How Much Do Weddings REALLY Cost??

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gyoooootttt damn...!!!

Bloggergirl said...

Are all these prices averages for 300 guests?

Bloggergirl said...

DUH!!!!! Just saw it. lol. Ignore my question

Anonymous said...

This is true!

Anonymous said...

Basically btween 53,700 and 54,700...if you dont have that then no wedding for you..:D :D

Anonymous said...

WOW!!

Memi said...

@ANON 3 I think you miscalculated. You double counted the venue and catering. It's either you get a venue and get a flat rate caterer OR you get a venue that comes with their own caterer and pay per person. Sorry for the confusion.

Abi said...

Wow! This is an eye opener. Are there any couples out there who can agree or disagree with these numbers?

Anonymous said...

This is a must read for all brides to be. Memi thank you, most bridal blogs don't give you a break down like this, shoo even the bridal magazines don't break it down like this. Thanks for clarifying also that these are average prices so we can possibly find cheaper/more expensive depending on personal taste.

Anonymous said...

After spending this much on a wedding...you gotta think twice on "divorce"

Skinny said...

That ISh cray, can AJ give us discount for commenting on this post? -_-
Lol at "after spending this much on a wedding...you gotta think twice in divorce"

Thanks for sharing Mems

Just.Another.Girl.In.MA said...

Weddings are expensive. I am working with a bride now, and venue came up to around that amount ($4000 with a room to change thrown in free) and food, which must be done by the venue, is quoted at about $10k for 400 guests. And this is just a very basic menu (chicken, jollof rice, seasonal veggies, water and lemonade) -___-

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