Money Monday: How to Budget For Pre-Wedding Events
A complete wedding budget will include more than just your ceremony and reception. Pre-wedding events can tack on hundreds of dollars to your overall budget, so it’s important to include them in your initial budget. You don’t want to be surprised by any large charges that pop up closer to your wedding day, which includes everything from your bridal shower to your rehearsal dinner. Not all pre-wedding events will cost you a lot of money if you have other contributors. But, it’s always a good idea to include any potential costs in your initial wedding budget so you are fully aware and prepared for how much you will be spending on pre-wedding and wedding events. If you need a rough guideline, here are some of the pre-wedding events you should be budgeting for!
Engagement Party
Typically your engagement party will be hosted and paid for by a family member or close friend. So, when considering your budget you will only need to allot for your attire and a thank you gift for your host. If you decide to host your engagement party yourself, you will need to have a larger budget to cover event costs such as a venue, catering, photographer, rentals, etc.
Photography by All The Little Stories Photography
Bachelorette/Bachelor Party
It’s your last night out on the town before you tie the knot! The hosts of your bachelorette/bachelor party will typically cover the costs of entertainment. But, if you are planning a destination party you will have to factor hotel, flights, and other activity costs into your budget. Also make sure to budget for you and your partner’s respective parties, as the expenses can add up if you’re both having destination parties.
Photography by Jessie Wyman & Christina Anne
Photography by Esther Rohr
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is traditionally a way to celebrate your upcoming wedding with all of your close friends and family and is usually hosted by mothers, aunts, or close friends. If you decide to have a bridal shower, you won’t have to worry about footing the bill, but you will still need a budget for an outfit and potentially hair and makeup. If you’re planning to help pitch in for this event, make sure to account for that in your budget.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal dinners don’t have to be a fancy, five-course meal these days, but you should know who is paying for this event pretty early on. Some couples will choose to have their parents host the dinner or pay for a portion of the night, which will call for a smaller budget. Other couples prefer to host the dinner themselves. In this case, you would need to budget for a venue, florals, photographer, per-person cost for food and drinks, etc.
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