Wedding Pricing
Lets take a look at some of the numbers together, and while there is a pretty big gap between lowest and highest pricing there are some really good reasons why and great things to take into consideration when making final decisions. Well start with weddings and all that bigger events like this entail.
1. Venue
Cost: $5,000 – $30,000+ could even be more realistically.
- Factors influencing cost:
- Location: venues are more expensive than outer boroughs.
- Type: Ballrooms, rooftop venues, and historic landmarks vary in price.
- Season: Peak wedding season (spring and fall) often commands higher prices.
2. Catering
Cost: $100 – $300+ per person
- Factors influencing cost:
- Type of meal: Plated dinners cost more than buffets.
- Menu: High-end ingredients and multi-course meals increase costs.
- Beverages: Open bars significantly add to the budget.
3. Photography/Videography Per Vendor
Cost: $3,000 – $15,000+ The average is around 5k-7k and this is where my pricing lives.
- Factors influencing cost:
- Experience: Established professionals charge more. Do you wanna work with someone with 1-3 years of experience vs 10+.
- Coverage: Full-day coverage is pricier than a few hours.
- Packages: Additional add ons like second shooters, extra 35mm film.
- Location: Most vendors charge some fees for travel, with increases in gas, parking, and the need to take private transportation with expensive gear.
4. Attire
Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+ for the bride, $500 – $3,000+ for the groom
- Factors influencing cost:
- Designer: Designer dresses and custom suits are more expensive.
- Alterations: Often an additional cost.
- Accessories: Shoes, jewelry, and other accessories add to the budget.
5. Flowers and Décor
Cost: $2,000 – $15,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Season: Seasonal flowers are cheaper than out-of-season imports.
- Complexity: Elaborate arrangements increase costs.
- Décor items: Candles, lighting, and linens add to expenses.
6. Entertainment
Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Type: DJs are less expensive than live bands.
- Duration: Longer performances cost more.
- Extras: Special requests or additional performers add to the price.
7. Invitations and Stationery
Cost: $500 – $2,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Design: Custom designs are more expensive than templates.
- Printing: High-quality materials increase costs.
- Extras: Save-the-dates, programs, and thank you cards add to the budget.
8. Planner/Coordinator
Cost: $3,000 – $15,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Service level: Full-service planning is more expensive than day-of coordination.
- Experience: Experienced planners with a strong portfolio charge more.
9. Miscellaneous Costs
- Favors: $5 – $20+ per guest
- Transportation: $500 – $2,000+
- Cake: $500 – $2,000+
- Officiant: $300 – $1,000+
- Hair and Makeup: $200 – $1,000+ per person
Average Total Cost
The average cost of a wedding can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the chosen venues and vendors.
Elopement Pricing
breakdown of typical elopement costs:
1. Travel and Accommodation
Cost: $1,000 – $10,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Location: Central Park vs. luxury hotel rooftop or City Hall. An Air BnB in the Poconos or Catskills.
- Duration: Longer stays and travel from out of state can increase costs.
2. Officiant
Cost: $300 – $1,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Location: Experience and caliber of the Officiant. In PA you don’t need an Offciant you can self marry in something called quaker law check this link HERE
- Extras: Customized ceremonies or additional legal paperwork might increase the cost.
3. Photography
Cost: $1,000 – $5,000+ Again the average cost is 2-3k similar to my pricing.
- Factors influencing cost:
- Coverage: A few hours vs. full-day coverage.
- Experience: Established professionals charge more.
- Add Ons:
4. Attire
Cost: $500 – $3,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Simpler options: Elopement attire is often less formal and thus less expensive.
- Accessories: Minimal accessories compared to a full wedding ensemble.
5. Flowers and Décor
Cost: $200 – $1,000+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Bouquet and boutonniere: Simple arrangements are typical.
- Minimal décor: Often limited to a few key pieces.
6. Legal Fees
Cost: $50 – $200+
- Factors influencing cost:
- Marriage license: Varies by location.
Average Total Cost
Elopements in typically range from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the chosen location, luxury level, and included services.
Comparison
- Traditional Wedding Average Cost : $50,000 – $100,000+
- Elopement Average Cost in: $3,000 – $20,000
Savings: Eloping in can save couples $30,000 or more, offering a more intimate, less stressful, and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding.
Considerations
- Intimacy: Elopements offer a more private and intimate experience.
- Budget: Traditional weddings can be significantly more expensive than elopements.
- Planning: Both options require planning, but elopements are generally less complex and time-consuming.
Deciding between a traditional wedding and elopement in depends on your budget, preferences for intimacy, and desire for a more or less elaborate celebration.
