Getting married is a special moment in life.
Many of us dream about the big day for years.
While spending time with friends and family as well as preparing to spend the rest of your life with your significant other can be very exciting, it is important to avoid losing sight of the financial side of the event.
Weddings are not cheap by any means; even the simplest of ceremonies can amount to a few thousand dollars, especially taking into account the cost of apparel (i.
e.
tuxedos, dresses and the bride's gown).
The price tag on the last one can vary considerably, from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
Then you have the food (catering is extra), music, lighting, banquet chairs, banquet tables, the venue, the potential cost of a wedding planner, and who could forget the rings? If your head is spinning at this point, remember to breathe.
Millions of soon-to-be brides and grooms find themselves facing this exact situation every year.
With a little know-how and a lot of preparation, you should have no problem pulling off a stellar wedding.
At the end of the day, it is not about how much your event costs, but rather, living the experience to the fullest.
Here is a brief overview of common wedding expenses and what you should plan to budget for each.
Remember, it is always better to have extra money in the bank to account for the unexpected.
Common Wedding Expenses

• The wedding gown; the bride's dress has traditionally been the focal point of the ceremony.
  There are literally thousands of styles to choose from, so make sure you check this item off the list early.
  The average price tends to be about $1,200, but this will depend greatly on the brand of the gown and special add-ons it may have.
  
• The venue; the options here are endless (indoor, outdoor, tropical, etc,), but be prepared to spend around $10,000 for the site of the ceremony and reception.
  Hosting both events at the same location is a great way to save money.
  
• Photographer and DJ; a wedding isn't complete without pictures and music.
  The cost to hire a professional for these two services is going to run roughly $5,000, but you can save a lot by seeking out independent contractors vs.
  going through a commercial firm.
  
• The cake and the food; wedding cakes can get quite extravagant, but the average price is about $500.
  The cost of hiring a catering firm to prepare and serve your guests is an extra $50 or so per head.
  
• Rings; you will be the judge on this one, but a typical wedding band costs a couple thousand.
  
• Total cost with everything else included; all things considered, you should be prepared to spend upwards of $30,000 for your big day.
  Keep in mind that this number is not set in stone, but it's not far from the truth for most couples.
  

All things considered, paying for a wedding can be quite stressful.
To ease the financial toll and burden, saving up in advance is a must.
Paying for the necessary expenses early will also help keep your budget on track.