The Typical Cost of a Wedding by Crista Tharp |
| Posted on Feb 12 2008 |
Undoubtedly, you know that weddings are expensive. There are many variables to consider which have a huge impact on the cost: metropolitan area versus rural, small versus big, buffet versus a plated meal, and the style that you choose.
The following prices are an estimate. You can find them cheaper and most definitely more expensive, but use this as a guideline when discussing what kind of a wedding you would like.
Catering (based on 200 people)
Buffet $15 - $25/per person
Family Style $18 - $27/per person
Plated Service $20 - $40/per person
These figures are based on food only. If you choose a facility that has in-house catering, like a Country Club, the prices per person can be higher because they include the room fee and wait staff charges.
This usually includes some drinks like coffee and tea, but most do not include sodas in this price.
Alcohol
Open Bar $12.50 - $20/per person(Entire bar is open at your expense)
Beer and Wine $6 - $10/per person (Beer and wine at your expense)
Consumption (You pay for every drink consumed) Price depends on the Bar
Sodas only $2.50 - $3.50/per person
Champagne Toast $350 - $500
Cash Bar (Guests pay for liquor, beer, wine, and sodas)
Bartenders $25 - $100 an hour
Cash bars are completely acceptable, but you should provide soft drinks to guests, if possible. You are under no obligation to serve alcohol to your guests, but if they would like it, it can be provided to them with a cash bar.
You may encounter a facility that will allow you to bring your own alcohol in (this is very rare and often illegal), but if they do, they may charge you a corkage fee. This is a fee for them to open each bottle.
Flowers
Bridal Party, Church, & Reception $1,000 - $2,500
Bridal Consultant/Wedding Planner
From Beginning to End $750 - $3,000
Day of Coordination $500 - $2,000
Hourly $30 - $100
Cake
Traditional Butter cream Icing $1.25 - $2.50/per person
Fondant $1.75 – $3.00/per person
Gourmet with Fillings $2.00 - $4.00/per person
Stationery
Invitations & Announcements $500 - $750
Photography (Generally, this includes a set amount of time and an album with an agreed upon number of picture, but varies with each photographer.)
The Entire Day $1,000 - $3,000
Videography (Most Videographers include filming at both the ceremony and reception in their price, along with one copy of the final product. Often, they will charge more depending on how many cameras you would like.)
Ceremony and Reception $500 - $1,500
Reception Entertainment
Disc Jockey $350 - $750
Live Band $2,000 - $4,000
Church Fees
Facility Use Free - $500
Sound Technician $50 - $150
Church Coordinator $50 - $150
Maintenance/Clean-Up $75 - $125
Officiant/Minister/Priest
With Pre-marital Counseling $200 - $400
Without Counseling $100 - $200
Ceremony Music
String Quartet $575 - $1,000
Harpist $300 - $600
Vocalist $100 - $250
Organist/Pianist $100 - $250
Transportation
Limousine $150 - $400
Rental Car $50 - $150
Specialty Car $150 - $500
Bride’s Gown
Gown $750 - $2,500
Veil $150 - $750
Shoes, Hose, Undergarments $100 - $300
Jewelry $50 - $150
Tuxedos
Rented With Shoes $100 - $300
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Handmaid by Seamstress $50 - $200
Purchased $150- $300
Mother’s Dresses
Purchased $150 - $300
Make Up and Hair
Make Up $50 - $100
Hair $100 - $150
Favors
Handmaid $100 - $300
Purchased $250 - $500
Printed Accessories
Napkins (per 100) $25 - $30
Match Books (per 50) $20 - $35
Menu Cards $25 - $75
Seating Chart & Name Tag $50 - $150
Rehearsal Dinner (based on 30 people)
Invitations $30 - $75
Food $8 - $15/per person
Flowers $100 - $250
Entertainment $100 - $250
Memory Video $150 - $200
Alcohol $250 - $600
Extra Favorites
Dove Release $150 - $300
Butterfly Release $60 -$150
Fireworks $750 - $1,500
Sparklers $30 - $75
Personalized Website $100 - $150
Attendants’ Gifts $15 - $50 each
Chair Covers w/Sashes $3 - $7 each
Balloon Decorations $100 and Up
