Budget Shock

Let’s talk a little about the budget for a wedding. Brides come to me all starry eyed with plans of a Preston Bailey style wedding but when I ask the big question, “what kind of budget are we working with” I get Walmart figures. Not that there is anything wrong with Walmart, but let’s look at some budget figures so that you know what to expect going into your once in a lifetime (hopefully) event.

According to Conde Nast Bridal Infobank, publisher of Bride’s and Modern Bride magazine the national averages look like this:

Hair/makeup $357
Invitations $381
Wedding Dress $799
Wedding DJ $400 to $2000
Wedding Flowers $967
Wedding Planner $1,500 to $6,000
Wedding Photographs $1,814
Food/Drinks Venue Rental $7,360

The average wedding total cost runs about $22,300. Now remember that is an average including every type of wedding from huge movie star events to elopements and stop offs at the justice of the peace. In large areas like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago it can run as much as $500 per guest. In the Greenville area, most weddings with 100 guests on average will run between $25,000 - $30,000. But it all depends on what you want. With a lot of creativity and hard work it can run less or with over the top ideas, it can run much, much more.

This is where having a wedding planner can really help out. Not only can they (or Willrich Bridal if you choose) help you to work out a budget, they can help you find the best vendors to fit your budget. The wedding planner can also help come up with a multitude of money saving ideas to help you turn your dreams and reality into your own special event.