cake:  This is a place that you can definitely save.  Think back to the weddings you've attended.  Do you even remember the cake?  Check out the cakes your local grocer can make, or ask a cake decorator for the price of cupcakes.  Cut a small cake at the wedding, and set out a dessert tray with offerings like mini eclairs, truffles, and key lime tarts.  It's important to serve dessert at the wedding, but there are plenty of ways around paying over $1000 for the cake.

      Invitations:  Here's another place you can save.  Invitation prices can cost thousands, or you can print your own at home for a hundred.  The price of stamps is rising, and invitations already cost more than regular envelopes because of the weight and shape.  FineStationary.com offers a wide selection of chic choices that you customize online, so you can keep the cost down and avoid doing all the work yourself.  If you love the work of a certain invitation designer, ask them for ways to scale down the cost, like using less expensive paper, or choosing invitations that require less handmade details.

     Gown:  You probably already have a vision of wedding day attire, and the gown is important, as you want to look and feel your best on this special day.  Gowns can be purchased at a $99 sale, or you can spend $4,000+ designing a custom look.  The wedding gown sets the tone for the rest of the event, and the bride is in the center of the spotlight for the entire wedding day and night.  Regardless of what you spend, make a point to find a gown that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous.  There should be no regrets in your gown choice! 

Most wedding websites offer budget planning tools and checklists, and most are very thorough and detailed.   Try these if you need help getting started!

http://www.brides.com/planning/budget

http://www.elegala.com/budget.html