Now for the 3rd and final post for the budget breakdown. This post goes over the final odds and ends for the wedding planning breakdown.

9. Odds and Ends

Last are the odds and ends which include:

  • Lighting and decor at 5%
  • Stationary at 2%
  • Cake and desserts at 2%
  • Favors and gifts at 1%
  • Guest entertainment at 2%
  • Officiant at 1%

Your lighting can be taken over by your DJ to save some money if their packages include it. Another way to save is to purchase your own up lights on Amazon (click here) and use them in your backyard after for tree up lighting!

Sometimes your caterer can provide some decor as needed to spruce up a buffet line or a charcuterie table. The decor you would need to get, if you want these items, is a guest book, card box, etc.

Lighting and decor usually are 5% of your overall budget.

Stationary would include: menu cards, place cards, save the dates, invites, bar signage, welcome sign, seating chart, memory board, etc.

Stationary usually is 2% of your overall budget.

To save money on cake and desserts, these items can be brought in by a family member and a cutting cake can be purchased for photos. Another fun trend is to do a doughnut bar or s’mores bar instead and both are an inexpensive alternative! 

Desserts usually are 2% of your overall budget.

Favors and gifts are not a requirement but can be a nice token or reminder for your guests. This category would include bridesmaid boxes, gifts for the groomsmen, bridal gift, grooms gift, and other family members as well.

Favors and gifts usually are 1% of your overall budget.

Guest entertainment is usually activities for the guest to do like board games or lawn games, etc. Maybe there are young children at the event and you want to provide coloring activities for them to stay entertained.

Guest entertainment usually is 2% of your overall budget.

Last is the officiant. If you don’t belong to a church, consider having a close friend or relative get ordained or you can choose to have everything legalized at the courthouse when you turn in your license to cut down expenses since it would be included with your marriage license filing.

Officiant usually is 1% of your overall budget.

 

So, this marks part three of planning your wedding budget. Let me know if you have any questions because I am happy to help!

Thank you for checking out my blog! Happy planning and I hope you enjoy the planning process of your Sweet Soi·rée!

Cheers,

~ Your Event Extraordinaire Em