Budget for Wedding??

[RainbowLove]

Ok I am SOOO new to this whole wedding thing,, and totally confused about a budget to set for the wedding,, also I have no idea what AVERAGE or decent prices for things are,, I was wondering if anyone would know some average prices of things,, like flowers,reception halls, dress's,, things like that,, Here in Baton Rouge, the reception halls come with everything ,, only thing you need is the flowers,your dress,photographer . It seems like a really good deal for the hall for the ceremony,and reception<5hrs total> ALL the food, unlimited wine,beer,and drinks, cake<your choice>, security, decorations<several to choose from> and a few departing gifts,, for about $5000-$6000,, it seems like a ok deal to me , but not sure??? We don't want a over the top wedding but not something like is cheap either,, just middle ground!! Thanks

[ljeagle]

Prices are so different for the different areas. 5000 to 6000 sounds like a great price but for how many?

[kenzies_mama]

Well my reception venue is a hotel, we are paying $35 a person or about $5000 total for...

Table with white linens
Mirror tiles and votive candles
Champagne toast
Cake cut and served
4 hr open bar
8 hr ball room
3 hr receiving room for the wedding party
guest room for the bride and groom

Appetizers:
Two hot, one cold

Sit down dinner:
Salad, and Bread
Chicken or Steak
Potatoes & Vegatable Medley
Water, Iced Tea, Hot Tea and Coffee Service

So what your describing doesn't sound too bad, unless is for an extremyl small group, but also I know things are way cheaper in the midwest then other areas. And what I've chosen was kind of the middle of the road for my area.

[RainbowLove]

That price is for 150 people

[DragonYoga]

What you could do is, find out if that's average for the Baton Rouge area. It seems a bit expensive for my area, but then again, I'm in FL.

[Heather]

in Albany NY - for everything from beginning to end, our wedding costs were $25K to $30K, give or take a few hundred.

[Lizbet]

That's about how much my reception cost, and it didn't include the cake, decorations, favors, or any entertainment. So, it sounds to me like a good deal. Is it a sit-down meal or a buffet-style?

[ljeagle]

That would be $33 to $40 a person so thats not a bad price. Then u have to add in all the extras. If you are spending $6000 on the location I would still put another 2500+ for extra stuff. Photographer u can say $1500+ flowers depends on what all u want but mine was right at $300 but I've seen a few go to $1000 then your dress and all the little extras like favors, programs, invites, garter, wine glasses...

[breezy]

In our area people are paying on average over $40,000 for their weddings (not us) and a hall rental includes just the hall, tables and chairs. If it's a hotel then you can get linens and centerpieces included. Then you have to pay about $60.00^ per person for a meal. Cake and flowers are extra. Most places charge a per person fee for open bar.

We are DIYing almost everything and going to come in at about $6-8000.

So it's sounds great to me

[555Ann555]

Sounds great to me too! We only had 40 guests and kept it fairly simple & it cost much more than that

[whiddle]

$40 a head is REALLY good for my area. It depends on your area though.

[RainbowLove]

That price includes...
*unlimited buffet style food and also several tray passed around for 150 guest
* linen,chair covers, centerpieces,decoration for the hall<really pretty also>
* open FULL bar
* site for ceremony <1hr>
* Bridal suite to get ready
* Beautiful Balcony to take pic's I think hour before
* Bridal cake and also grooms cake < which we'll get 2nd cake!!!>
* Bridal consultant to help with planning
*Music by DJ , that you customize
* engraved napkins
* Chanpagne for Bridal toast
* Food Basket for brides departure

Then they have a BEAUTIFUL staircase the bride walks down,, thats my favorite,,,
Everywhere here in baton rouge , does their weddings like this , where everything is included,, I think this is about average price,,All I need to get is flowers ,dress,limo, photographer and any other decorations I want.
What is a good price for flowers and photographer , what should I expect to pay?? Thanks everyone SOOO much!!

[ladedah]

I think that is a good price for everything included...if I added up all that we put into our reception...it would come close to that...and I had to hire all of the people individually....I don't know what to expect to pay for the rest of it..I think it just varies by locale....just start calling different places to get estimates...for example, look up photographers you are interested in....or look at thier websites and find which packages you'd be interested in and the different costs...you'll probably find that they run close to the same...some that have more awards or experience...or are popular may be more expensive...

[555Ann555]

I think it sounds like a good price for all of that!

I'm not much use with the prices as I'm so far away. But I guess it depends how over the top you want to go...

Like with the photography:

Do you want time before the ceremony? Do you want them to cover the meal? The speeches? The dancing?

Or you could go for a simple but beautiful album which might cover: the ceremony, grounp shots afetr the ceremony, brideal portraits after the ceremony, & cutting the cake before the meal.

That would save you quite a lot.

I would say your best bet it to start checking on line for photographers in your area. Have a look at their on line galleries and see who's style you like. Then call around for estimates.

But don't book one until you have met them in person. The last thing you need is to book someone that you will not be comfortable around. This person has to watch you kiss, and let you be comfortable enough to gaze at each other with love...

(can you tell I'm all about the photography?! )