You must decide a budget first. All wedding plans hinge on what you plan to spend. Whatever the total, you must resolve together what you want and can afford in orderto create the wedding you want. This exercise lays a base for future collaboration.

The average amount spent on a wedding in 2012 in the St. Louis metropolitan area, according to The Wedding Report, was more than $23,000, while other sources indicate it has increased since then. No matter who provides statistics, brides and grooms want to celebrate this occasion with family and friends. Honeymoon costs are additional. 

These ranges provide a starting point to help figure what you might or might not include in your wedding. Other details must accommodate expenses that range toward the high end of the percentage so all categories together add up to 100 percent.

1-2% | EXTRAS

Lodging, welcome bags for out-of-town guests, wedding night accommodations

2-3% | TRANSPORTATION

To ceremony, to photo site, to reception, to wedding night venue, provision for special guests

2-3% | GIFTS

Bride and groom, attendants, parents

2-3% | CEREMONY

Marriage license/name change fees, site/officiant fees, aisle runner, canopy, candelabras, unity candle

2-3% | STATIONERY

Announcements/save-the-date cards, invitations with envelopes and enclosures, programs, reception place cards, thank-you notes, postage

4-5% | REHEARSAL DINNER

Site rental, food, beverages, tips

4-6% |MUSIC

Ceremony and reception

4-6% | WEDDING RINGS

What will be worn comfortably

6-8% | FLOWERS

Ceremony; bride’s and attendants’ bouquets; boutonnieres; corsages for mothers, grandmothers, readers and special guests; bouquet to toss; reception centerpieces; cake topper

7-10% | WEDDING ATTIRE

Wedding gown/headpiece/veil/lingerie, hair and makeup, tuxedo, jewelry, shoes, accessories

11-15% | PHOTOGRAPHY

Engagement, videography, wedding packages

50% | RECEPTION

Site fee, catering costs, bar expenses (bartender & beverages), wedding cake, valet parking, groom’s cake, favors, napkins, cake cutter, cake topper, etc.