Q: We’ve determined our budget categories, but have no idea how to assign costs to them. What’s the norm?
A: Every wedding is different. Some couples spend more on the cake than on the bar, or more on the dress than the flowers. Whether you have a large or small budget, the following list shows the average percentage of the total budget spent on each category:
- Invitation: 1 to 2 percent
- Bridal attire: 3 to 5 percent
- Food and Beverage for the reception (excluding cake): 45 to 50 percent
- Wedding cake: 2 to 3 percent
- Reception entertainment, live band or DJ: 6 to 8 percent
- Photography: 9 to 11 percent
- Transportation: 2 to 3 percent
- Other Expenses: 2 to 19 percent
This list is meant to get the basics on the table.
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My son & his bride-to-be have chosen to have a small, family wedding cerimony at our home, followed by a larger dessert-reception at another location which includes a wider circle of family and friends. Is this o.k. to do? If so, how does this affect etiquette on bridal showers and wedding gifts?
This is perfectly fine. For a shower guest list, feel free to invite anyone you wish, within reasonable numbers, who will be invited to the ceremony or the reception. Of course you know a shower should not be hosted by a family member.
As for the couple’s etiquette regarding gifts, there are three critical rules: 1. Don’t expect any. 2. Be delighted when any and all arrive. 3. Start writing that heartfelt thank you note for each one as its wrapping hits the floor.