Well, did you get out the calculator and start punching in numbers? Okay, now that you have had a chance to pick yourself up off the floor, let’s talk. Some of you may have known what you were in for, many of you did not. I averaged the cost of a venue at $55/person (including open bar) for 300 people at $16,500, add 18% Gratuity $2970 and then tax 9.75% $1608. Add it all together for a total of $21,078.75.
Our budget started at $30,000. Will you have enough?
Okay, what if I want it at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign, IL? Well if you run the figures, it would run with open bar and appetizers at $58.00 per person or $17,400, add 18% Gratuity $3132, add 9.75% Tax $1696.50. The total is $22,228.50. Thankfully, this includes your basic linens. But, if you want special table coverings, you could be looking at another $700-$1000.
With a budget of $30,000 total, you will have less than $8,000 to work with for other costs. You must consider the rest of your expenses.
Photography, Videographer, Invitations, Floral, Decor, Planning, DJ, Favors, Attire, and Honeymoon.
Remember that site I gave you? Here it is again. http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/30000-wedding-budget-worksheet.html
$30,000 Budget Worksheet
If your total wedding budget is $30,000.00, below you’ll find a wedding budget worksheet that you can use to help with managing the expenditures that are involved in planning your wedding and staying within your predetermined budget.
Spend 40% of your Wedding Budget on ReceptionThe Calculation:Total Budget: $30,000 x 0.4 = $12,000 available for the receptionExample costs: site fees, catering costs, bar and beverages, wedding cake, etc. | $12,000 |
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Spend 10% of your Wedding Budget on MusicThe Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.1 = $3,000 available for musicExample costs: ceremony music, cocktail hour music, DJ fees, etc. | $3,000 |
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Spend 15% of your Wedding Budget on FlowersThe Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.15 = $4,500 available for flowersExample costs: bridal bouquet, wedding party flowers, table centerpieces , etc. | $4,500 |
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Spend 15% of your Wedding Budget on Wedding Attire The Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.1 = $4,500 available for wedding attireExample costs: wedding gown, dress alterations, wedding veil, lingerie, jewelry, shoes, hair, makeup, etc. | $4,500 |
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Spend 10% of your Wedding Budget on Wedding Photography The Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.1 = $3,000 available for wedding photographyExample costs: Engagement portrait, photography, videography, wedding album, etc. | $3,000 |
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Spend 5% of your wedding budget on Stationary The Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.05 = $1,500 available for wedding stationaryExample costs: wedding announcements, wedding invitations, postage stamps, wedding programs, table place cards, etc. | $1,500 |
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Spend 5% of your wedding budget on Additional Expenses The Calculation:Total budget: $30,000 x 0.05 = $1,500 available for Additional ExpensesExample costs: attendants gifts, marriage license fee, wedding day transportation, etc. | $1,500 |
$30,000 |
View more free wedding budget worksheets:
Now what with 300 people, your reception spending is over already and we haven’t even started. So you now have a choice to increase your budget or decrease your guest list. You have to look at the big picture and pick your priorities. Talk it over with the Family and see what they think. Then, make a decision and move on in the process. Learn to be content with what you have. Join us tomorrow for how to get the guest list under control.
2011 Margaret Moore, www.simpleeleganceeventsandweddings.com
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Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes this weekly e-zine. Get your FREE “My Dream Wedding without the Nightmare” at www.simpleeleganceventsandweddings.com