Wedding Expenses List

Wedding costs can quickly get out of hand. That's why it's good to have an idea of typical wedding expenses. This hub is a semi-exhaustive list of the most common expenses in today's weddings because let's face it, you probably don't have $30,000 lying around ready to spend on a wedding.

Keeping this list of wedding expenses in mind, you should be able to create a healthy wedding budget, have an understanding of different expenses and better prepare for that all important day.

If you are interesting in knowing who pays for what in a wedding, you'll like this article on wedding expense etiquette. Or if you want to know about the latest wedding etiquette trends, check out this piece on wedding etiquette.

Here's a list of typical wedding expenses. Keep in mind the amounts are approximate and can vary depending on amounts, location, personal preferences, etc.

Before the wedding day, you will already be paying money for various wedding expenses. Costs for these items can vary between $800-$5000. Here's a list of the most common wedding expenses that will need to be covered well before the wedding day:

• Wedding invitations
• Bride's wedding attire (wedding gown, garter, accessories)
  
• Engagement and wedding rings
  

A standard wedding ceremony could could anywhere from $1,000 (for the very thrifty couple) to $10,000+ (for the very lavish couple). Expenses for the wedding ceremony include:

• Site rental
• Decorations (flowers, bows, plants,etc.)
• Outfit rental/purchase (bridesmaids, groomsmen, and so forth)
• Wedding services (such as the wedding officiant, coordinator, planner, videographer, photographer)

The wedding reception is where you will find the most wedding expenses. (Keep this in mind when budgeting.) Costs here can vary widely depending on whether or not alcohol is served, how many guests you plan to feed, etc. but can be anywhere from $2000 (for a very frugal couple!) to $15,000+ (for a more lavish reception). Expenses include:

• Entertainment (DJ, MC, musicians)
• Food services (bartender/s, catering staff, cooks, food/alcohol costs, wedding cake)
• Decorations (centerpieces, wedding favors, etc.)
• Wedding gifts (typically collected at this time)
  

There are also a number of post-wedding expenses to expect. Costs can vary (as usual) depending on a number of factors, but expect to pay at least $500 to $10,000+ (the biggest factor here is whether or not you take a honeymoon).

• Limo driver to take you to hotel/airport
  
• Honeymoon
• Thank you cards (written to those who gave gifts, those who helped make the wedding happen and anyone else of your choosing)

You might also want to research who pays for what in a wedding and current wedding trends. If you are ready to start organizing your budget, you can find a number of free wedding expense resources that will help you on the way. Two I highly recommend are: