Average Wedding Cost-- Average Wedding Cost -- The average cost of a wedding varies greatly from region to region, and from bride to bride. Indeed, there is a wedding for every budget! Whether your budget is a few hundred dollars, or completely limitless, it is still a good idea to sit down in the early planning stages and decide on how much you plan to spend. This will be helpful down the road, and will ensure that everything stays on track as you plan. Many young couples now pay for all or part of their wedding. The Main Components The main components of the wedding are venue, food, attire, music/entertainment, photography, alcohol, and stationery. They key is to allocate your funds in the best possible way. For most couples, the bulk of the money goes toward the reception: the venue rental, and the catering. Will you be offering a full bar? If so, expect your budget to leap. National Averages Many wedding experts agree that the average wedding in the USA costs about $20,000. Of course, it’s important to remember that there are many couples who pull off a wedding for $3000, while there are many who spend $100,000. So, the most important element is what feels right for you. A basic breakdown of the wedding costs might go something like this: Wedding and Engagement Rings (10%) So, if you plan to spend $10,000 on the entire wedding, you should budget $3500 for your reception and catering. Remember to think outside the box. If you’re on a tight budget, consider a morning ceremony with a brunch or tea reception. What’s Important to You? For some couples, it’s the food. For others, it’s the music. Have a heart to hear with your fiancé and decide what areas of the wedding are worth a splurge – and which may be worth skipping. If music is extremely important to you, but you could care less about a fancy wedding cake, then go right ahead and skip the cake. Many couples agree that photography is one of the most important aspects, since it will be around long after the champagne toasts are over. -- Average Wedding Cost -- The Little Things It’s also important to budget some money for all those little costs that come flying your way as the wedding day approaches. These costs might include tips, electricity fees, transportation, vendor meals, and all the small extras like a guest book, programs, and shoes! Be sure to save money throughout your engagement to accommodate these small necessities. Wedding Events Remember that there are usually a host of events surrounding the wedding that you will likely need to budget for – such as a rehearsal dinner, a honeymoon, and a shower. While you may not be expected to pay for some of these events, you will certainly need something to wear, and perhaps even somewhere to stay after the event. Keep track of expenses as they arise, and always remember to be open and honest with your partner and all the parties involved in the wedding planning and expenses! -- Average Wedding Cost --
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