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From transportation services to catering, there are several expenses associated with weddings. To plan an event without breaking the bank, establish a budget before looking at vendors and venues. The guide below helps you determine how much you should expect to set aside.

How to Come Up With a Wedding Budget

1. Add Up Contributions

Relatives often contribute financially to weddings. If your parents and future in-laws offered to help, find out the specific amount they want to contribute. Add the values of each contribution for a starting point.

To decide how much you and your fiancee can safely spend, look at your savings. You should have money set aside to cover expenses for at least three months. Subtract the value of this emergency fund from your combined savings. The difference is how much you can put towards your wedding budget. In addition to savings, you can also tap into your monthly income to cover costs. After paying bills, set aside 10% of each paycheck for your wedding.

2. Start Allocating Funds

New-York-New-York-transportation-servicesThen, decide how much of the budget should go towards each expense. To make the task easier, think in terms of percentages.

On average, couples spend approximately 50% of their budgets on the venue. Gather quotes from your favorite locations, then eliminate ones that cost more than half of your total budget. The rest of the money is for food, transportation services, entertainment, and decor.

3. Consider Extra Fees

As you reach out to venues and vendors, be aware that service agreements often come with fees. Additional expenses may be needed to cover gratuity for waitstaff, corkage fees, and overtime charges for remaining at the venue late. Set aside around 5 to 8% of the budget to cover these miscellaneous costs.

 

If you plan to get married in New York or New Jersey, the professionals at Manhattan-based Urban Sherpa Travel are eager to provide transportation services for the big day. Founded in 2004, this charter bus company works with customers’ itineraries to ensure a smooth event. Learn more about their offerings online, or call (917) 692-5222 to book wedding transportation. 

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