Ceremony Costs

• Ceremony Venue Fee: Cost varies widely depending on location and season
• Ceremony Music: Live musicians or recorded music system rental
• Officiant: Professional fee plus travel expenses if applicable
• Officiant Tip: Typically $50-100 as a gesture of appreciation
• Unity Ceremony: Supplies for sand ceremony, candle lighting, or other symbolic rituals
• Ceremony Decor: Aisle runners, archways, chair decorations, etc.
• Flower Girl Baskets: For petal scattering during procession
• Ring Holder/Pillow: Special vessel for wedding rings
• Programs: Printing costs for ceremony information
• Wedding Rings: Both bride's and groom's bands

Floral Arrangements

• Bridal Bouquet: The bride's personal floral arrangement
• Bridesmaids' Bouquets: One for each attendant
• Corsages: For mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and female readers
• Boutonnieres: For groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and male readers
• Ceremony Flowers: Altar arrangements, aisle decorations, etc.
• Centerpieces: Floral arrangements for reception tables
• Cocktail Hour Decor: Smaller arrangements for cocktail tables
• Place Card Table Decor: Floral elements for the entrance display
• Sweetheart Table Arrangement: Special floral design for the newlyweds' table
• Flower Delivery: Transportation fees for getting flowers to venues
• Delivery Tip: Gratuity for delivery personnel

Reception Expenses

• Reception Venue: Booking fee for your celebration space
• Catering: Food costs for your guest count (may be included in venue package)
• Alcohol/Bar Service: Open bar, limited bar, or cash bar options
• Cake/Desserts: Wedding cake and additional desserts if desired
• Additional Cake Costs: For upgrades beyond what's included in packages
• Parking: Valet or reserved parking arrangements
• Service Fees: Built-in charges from venues and vendors
• Gratuities: Tips for service staff, typically 15-20%
• Maitre'D Tip: Extra gratuity for the banquet manager
• Bridal Attendant Tip: For the staff member assisting the bride
• Venue Coordinator Tip: If not included in service fees
• Guest Book: For wedding attendees to sign
• Favors: Small gifts for guests
• "Dancing Shoes": Rollable flats for guest comfort
• Menus: Reception dinner information
• Card Box: Secure container for monetary gifts
• Table Decor: Miscellaneous table decorations
• Place Cards: Individual seating assignments
• Sparklers: For dramatic exit photos
• Table Numbers: For guest navigation
• Food Truck Tickets: If using a ticket system for late-night snacks

Entertainment

• Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Musicians or other performers during pre-reception
• Cocktail Hour Entertainment Tip: Gratuity for these performers
• DJ/Band: Main reception entertainment
• DJ/Band Tip: Usually $50-100 per person
• Late-Night Food Truck: Popular addition for after-hours snacking
• Food Truck Gratuity: Service tip for food truck staff
• Uplighting and Pinspotting: Special lighting effects
• Dance Floor Lighting: Disco balls, spotlights, or other special effects
• Photobooth: Interactive entertainment for guests
• Photobooth Tip: Gratuity for attendants
• Extra Photobooth Props: Beyond what's included in basic package
• Event Painter: Artist who creates a painting of your reception in real-time

Photography & Videography

• Photography Package: Professional photographer services
• Engagement Shoot: Pre-wedding photo session
• Engagement Shoot Tip: Gratuity for photographer
• Engagement Shoot Props: Special items for themed photos
• Photography Tip: Wedding day gratuity for photographers
• Photographers' Accommodations: Hotel rooms for traveling professionals
• Videography Package: Professional video services
• Videographers' Tips: Gratuity for video team

Planning & Coordination

• Day-of Coordination Package: Professional to manage wedding day logistics
• Day-of Coordinator Tip: Gratuity for their services
• Planning Software/Apps: Digital tools to organize your wedding

Attire & Beauty

• Wedding Gown/Dress: Main bridal attire
• Undergarments: Proper foundation garments
• Alterations: Tailoring costs for perfect fit
• Shoes: Bridal footwear
• Headpiece: Tiara, comb, or other hair accessories
• Jewelry: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets
• Veil: Traditional bridal accessory
• Shawl/Cover-up: For cooler weather or modesty
• Garter: Traditional accessory
• Bouquet Charm: Memory items attached to flowers
• Comfortable Slippers: For when dress shoes become uncomfortable
• Hair and Makeup Trial: Pre-wedding styling test
• Hair and Makeup Trial Tip: Gratuity for stylists
• Day-of Hair and Makeup: For bride, bridesmaids, mothers
• Day-of Hair and Makeup Tip: Gratuity for wedding day services
• Groom's Tuxedo/Suit: Main attire for groom
• Groom's Shoes: Formal footwear
• Groom's Accessories: Cufflinks, tie clip, etc.
• Swatches: Fabric samples for color matching ($1 each)

Transportation

• Wedding Party Transportation: Limo, trolley, or other special vehicles
• Guest Shuttles: Transportation between venues or to/from hotels
• Driver Tips: Gratuity for transportation providers

Stationery

• Save the Dates: Early announcements of your wedding
• Save the Date Postage: Mailing costs
• Invitations: Formal wedding invitations
• Address Stamp: For efficient envelope addressing
• Blacklight Pens: For checking address quality
• Invitation Postage: Mailing costs (may require extra postage for weight/size)
• Thank-you Cards (Pre-wedding): For engagement and shower gifts
• Thank-you Cards (Post-wedding): With wedding photos
• Thank-you Card Postage: Mailing costs

Additional Events

• Rehearsal Dinner: Meal following wedding rehearsal
• Day-After Brunch: Post-wedding gathering
• Welcome Baskets: Gifts for out-of-town guests

Miscellaneous Essentials

• Marriage License: Legal document fees
• Bank Fees: For cashier's checks ($8 each)
• Bridesmaid Gifts: Thank-you presents for attendants
• Groomsmen Gifts: Thank-you presents for attendants
• Parent Gifts: Tokens of appreciation
• Reader Gifts: For ceremony participants
• Dance Lessons: Pre-wedding instruction for first dance
• Getting Ready Space: Room or suite for pre-ceremony preparations
• Getting Ready Catering: Food and drinks while preparing
• Special Accommodations: Such as ASL interpreters for guests with hearing impairments

Final Thoughts

Every wedding is unique, and not all items on this list will apply to your situation. Use this guide as a starting point, then customize your budget based on your priorities, guest count, location, and personal preferences. Remember that the most important part of your wedding day is celebrating your love and commitment—everything else is just details.

By planning comprehensively and tracking your expenses carefully, you can create a beautiful, memorable wedding day without financial stress overshadowing your joy.