How Much Do Weddings REALLY Cost??

Hello My Lovelies!!!

Walk up to any planning bride you know, and ask them what is their biggest wedding planning woe? I can almost guarantee 90% of the time their answer will be "Weddings are SO Expensive." This has become almost cliche' wedding planning chatter, everyone  knows weddings are expensive, everyone knows some vendors jack up prices when you mention the word "wedding" but nobody REALLY knows how much these things cost until they are in the driver's seat. I came up with the idea to change all that, and let our readers in on something that you most likely wont find on any other wedding blog. THE REAL COST OF WEDDINGS. 
 
In this post I am going to break down the average cost of a wedding in the DC MD VA area. I will go down into the weeds and try to be as detailed as possible. NOW remember these prices are an average for the area, they are in NO way related to BCG Events actual prices and if you want to know how much a BCG Events wedding will cost you, you will HAVE to book a consultation and receive a customized quote for your custom event :-)

This also isn't how much my wedding cost, lolll! I know you're wondering, lol!! :-p


Most things in wedding planning is based on a guest count. So we are going to work with 300 guests. You can plus it up or minus for your guest count to get you in the ballpark. Remember these are averages! You can more than likely find vendors more or less expensive based on quality, experience, and scale. There will be a follow up post that will detail the cost of all things decor (flowers, centerpieces, etc)


Reception Venue........................$5000 (not including food)
Catering ....................................$5000+ (If using a flat-rate caterer)

Catering with a banquet hall........$22,500 (which includes venue, food and beverages @ $75/pp + taxes, Service Charges and Gratuity - This is probably about 30% of your total food and beverage cost)

Wedding Planner .......................$2500+ (Day of Coordination), Partial and Full planning depends on the vendor whether they are charging a percentage of your total budget or a flat fee based on guest count.

Photographer .............................$4000+ (this price can increase quickly based on deliverable)

Videographer .............................$2000+

Invitation/Stationary.....................$2500 (at $7/invitation suite + programs, signs & gobo)

Limo...........................................$1500 (6 hour rental, varies depending on make & model)

Wedding Cake ...........................$1800 (to serve 300 guest @ an average of $6/slice, pricing increases as complexity of design does)

MC ...........................................$800 - $1500 (Depending on who you book, if they are local or out of state, popular comedian etc)

DJ..............................................$1500

Custom Lighting .........................$2000

Dancefloor ............................... Starting at $800+  (this depends on color and size)

Chiavari Chairs..........................$1800-2100 (can be found anywhere btwn $6-$7/chair)

Did any of these numbers shock you?? Did it give you a better idea of what weddings cost? Do you have any questions? Let it loose in the comments!!

P.S. This is also with absolutely NO DIY. If you're a crafty bride, do your thing. Oh yeah, I envy you, lmboooo!


Stay Beautiful,
Memi

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