Western Wedding Budget Breakdown (Average)

An general guideline of the average western wedding budget allocation

TRANSPORTATION 2-3%
Includes transportation for the wedding party, guest shuttles, and/or parking attendants.

CEREMONY 2-3%
Marriage license, officiant fee, church donation/venue fee, musicians, accessories such as unity candles, ring pillow etc.

STATIONERY 2-5%
Includes save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, thank-you notes, postage, wedding programs, menus, place cards, guest book, etc.

GIFTS 2-3%
For groomsmen, bridesmaids, honour attendants, flower girls, ring bearer, both sets of parents and anyone else who has a role in the wedding such as a reader as well as favours.

FLOWERS & DECOR 7-15%
All flowers and decoration for the entire wedding (ceremony & reception).

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT 8-12%
Any cost associated with having a DJ or band as well as any performers, singers, dancers etc.

ATTIRE 10-15%
Wedding dress, alterations, foundation garments, accessories, shoes, wedding day hair + makeup, grooms suit, gown cleaning and preservation as well as any going away outfits, reception outfits etc.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY 10-15%
Cost of services as well as any required photography location permits, editing , albums and prints.

RECEPTION 45-50%
The cost of food, cake/dessert, alcohol, staffing, venue rental, additional rentals such as linens, tables + chairs, taxes and gratuities.

None of the above is set in stone, this is a generalized guideline for what the average western wedding in North America looks like