How Should My Budget Be Divided?
I see the average amount spent on a wedding in NZ is $30,000. How is this money normally divided? E.g. 50% for venue (food and alcohol)...
Carrie, Auckland
Official Site Photography by Wellington Photographers
Charlotte Wood answers...
Charlotte Wood is a talented event planner with a fresh approach to planning, styling and stationery. She offers some expert advice on how to think about your finances.
Hi Carrie -
To give you a very general idea, I use this template to help clients work out their budget. However, bear in mind that this is always adjusted in some way, depending on what a couple believes is most important to them. For example, food and wine may be a top priority, but music may not - so a sophisticated menu and selection of wine may be accompanied by a homemade playlist on the iPod. A room overflowing with blooms may be more important than what's served from the kitchen - so a venue covered in flowers, arrangements and petals may be accompanied by a simple buffet meal.
Every couple has a different perspective of what deserves the most attention for their wedding.
Here are rough percentages of a total budget...however, this does NOT include wedding rings or the honeymoon.
5% - Ceremony (includes celebrant, styling, music, venue costs etc)
50% - Reception (includes venue, catering, beverages, music, styling etc)
15% - Photographer / Videographer
5% - Wedding Stationery
2.5% - Transport
15% - Bride and Groom clothing and accessories, including flowers
2.5% - Bridal Party clothing and accessories, including flowers
5% - Unexpected
So...if we are working off a budget of $30,000:
$1,500 - Ceremony
$15,000 - Reception
$4,500 - Photographer / Videographer
$1,500 - Wedding Stationery
$750 - Transport
$4,500 - Bride and Groom clothing and accessories, including flowers
$750 - Bridal Party clothing and accessories, including flowers
$1,500 - Unexpected
It's a good idea to also consider spending more money on what will last once the guests have all gone home. Apart from each other and your memories, you should consider investing in your photographs/video and rings...so if you can, allocate more of your budget to these areas, remembering as well that spending more here generally means better quality.
I hope that helps!
- Charlotte
