The Ultimate List of Wedding Expenses
Typical Wedding Expenses & Budgeting For Your Big Day
Planning a wedding involves a range of expenses, but the great part is you can pick and choose what works for your day. Below is a wedding expense list that will make budgeting easier by highlighting all potential costs, from big-ticket items to smaller details. Use it to make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget and cross off anything that doesn’t apply!
Venue
Venue Space
Ceremony space
Reception space
Cocktail space
Bridal suite
Groom’s suite
Venue fees (service fees, gratuity, etc.)
Rentals (if not provided by venue or vendor)
Dining tables
Signing table for ceremony
Tables for guestbook, gifts, beverages, buffet, etc.
Cocktail tables
Dining chairs
Lounge furniture
Ceremony chairs
Delivery rental fee
Tablecloths
Table runners
Napkins
Chargers
Altar/arch/chuppah
Speaker
Microphone
Lighting
Drapery
Decor
Centerpieces
Dance floor
Catering
Full Service Catering - approx. $110 per person
Food (if price is not per person)
Appetizers
Meal (buffet/sit down/family style)
Dessert
Vendor meals (if required by contract)
Bartender
Beverages
Alcoholic beverages (liquor, beer, wine, champagne, cocktails)
Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, sparkling water, water)
Cake
Cake accessories (topper, stand, knife and server etc.)
DIY Catering Additions
Staff to prepare food, serve it hot and replenish
Staff to clear plates and glasses
Serving trays
Glassware (for water, coffee, wine and other alcoholic beverages)
Plates, bowls, platters
Chafing dishes
Silverware and serving utensils
Ice
Ice bucket and scoop/tongs
Water pitchers
Drink dispensers
Beverage tub
Cocktail napkins
Tea bags
Coffee grounds
Straws and stir sticks
Salt and pepper shakers
Garbage cans/bags
Paper towel
Broom and dust pan (if someone drops a glass)
Photographer
Hours of photography and edited photos
Raw photos
Second shooter
Videographer
Hours of videography and edited video(s)
Raw footage
Content creator
Day-of Coordinator / Planner
Set up/Clean up
Officiant
Florist
Bouquets
Boutonnières/Corsages
Flowers for flower girl
Ceremony flowers
Reception flowers
DJ
Playlist with speaker and microphone
Musicians
Dance lessons
Ceremony
Wedding bands
Vow books
Ring box
Unity ritual or traditional items
Stationery
Save the Dates
Invitations
Calligraphy
Ceremony programs
Reserved signs
Welcome sign
Directional signs
Signs for the bar, guestbook table, etc.
Seating chart/escort cards
Table numbers/names
Place cards
Menus
Guest experience
Card box
Guestbook
Photo booth
Welcome baskets
Bathroom basket
Child care
Wedding favours
Transportation & Accommodation
Transportation for wedding party
Transportation for guests
Guest accommodation block
Getaway car
Attire
Wedding gown
Dress alterations
Veil
Bride’s shoes
Bride’s accessories (earrings, necklace, hair piece)
Groom’s suit (jacket and dress pants)
Groom’s dress shirt
Grooms shoes
Groom accessories (tie, pocket square, watch, cufflinks)
Bridesmaid dresses
Getting ready robes
Hanger for wedding dress
Beauty
Hair (cut/product or trial/day of)
Makeup (product or trial/day of)
Nails
Waxing
Contact lenses
Legalities & Permits
Marriage license
SOP (Special Occasion Permit, if required for alcohol service)
Venue insurance / liability insurance
Pre-Wedding
Engagement ring
Engagement party
Engagement photos
Bridal party gifts
Bridal shower
Bachelor/ette parties
Rehearsal dinner
My online wedding planner includes over 45 thoughtfully designed workspaces to guide you through every step of planning your wedding.
The Setting the Budget workspace helps you estimate costs and figure out where you want to allocate your money.
