Determining a wedding budget

In Emily Post's Weddings, she explained how to determine a budget:
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A carefully prepared budget can spare you the nightmare of falling prey to impractical plans or running up unnecessary debts. Whether you plan an elaborate wedding with 300 guests or a simple ceremony with 30 friends in your own home, a realistic budget will help make your preparations more stress-free. If money becomes a source of tension, simply cut the guest list and adjust your plans accordingly.

With imagination and good planning, a beautiful wedding can be held within any limits. Whatever you plan, stick to your budget; otherwise, the worry and insecurity may carry over to your relationship and get your marriage off to a stressful start.

Begin by determining the amount you can spend on your wedding. Do this before you sign a single contract or make a firm commitment with any vendor. If you have $5,000 to spend and the reception site you're hoping for will cost $3,500, you are probably not leaving enough money to cover other costs-accommodations for your attendants, fees, a band or DJ, wedding attire, and so on-unless some of those items will be paid for by someone else or given as a wedding gift. If necessary, reconsider and find a reception location that is not as costly. Choose a public garden, perhaps, or a friend's beautiful backyard. Or have morning wedding followed by a brunch or an afternoon cocktail reception instead of a seated dinner. The variations are endless. With creativity and imagination and a willingness to be flexible, your wedding plans can fit your budget and result in a wonderful day.

The best way to plan is to begin with your absolute fixed costs, such as the minister's or rabbi's fee, the postage required for the wedding invitations, and the marriage license. Then add in the expected costs of your essential wedding expenses, such as the wedding dress, wedding rings, and gifts for the attendants. Subtract that total from your available funds and see what amount you have left to work with. This will give you a guide as to how much you have left for variable costs, such as flowers, limousines, a videographer, and the rehearsal dinner and reception. If there are more categories than dollars, set your priorities. Is gourmet food more important than expensive flowers? If so, adjust again. Costs that are not finite tend to grow with the guest list, so you should start there to make your adjustments.
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There is a financial spreadsheet Joyousome Wedding Budget, which helps you keep track of budget planning and analyze spending composition in either estimated or actual condition.