Wedding Cost: A rough break down

Q: We’ve determined our wedding cost budget categories, but have no idea how to assign to them. What’s the norm?

A: Every wedding is different. Some couples spend more on the cake than on the bar, or more on the dress than the flowers. Whether you have a large or small budget, the following list shows the average percentage of the total budget spent on each category:

• Invitation: 1 to 11 percent
• Bridal attire: 3 to 5 percent
• Food and Beverage for the reception (excluding cake): 45 to 50 percent
• Wedding cake: 2 to 3 percent
• Reception entertainment, live band or DJ: 6 to 8 percent
• Photography: 9 to 11 percent
• Transportation: 2 to 3 percent
• Other Expenses: 2 to 10 percent

This list is meant to get the basics on the table.