Dovely
Most budget surprises come from categories that were forgotten, not from ones that ran over. This checklist covers every common line item so nothing falls through the gap. Use it alongside Dovely's budget tracker — add each category, enter your target, log confirmed quotes and deposits as you go.
How to use Dovely's budget tracker
In your wedding dashboard, open Budget under the side navigation. Each entry has a name, estimated cost, amount paid, amount outstanding, and an optional link to a vendor or note. Your partner and any squad members with expenses access can see and edit the same tracker in real time.
Venue and logistics
- Ceremony venue hire
- Reception venue hire
- Marquee or tent (if outdoor or garden)
- Mehendi / pre-events venue (if separate)
- Security deposit (track separately — you expect this back)
- Parking arrangement or valet
- Guest shuttle or transport hire
- Accommodation for out-of-town family
Catering
- Main caterer (per-head cost × confirmed headcount)
- Cake or mithai
- Drinks and bar setup
- Welcome drinks / appetisers (if separate from caterer)
- Catering service staff
- Crockery, glassware, linen hire (if not included)
Décor and florals
- Mandap or ceremony arch
- Table centrepieces
- Aisle, entrance, and stage florals
- Backdrop for photos
- Lighting and fairy lights
- Welcome sign and printed stationery
Photography and video
- Photographer (day rate or per-event)
- Videographer
- Second shooter or drone footage (if applicable)
- Pre-wedding shoot (if planned)
- Album or print package
Music and entertainment
- DJ or live band
- Dhol or ceremonial musicians
- MC or host (if hired separately)
- Photo booth or entertainment hire
Attire and beauty
- Bride / partner 1 outfit (per event)
- Groom / partner 2 outfit (per event)
- Accessories and jewellery
- Hair and makeup (per event, if hiring a team)
- Alterations and tailoring
- Dry cleaning after
Invites and stationery
- Dovely plan (if upgrading to the all-in plan)
- WhatsApp broadcast credits (top up wallet as needed)
- Printed invites or physical save-the-dates (if sending any by post)
- Welcome bags or favours for guests
Ceremonies and rituals
- Pandit / officiant fee
- Ritual items (puja samagri, flower garlands, etc.)
- Mehendi artist(s)
Things people forget
- Service charges (venues often add 10–18%)
- GST on vendor invoices (check whether quotes include tax)
- Tips for crew, driver, and catering staff
- On-the-day coordinator (even a half-day hire is worth it)
- A 5–10% contingency buffer — add this as a line item called "Contingency" so it stays visible
Tracking deposits vs. outstanding
In Dovely's budget tracker, use the "paid" and "outstanding" fields for each vendor entry. The totals at the top update as you go — so you can see your committed spend (total paid + outstanding) vs. the original estimate at a glance. Tag your partner on any line item that needs their sign-off.