Common wedding expenses, for those who are choosing to host a formal wedding ceremony and reception in which guests are invited, include items such as a dress; tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen; a catering, alcohol, and cake budget; rental expenses for the ceremony and reception locations; flowers and decor, just to name a few. Each person's wedding expenses may be different depending on their preferences for the day, the amount they have chosen to budget for the wedding, and the number of guests at the wedding or people in the wedding party. It is best to make a list ahead of time of expected wedding costs, and then try to set budgets for each category and attempt to stay within those budgets to avoid spending too much on the wedding.
Some of the most common wedding expenses surround the bride, the groom, and the bridal party. Even in a very small wedding, most brides will want to purchase a new wedding dress, as well as any accessories such as shoes, jewelry, or a veil to go with the dress; a groom will generally need to rent or buy a new suit or tuxedo. Some brides may also pay to get their hair and makeup done for the big day. The bridal party may choose to pay for their own dresses and tuxes, though sometimes the bride and groom will chip in for that expense, or offer a gift to the bridal party.
Renting an area for the ceremony and reception is another one of the most common wedding expenses; some couples can save money by getting married in a place such as a state park or even a friend's home if the property is appropriate fopr the ceremony. The items for the big day such as tables, chairs, linens, and place settings may also be needed, in addition to decor such as centerpieces, flowers, lights, or candles, to name a few. Food and alcohol are the other two most common wedding expenses.
Generally, a meal is served at most weddings; sometimes, couples offer brunch instead, which can be less costly. In addition, a cash bar or a limited bar serving wine and beer can also be a way to save money, rather than hosting an open bar with more varieties of liquor, which can be quite expensive. These are some of the most common wedding expenses for a basic wedding; if a couple wants a more elaborate, formal affair, there will be more expenses to factor into the budget.
