Wedding Budget

What is Your Wedding Going to Cost?

by Mary Lactaoen 

You want a glorious wedding, regardless the style you choose. Looking at the real cost of the ceremony and reception can help you make informed decisions to create your special day without unexpected costs surprising you and ruining your budget.

The costs listed below reflect a wide range because they depend greatly on the style of your wedding (formal, casual, outdoor, chic), the number attendants in the wedding party, and the number of guests. However, the figures were based on averages found among vendors in the Portland Metropolitan Area. See Summary of Costs below.

Something to Consider
In Style Weddings Magazine recently reported that the average 2000 wedding will cost $25,000 to $27,000. Knowing where to allocate that money can be helpful. Modern Bride's February 2000 issue offers a guideline:

• 50% Reception 
• 10% Music 
• 10% Flowers 
• 10% Wedding attire 
• 10% Photography 
• 4% Stationary 
• 6% Extras (includes rings and rehearsal dinner)

When you decide on a top figure, using the above percentages can guide you in how much to spend in each area. Also, the 50% allocated for the reception would be for a more formal sit down or buffet type event. If you go less formal, you can increase the percentage in the areas you decide are most important.

Location, Location
The options for your ceremony and reception locations are numerous.

• Non-denominational church -- $100 to $650, depending on its popularity
• If it's your own church -- a minimal cleaning fee ($50 to $100)
• All-Inclusive Wedding Chapel -- $875 to $2,795 (the upper end figure did include silk flowers, cake, photography and keepsakes).
• Reception hall Only -- $300 to $850
• Backyard/Park -- $100 to $300 (for tent/table/chair rental)

Isn't She Lovely
Options for a wedding gown are limited only by your imagination.

• The traditional dress -- $300 to $1,500+
• A simple elegant suit -- $200+
• Altering your mother's dress -- $75 to $100
• Renting a gown - ½ the cost of the dress, + cleaning

The cost varies depending on where you purchase the dress. The above traditional dress figures were quoted from a wedding boutique. But department stores are also an excellent place to shop for your wedding attire.

The crown varies depending on how elaborate it is.

• Flower wreath/tiaras -- $35 to $45
• Headpiece/veils -- $85 to $200.

You can also count on some additional items that you will want to purchase:

• Garter -- $8 to $40
• Handkerchief -- $10 to $20
• Money Bag -- $20 to 40

Flowers Or --
You can expect to pay, on average $500 to $1,200, for flowers. The end amount will depend on your fancy, number of attendants, guests, and how formal the affair. Your bridal bouquet can cost anywhere from $75 to $150. Your attendant's bouquets, $40 to $75 each. Often times, the bouquet you toss is included in your package from the florist.

Boutonnières for the groom and his groomsmen, $4 (simple carnation) to $8 (two roses). The altar flowers, $75+ each. Pew flowers, $50-$75 each. Reception table flowers, $40 to $150 each arrangement.

Silk flowers are often just as expensive as real flowers. The same amount of time and labor goes into the creation of the bouquets, and many silks are so well done these days its hard to tell the difference.

But flowers are becoming less of the focal point at receptions and you may opt for candles instead, or a mixture of both. Renting plants is an option ($4-$6 per plant). Or a reception hall filled with balloons, about $1 a piece.

Get Me to the Church ...
The mode of transportation to the church and the reception are often just as important as the ceremony and can lend to the overall ambience of the day. Here are a few suggestions:

·         Limousine -- $300 to $500 for 4 hours.

·         Town Car (an intimate choice for the bride and groom) -- $85 for 24 hours

·         Horse drawn carriage -- $215 for the first hour ($100 thereafter).

Let the Party Begin
A formal sit down dinner will cost, on average, $20 per person. A buffet, $8 to $15, depending on the options you offer. A catered event -- $6+ per person. Keeping selections to a minimum saves you money.

There are many alternatives though.

·         Brunch following a morning wedding.

·         A sophisticated cocktail party.

·         Dessert reception (cake and punch), keeping the reception short... and sweet.

·         A lighthearted afternoon tea. (Perfect for a garden party.)

Taking the Cake
On average, the price of the cake can be broken down to $2 per slice. For a two-tier cake that serves 55 people, the average price is $110. For a three-tier (serving 110 to 120 people), $180.

However, quotes from a specialized bakery were higher: $115 to $220 for the same sizes listed above.

An option worth considering if you have a lot of guests -- a small tiered cake for cutting and photographs, and several sheet cakes for serving.

There are additional costs as well to consider.

·         Porcelain cake top -- $35 to $50.

·         Cake charms -- $30 to $35.

·         Cake server and knife set -- $50 to $75.

Everyone Say Cheese, Please
A photographer will cost $775 to $1,600, depending on how long you want the photographer at the wedding/reception, and the number of pictures you want in your package.

A well-produced video will cost $1,000 to $3,000. The cost depends on the amount of editing, special effects, and the number of cameras.

The Sound of Music
Music is an important part of the ceremony, as well as the reception. Although there are many variations, from a string quartet or trio, to a guitarist, I have listed a few of the more common choices:

·         Pianist/Organist for ceremony, $50 to $100

·         Soloist -- $50 to $100

·         DJ, $100 per hour/3 hour minimum

·         Live band -- $750 to $1,500 (3-piece versus a 5-piece band)

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