Wedding Guide Chicago - Winter/Spring 2013 - (Page 30)
The wedding budget
Planning
In Chicago, the average cost of a 150-person wedding is approximately $32,000 with downtown weddings costing slightly more and suburban weddings costing slightly less.
When you start planning your wedding, one of the very first things you’ll need to do is create a wedding budget. You may have no idea where to start or how much your essential items will cost, so we’ve provided a budget worksheet on the next page to help you get started. At WeddingGuideChicago.com, you will find a real-time budget calculator so you can customize the worksheet to your specific needs. The most helpful approach for you, your partner, and your respective families will probably be to openly discuss how much everyone will be able to contribute. Traditionally, the bride’s family will pay for the majority of the wedding day expenses. Today, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to foot the entire bill, or for each family to split the tab evenly. If the bride’s parents are unable to cover all of the wedding expenses, then perhaps the groom’s parents would be willing to assume a portion of the financial responsibility. There may be certain expenses that you and your partner can pay for as well, taking some of the pressure off of your families. When discussing your expenses with your loved ones, be sure to remain courteous and realistic.
Traditional financial obligations
BRIDE OR THE BRIDE’S FAMILY
Engagement party Wedding Consultant’s Fee Wedding stationary which includes invitations, postage, print Groom’s wedding ring Gifts for bridesmaids Wedding Dress and other wedding day attire Bridesmaids bouquets Pre-wedding parties and bridesmaid luncheon Photography and videography Wedding Guest Book and pen Ceremony fees Flowers for the ceremony, musicians and vocalists Reception DJ or band Floral decor and rental decor items Flowers for reception Transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception Wedding insurance and security (optional)
GROOM’S FAMILY
Rehearsal dinner Wedding gift Wedding Day attire Wedding gift for the newlyweds Bride’s wedding ring Gifts for groom’s attendants Wedding Day attire Bride’s bouquet All boutonnieres Officiant’s fee Mothers’ and grandmothers’ corsages Marriage license Honeymoon expenses
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five ways to save
CUT DOWn On THE GUEST LIST. Just because Cheryl (or is it Shelly?) from accounting let you go ahead of her at the copy machine doesn’t mean you’re obligated to invite her. SEnD ALTERnATIVE AnnOUnCEMEnTS. email announcements and save-the-dates and cut costs on paper, printing and stamps. Save that cost for your formal invites. it’s also a great way of going green! PLAn On THE OFF-SEASOn. Many vendors offer discounts during wedding “off-seasons”—that includes cold months and weekdays. DOn’T GET OVERWHELMED. Let helpful family members handle the busywork and the easy errands. Hire a wedding coordinator for the fine details. The more you delegate responsibilities, the less likely you are to make snap decisions that could cost you a better deal. ORGAnIZE WITH A TIMELInE. Creating a planning timeline will help keep you focused, organized, stress-free, and financially responsible.
GROOM
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ATTEnDAnTS
Any travel expenses Wedding Day attire Bridal shower paid for by maid or matron of honor and bridesmaids Bachelorette party paid for by maid or matron of honor Bachelor party paid for by best man and groomsmen
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Wedding Guide Chicago - Winter/Spring 2013
Wedding Guide Chicago - Winter/Spring 2013
Contents
Glow girls!
Fab finds
Gift goodies
Planning
Planning Checklist and Calendar
Budget Worksheet
Wedding Day Timeline
Wedding Planners
Ceremony and Marriage
Ceremony Sites
A Leap of Faith
Love Is ‘on’ the Air
Building a FoundatIon of Love
To the Sky and Back
I Heart Chicago
Out of the Ballpark
Receptions and Specialty Parties
Reception Sites
Catered Cuisine
Caterers
Cakes and Sweets
Tempting Cakes and Sweets
Partyscapes
Flowers and Décor
Scent-sational Bouquets
Handsome Boutonnieres
Enchanting Gowns
Fashion
Glam Slam
Beauty
Beauty Rocks
For the Groom
Fit for him
Photography and Videography
Music and Entertainment
Invitations and Announcements
Gorgeous Invitations
Gifts and Favors
Transportation
Honeymoon
All Services
Wedding Guide Chicago - Winter/Spring 2013
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