Budget Basics for the Newly Engaged. - A GREATER PLAN blog at BridesClub.com

There are several aspects to beginning a financial plan. Three of the main elements for establishing a budget are: prioritizing, research and communication.
The "priorities" part consists of determining the areas of you celebration that are most important to the two of you, and ranking them. An example would be: #1 attire (the dress), #2 Catering (your guests) #3 Photography (your memories) #4 Floral (the setting).
The research part starts by gathering quotes. For instance, and experienced caterer should be able to get you a basic proposal within 2-3 days of contacting them with your event information. Be sure you ask them to include any services charges, rentals & taxes. Many vendors (photographers, musicians, and limo companies) have package pricing on their websites. By doing a little homework, you can get a clearer picture of what costs what.
It is so important to, communicate! You and your fiancé should talk about what you really want to stand firm on, and what elements are flexible. Really listen to each other. Planning your wedding a great practice round for planning a life together.
Other elements are: who is paying for what, what are you willing to give up if you start to run over, and what kinds of resources you have. In dividing up the financial responsibility, often youll need to bring family into the conversation. Included at the bottom of this entry is the traditional list of whos responsible for what. As you approach the big day, its common to run over budget. If you discussed ahead of time your must haves, its easier to eliminate or scale down some of the less crucial elements. Maybe your sliver vased orchid centerpieces become glass & candles, or his Armani tux becomes a linen suit. Its possible to adjust, without losing site of your vision. Also, dont forget about personal resources. You may have a friend whos photography hobby has grown enough to look semi-professional. Perhaps theres an aunt with enough sewing & crafting expertise to take care of the ring bearer pillow & unity candle. You probably have a business colleague whod do a great job on printing needs. Dont be afraid to ask.
Finally, keep your goal in sight. At the end of the wedding day journey, all the glitz and sparkle is really about beginning a journey of a lifetime. Recently I had a bride say to me, All I need is my fiancé, a minister and a witness. I just want to be his wife. She had her priorities straight.

Traditional Financial Responsibilites
Ceremony
Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
Your budget will determine the type of wedding you will have, so it should be one of the first things you tackle. Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.
Clothes
Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes). Groom and family pay for groom's outfit. All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).
Flowers
Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls. Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.
Honeymoon
Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.
Photography
Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.
Prewedding Parties
Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride's family hosts the first one. Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner. Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon. Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner. Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower. Best man and ushers host bachelor party. Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.
Reception
Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.
Rings
Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring. Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.
StationeryBride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.
Transportation
Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.