BenMVP.com: Wedding Blog: Let the planning begin!

Well planning for the wedding "officially" began yesterday. I say "officially" because Rashida had begun thinking about everything shortly after she said "YES!" But I set a 1-week planning embargo so that I could enjoy the engagement before filling my mind (and schedule) with appointments, tastings, fittings, and the like.

The hiatus was semi-successful. Every now and again, Rashida would suck me into a discussion, but when it got too detailed, I'd quickly say "we can talk about it on Monday." That turned into a running joke between her and my mom. If I'd mention anything about the wedding, they would sarcastically ask "Is it Monday yet?"

Anyway, the first item of business was to figure out our budget. Basically everything is predicated on how much money we can spend. There are tons of resources available for budgeting a wedding. We used a budget planner from aboutWeddings.com. I was astounded to find that 43% of the costs go towards the reception, while on 2% are towards the ceremony — you know the part where the couple exchanges their covenant vows in the presence of God and witnesses. What should be the most important part of the whole day. Even stationery spending (invitations, menus, place cards, etc.) is higher than the ceremony expense. Sort of makes me want to save money and just have the ceremony and roll to iHop afterwards! But I'm sure a certain someone wouldn't approve...

Check out the wedding expenses by category:

Reception: beverages, cake, catering, rentals	43%
Ceremony: facility, clergy, rentals, license	2%
Wedding Coordinator	9%
Apparel: gown, formalwear, accessories	9%
Photography & Videography: shoot, edit, prints/copies	11%
Flowers: ceremony, cocktail hour & reception	7%
Music: ceremony, cocktail hour & reception	7%
Stationery: invitations, menus, postage, place cards, etc.	3%
Accessories:favors, flutes, cake & knife servers, etc.	1.5%
Gifts: attendants, parents, hosts, etc.	1.5%
Transportation: bride, wedding party, guests	2%
Beauty: hair & makeup / bride and bridesmaids	1%
Wedding Insurance	1%
Overages: tax, tips, etc.	2%