Hi ladies- I am trying to figure out a budget and I have NO clue where to begin Does anyone have what an estimate would be for a wedding on Long Island? I have what my reception would be, but what about what an average bride spends on flowers, favors, hair/makeup, limos?? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated :)
wacky
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Re: Average Costs?
Youre budget should incorporate items, like flowers, limos etc
Do you have a full $$ amount of what you would like to spend on wedding? Its easier to go from there. We had a $$ amount inclusive of everything then we broke it down, as to what we couldf spend on each item.
luvsun27
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Re: Average Costs?
I think wacky is right. We started out with a $$$ and figured the reception would be about 40-50% of that. Then...we broke it down for the other things. We are not getting limos or a video so we had a little more for picutres since they were the most important to me.
Robeymuse
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Re: Average Costs?
I don't know if there is an average. I think brides are willing to spend more money on things that are important to them and skimp on things that are not. For example, if it was music, they would be more likely to spend more money on a band or DJ or if pictures were more important, you get the idea... Some people are willing to spend the money on engraved invites, whereas I think it is a waste, etc. First figure out what is important to you and prioritize. Then you can figure out a budget.
PrincessPeanut
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Re: Average Costs?
Yeah, I guess that would be a good way to go with it, but what i don't know is how much flowers usually cost or how much limos usually cost thats why I don't know how much I should figure on spending.
luvsun27
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Re: Average Costs?
There are no 'average costs'. For example...flowers would depend on what you need, how extravagant you want to be, etc. You could spend $500 or $15,000...depending on what you need/get.
steph4777
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Re: Average Costs?
Everyone else is right. You need to look at your financial situation and determine what you and your family (if they are helping out) can spend. Once you have a number in mind, you can start searching for reception locations. From what I have read the reception is usually 50-60% of our budget. There are a lot of budget calculators that can help you figure out estimates. Determining what's important to you will be a guide as to what to spend.
Here is a site that helped me figure out which reception locations were in my price range.
Thank you to everyone for the help I am just feeling overwhelmed and stressed- my family is driving me crazy. I am trying to figure out a budget so I can sit down with my parents and say Ok, what can you contribute. They have been planning on paying for my reception, but they are starting to drive me crazy and I don't know if I honestly want them to pay for the whole reception. lol Does that even make sense? Anyways- thanks again :)
wacky
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Re: Average Costs?
Princess, if you have your ball park figure. Go from there, figure caterers incl of tax, tip.
Then go by whats important to you. Flowers, limos, invites etc
PrincessPeanut
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Re: Average Costs?
Ok, thanks again :) :) :)
neesiepie
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Re: Average Costs?
I think on THE KNOT there is a breakdown of what %age of your budget should go to reception,flowers,dj, etc...so if you have, say a $30K budget, then this % should go to the reception, this % to the flowers, etc..... I will try and find it....
PrincessPeanut
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Re: Average Costs?
Oh thanks so much!! I will go and check it out at the knot :) Thanks again! :)
neesiepie
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Re: Average Costs?
Here is something (I couldnt find the list on theknot)
The following is a rough breakdown by percentage of the costs for a typical wedding. As more guests are invited, the reception costs rise and the remaining items drop proportionally:
