I know we just talked about setting up your budget not too long ago. (Setting Up Your Wedding Budget.) But holidays always make me run over whatever budget I had planned. Funny how special occasions can do that to you! I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take a second look.

With all the dreamy ideas, it’s hard not to get stars in your eyes in planning the perfect day. Many couples find out fast that choosing all the things that make you “ooh” and “ahh” can make you “gulp” at the price tag. Maybe you already have your “do not spend over X” figured out and maybe you have a ballpark you want to work with that gives you some flexibility. In either case, sometimes having a general idea of the percentages can be a big help when you decide where to spend what!

Planning a typical budget might shape up like this:

• Reception: 50% - Catering, site fees, beverage bar, wedding & groom cake - was that a “no” on the Espresso bar?
• Wedding Attire: 10% - Dress, alterations, lingerie, shoes, makeup, groom’s attire - don’t forget the headpiece!
• Photography: 10% - Photography, videography, portraits - oh engagement pics!
• Music: 10% - Ceremony, reception - whups, rehersal too?!
• Flowers: 10% - Ceremony site, bouquet, wedding party, centerpieces - corsage for mom?
• Stationary: 4% - Save the dates, invites, callligraphy, place cards, thank you notes - omg forgot the postage…
• Additional Expenses: 6% - rings, gifts, license fees, transportation, officiant fees - whatever are you going to do about wedding favors?!

Of course, if you aren’t careful, it’s easy to wind up at 110% or 150% of where you started! I find setting a budget out like this helps me figure out where I want to really spend. After all, if you found an incredible bargain on a beautiful dress and saved $500, then that’s $500 more you can move someplace else - IF you wanted. Naturally - you could “pocket” the difference in a savings account and start your married life budget out on the right foot, eh? Who says I didn’t listen to Dad?!

If you’re looking for more tips, check out the budget planning section at Brides.com. Also, do some surfing and forum discussing at places like About.com’s “Planning an Affordable Wedding” or iVillage’s Ask the Bridal Expert!