What are the cost involved with a Wedding and can my budget cover that cost?  This is common question and challenge that many couples will discuss after the excitement of the initial “Yes” to the proposal.  As you begin your research, schedule your meetings,  and gain understanding of the local cost of living,  it is important to understand that each region of the country and even within a state will vary regarding cost.  To drill down further, each level of experience, education, certifications, quality, and levels of service, staff, etc. will vary from vendor to vendor even venue to venue.  Also, each couples wedding needs will be different, which in most cases the service provider may customize their base prices to fit the exact service you may need.  As you can see, providing a set price or a blind quote without learning more about your wedding style, designs, and actual needs is very difficult for most service providers with an over the phone brief conversation.   Most Pro’s will spend time in the initial consultation to learn more about your vision to best provide an accurate quote to match your needs.  

In 2013, the Knot, Wedding Stats, and other Wedding Resources reported the national average cost for a wedding was $28,400.  This number was provided based on all the data collected across the nation to give couples an idea of where the cost can arrive.  Of course the actual numbers varied per the region as expected.  With that, I thought I would share same ranges based on what I have seen in my local area. These are real ranges based on my Weddings and Quotes I’ve seen over the last 2-3 years by Professional Service Providers here in the Triad (Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem).   The ranges are based on weddings with a count ranging between 125-150 guests.  As your guest count goes up, your expenses will increase in various areas of service.  (Disclaimer:  These are not numbers that reflect a DIY Brides Wedding.  Also, the numbers can potentially be lower at times and higher at times.  This is information is designed to help you develop your budget.)

Venue (Non-Hotel) $3,000-$5,000
*Hotel Venues may have a cost for the space and a minimum for food and beverage or they may not charge for the space and have a higher food and beverage minimum.  This will vary from hotel to hotel. 

Catering (Simple Hour Hors d’oeuvres for the Social Hour, Dinner – Bar or Specialty Drinks to not included in this number) $3,000-$5,000

Cake (3 Tier Standard, Specialty Flavors are additional cost, Fondant can double the cost) $600-$800

Photography (Day of Coverage to Engagement Photos, Bridal Portrait, Possibly an Album) $2,500-$4,000

DJ (# of Hours Vary to other Sound Needs) $500-$1,200

Videography (Ceremony Only to the Reception) $500-$1,800

Stationary (Layered Invitations with RSVP, Additional Card, Front & Back Program) $500-$750

Florals (Wedding Party, Ceremony, Reception Centerpieces) $1,800-$3,000

Linen Rentals (Standard to Specialty Linens, Napkins, Ceremonial Items, etc.) $400-$800

Wedding Planner (Partial Planning to Full Production) $2,800-$5,000

Items not included in these ranges are Draping, Up-lighting, Furniture, Honeymoon, Wedding Dress, Transportation, Favors, Upgraded Chairs, Specialty Rentals like chargers, etc. Bar, and other Hidden Costs.

If the stars and the moon line up and the dollars are there to make your exact vision come true, that is awesome.  If that is not the exact situation for you, no worries that is okay too.  You can still have a wonderful wedding.  The next thought in the process is to be clear about the 3-5 most important elements of the wedding that you will remember the most.  Make sure you budget well for those areas.  The other areas will be those elements you may need to scale back on.  This is one of the benefits of working with a Wedding Planner.  She or he can help you sort through those details, identify the right service providers to support your budget needs, and execute the wedding of your dreams.  

“It’s All in the Details!”
Nishaka Proctor