The wedding budget, it’s the first thing you look at when planning your wedding. This is not an easy task and to make it more difficult there is a lot to think about. The average cost of a wedding in 2021 was £20,000, but don’t worry you don’t need to spend loads to have the best wedding.
To help you create your wedding budget we wanted to set out what % of your budget you need to spend on each aspect of your wedding, we even have a handy pie chart for you. So let’s get started!
Venue and reception
Your venue is going to take 50% of your budget, within this we would expect you to have your venue hire, food (including evening food) drinks, chairs, tables, linen and cutlery. Also any extras like a cake stand and knife to cut the cake which most venues include in their price. If you are getting married at The Ravenswood then all of this and more is included in your package price.
Ceremony
If getting married at your venue then we suggest having 3% of the budget being spent on the ceremony, this can go towards registrar fees, rings and your marriage licence. You may have to make this slightly larger if you are marrying elsewhere to your reception venue as you may have an extra hire fee.
Stationery and favours
You will have lots of little details you’ll want for your guests and we suggest putting 7% of your budget on these. This should cover save the date cards, invites, menus for your table, name cards, table plan, favours, guest books and a post box for your guests to leave your cards. If you are marrying at The Ravenswood you will be provided with an easel to display your table plan but check with your venue first so you can add this to your budget too.
Flowers and décor
The title says it all, we suggest 10% is spent on this, this should include all décor throughout the venue and flowers, bouquets and buttonholes. If you are planning on decorating the venue yourself keep a list of the costs as you buy so you can keep on budget, or why not get a venue decorator to do this for you, they will send you a quote for their services and it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Photo and video
This is going to be the most special day of your life and you will want to remember it forever which is why we say to allocate 10% for your photographer and videographer. When looking for your photographer the most important thing is that they photograph in the style you like, take your time to research who you want for your special day. If you are struggling speak to your venue or look at their social media pages to see who has been used by previous couples.
Music and entertainment
10% of your budget can then be set aside for music and entertainment, this can include your DJ or band for your evening reception and any entertainment throughout the day such as a magician. Don’t forget if you are hoping to have live music for your ceremony to add it in here too.
Wedding attire
Last but certainly not least your last 10% should be used on you and your partner’s wedding attire. This should include both of your outfits, whether you are hiring or buying a suit or dress, alterations, accessories and hair and makeup.
And there you have it your wedding budget at a glance, we hope this helps you with the first stage of wedding planning.
