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STANDARD WEDDING BUDGET           
              BREAKDOWN

RECEPTION                                  47%
PHOTOGRAPHY                           11%
DRESS & ACCESSORIES                7%
WEDDING BANDS                        7.9%
FLOWERS                                     5.9%
MUSIC                                          5.5%
TRANSPORTATION                     3.6%
ATTENDANT GIFTS                    3.1%
INVITES & PAPER PRODUCTS   3%
HAIR & MAKE UP                        2.1%
OFFICIANT                                   1.8%
FAVORS                                        1.5%
GROOMS ATTIRE(RENTAL)        .6%
  It is the happiest time of your life, yet the most stressful.  Wedding planning takes time,
energy, careful planning, and above all a realistic budget.  The average wedding costs $27,000
and according to bridal magazines $10,000 is considered a small budget.  In a day and age when
couples pay for the wedding themselves and a special account set up by the parents is a thing of
the past how is one to afford an elegant wedding on a very modest budget?  My idea of a small
budget is $2500 and below.  But at such a meager budget can one still afford to have their
dream wedding?  This is a question I have decided to try and answer.  Over the next few
months I'm going to plan a wedding and reception on a $2,500 budget to see if it is possible in
our inflated economy.  For now I will just list tips and tricks I am already aware of and will add
new information frequently.


















STEP 1

The first stage of planning is setting your wedding date.  This will give you the time of year
your wedding will be, what weather will be generally like, and a better idea of costs since
certain times of year are cheaper then others.  November through April are considered the off
months for weddings so tend to be cheaper.  

STEP 2

Set down with your partner and set your budget. If family is going to help with costs find out in
advance.  

STEP 3

Decide your location.  Location is very important and the sooner you set it the better.  Most
sites have to be booked 6-12 months in advance, also this will give you time to find out rental
fee's.  Also, depending on what time of year you plan for this will effect your wedding gown
choices.
YOU ARE ENGAGED! NOW WHAT?
CA BUS. LIC. # 2063
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SIDE NOTE

Bidz.com is a great place to
find wedding bands at a
fraction of the price of retail.  
In order to protect yourself
look for auctions that come
with purchasable appraisals.