Creating a Practical Budget

Forget the archaic rule that says certain people have to pay for certain things. The bride's parents need not take out a third mortgage to pay for the wedding, and the groom's parents are not off the hook either. The best way to work the budget out? Sit down with pencil, paper, and calculator and figure out what you really want and can afford.

Make a priority list of which wedding elements are important to you (catering, entertainment, gown, and photos) and doing the math to decide you'll spend, say, 75% of your budget on those things, while spending less on (or doing without) the others.

Reception: 48%-50%
Ceremony: 2%-3%
Attire: 8%-10%
Flowers: 8%-10%
Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%
Photo/Videography: 10%-12%

Stationery: 2%-3%

Wedding Rings: 2%-3%

Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%

Gifts: 2%-3%
Miscellaneous: 8%

To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a "just-in-case" fund.
If you're paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.