The first step to creating a budget is to outline your planned expenses. Outline your expenses based on price, listing the most expensive items first. When you understand the real costs, you can plan accordingly, and look for opportunities to save.

Biggest Wedding Expense
The reception will likely be your single greatest expense. When you are creating this section of your budget remember to include such items as catering, site rental and other rentals, such as tents, linens and chair covers.
When planning for your reception, work on your guest list first. You need to know how many people are invited, so that you can find an appropriate venue and begin pricing for catering. There are tricks to budgeting for receptions and finding ways to save money. For ideas, check out this article on budget decorating for your reception and ceremony.

Budget Basics for Weddings
Beyond the reception, the items listed below are the basic elements of a wedding to consider for your budget. Treat these items as an outline, a first step to organizing your budget. Remember that your final list should be more detailed.

• Photographer/Videographer: If you are hiring a professional, this section of your budget will be one of the next big expenses. Wedding photographers and videographers often offer packages, but watch for hidden costs, like extra prints and copies.
• Attire/Hair/Make-up: Brides think of the dress but often forget to allow for hair appointments, accessories and shoes. And then there is the groom, he’ll need something to wear too!
• DJ/Band: When hiring musicians and DJs, find out how many hours of entertainment are included in their fees.
• Rings: The cost of your wedding rings will depend largely on taste.
• Decorations/Flowers: Bouquets, corsages and decorations for the ceremony and reception.
• Invitations/Programs: Include postage and printing fees. When it comes to stationary, always order some extras.
• Wedding Cake: The cake may be a separate item on your budget if you are having it made by someone other than the reception caterers. Remember to check with your caterers to see if they charge a cake cutting fee.
• Transportation: Some newlyweds rent transportation for themselves and their bridal party, particularly if the ceremony and reception are held at separate locations.
• Attendant Gifts: Remember to have some token of appreciation for participants in your wedding. Consider gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers and ushers.
• Ceremony Fees: You will have to purchase a marriage license. Depending on where you get married, you may pay an officiant fee, or offer a monetary gift as a thank you for performing the ceremony.
• Tips/Taxes/Hidden Charges: It might sound silly, but remember to set aside some money for the things that you might overlook.

Money Matters For Wedding Planning
The items on the aforementioned list are organized in order of expense. This will give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of costs. As your begin planning, more expenses will pop up. There will be things that you might not have considered before, like table number cards and holders. Work these items into your budget as soon as you think of them. suite101