When you are planning a wedding, you need a budget that will cover all the major expenses. You don't want to forget all the little things that add a special touch, though. By accounting for every cost, you are less likely to have unexpected bills come up at the last minute.

Ceremony Tools

Planning for the ceremony starts with securing the venue and picking out flowers. There are other items that you may need to include in your budget to make the ceremony go smoothly:

• Basket for flower girl
• Pillow for ring bearer
• Guest book
• Programs

Additionally, you may have features in your ceremony that require special tools. Any time you add something to the basic wedding script, there are purchases to make. For example, if you are including a unity ritual, you probably need to buy candles and lighters. All the items you need to make your ceremony exactly what you want it to be should be included in your budget.

Guest Care

Your special day is primarily about what makes you and your partner happy. However, guest comfort should be high on your priority list, too. Think about the things you would want to have with you if you were in your guests' shoes. Supply packets of tissues for emotional moments or copies of lyrics for songs you want them to participate in. There's no way to set a temperature that will please everyone, but seasonal considerations such as paper fans in the summer or scarves in the winter can help make the space more comfortable as the need arises. Having care packets that include basic first aid items such as adhesive bandages and pain relievers can be a nice touch.

If your wedding or reception is outdoors, it's good to have umbrellas on hand for guests to borrow in case of rain or if they just want to give themselves a little more shade. Take into account the dressy footwear some guests may be wearing, and provide heel protectors to help them navigate grassy terrain. Shawls also come in handy, as some guests may not have brought the layers they need to stay warm in a breeze.

Staff Considerations

Weddings are a group effort. There are probably a lot of people you have hired to help your day go off without a hitch. Your wedding planner, officiant, photographer, caterers and other staff work hard, and there are a few things you can do to make their work as pleasant and easy as possible. The first consideration is ensuring that they are fed. Remember that staff members arrive before guests and most must stay long after the last guest has departed. Set aside specific times in the schedule for them to take a break, and include the cost of their meals in your budget. Have multiple first aid kits stocked and on-site, and make sure everyone knows where they are. 

Wedding Party Extras

Your wedding party is likely comprised of your dearest friends, so they are already motivated to make your day everything it can possibly be. Why not return the favor? At a minimum, have gift bags for each one of your attendants that show how much you appreciate them. If you ask them to wear special attire that must be purchased for the event, consider covering at least part of the cost. The same thing goes for any necessary travel expenses. The less your wedding costs them, the more likely they are to be able to say yes with unbridled enthusiasm.

Your total wedding budget should cover more than just the big expenses. All the small things can really add up, so it makes good financial sense to account for them in your plans.