how much do weddings cost now-a-days?

Question

im planning to have a wedding at the end of march..but i want a rough idea on how much it would cost. i already go the cake costs, dress, rental fee for place..bout it..and i just need to know about other little details...any help? anyone have recent weddings in orange county, ca?

Answer 1

The estimated national average is 20k...however, I have seen them done for 10-15k and I've seen them done for 100k +...it jsut depends on how much money and time you're willing to put into things. Orange County is an expensive area all around, so you might have to go looking elsewhere to find what you need. Wedding dresses are typically cheaper in smaller towns and you can get favors online.

Answer 2

I am getting married in March 2007 in Florida and after reading everyone's answer I am starting to think FL is very expensive?? Honestly though it depends upon your personal taste and what vendors you choose. What I did was create a priority list and attempt to abide by it. To me my dress, flowers, & photographer prevailed as overall priority. And most importantly, my parents are footing the bill for the reception and flowers & my inlaws are paying for the honeymoon all other details are my responsibility this helps tremendously!!! It also depends upon how many people you are inviting. Unfortunately my guestlist inflated to over 200 people but this was due to 2 large families. Its all about prioritizing. Pick what you really want the most and go from there I actually am using this great program from elmsoftware called "I DO" and it does everything even track my budget. I highly recommend it! Good luck :o)

Answer 3

The cost depends largely upon what you want. Cost can be affected by the type of flowers, which caterer you use and the location you choose. I am church wedding with silk flowers and a 100 persons for about $5,000.The major part of this money is being spent on the reception.

Answer 4

I had one in Ventura County and it was upwards of $30,000.....Orange County, I believe average is nearly $40,000....but nationwide, the average wedding 2 years ago was $20,000. Does that help? The little details can always be cost-cut if you are willing to do things yourself or buy in bulk. For favors go to oriental trading company....immerse yourself in Martha Stewart wedding mags.....and Michaels has great crafts, easy and fun, and you can have a "bridal party favor making" night with the girls and some wine!!!

Answer 5

I got married last summer and my wedding was around 6,000 dollars and I paid this all my self. Church was free, Minister free (husband grandfather), music for wedding free (worship leader at church and husbands family, cake was 300 dollars for our cake and we had cakes for the centerpieces at the reception. That is a lot cheaper and was so easy. Also reception was alot btu was half off (moms job), dress was 198 dollars (originally 1.500 dollars), presents was expensive, programs free, invitations 500 dollars, photographer 1100 dollars, flowers 300 dollars, and the other little things. Make sure you shop around and find the best deal and it helps to know people. Good Luck!

Answer 6

It depends on how involved you are and how willing you are to do some of the work yourself. One way to cut corners...have your family members take pictures for you. Find a friend who can cook really well and rent the equipment for the food line. See if someone can make your dress for you. Have friends help you make the decorations and decorate the site. The more hands on you are and the more crafty you are the cheaper it can be.

Answer 7

*catering/bar- How much will you spend per person on a plate? Will you have open bar the whole reception? Will you give your guests a limited selection of cocktails or wines? Will you have open bar for only a few hours and then convert it to a cash bar at a particular time?How about a champagne toast? Will you offer appetizers or hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour?

*officiant/reverend/priest/rabbi- How much will they charge? Will you buy unity candles? aras? chuppah? What about a pillow or flower basket for the ring bearers and flower girl(s)?

*photographer/videographer- Are you willing to splurge or skimp on your wedding photos and video?

*limo/luxury car rentals- Do you want to rent transportation for you and the wedding party to arrive and depart from the ceremony and reception site?

*florist/decorator - Will you or some friends be buying and making your wedding decor or do you want to hire a professional florist to take care of bouquets, boutonnieres, table center pieces, and flowers at the ceremony site? How ornate do you want your wedding to look?

*dj/musicians- Do you want a dj to play music and act as master of ceremonies at your reception? Do you insist on having a local musician(s) instead? Do you want to play recorded wedding music at your ceremony or do you want a professional pianist?quartet?harpist?vocalist?guitarist?

*table and chair linen rentals- How many tables and chairs will you need to be covered at the reception? Does the reception hall already have linens available?

*wedding favors- Will you or a friend make or buy wedding favors for your guests?

*wedding consultant/designer/consultant- Are you too busy and overwhelmed with the sole responsibility of having your wedding run smooth? A certified and experienced wedding planner can coordinate events the day of, track your RSVP's and updated guest counts, make sure all vendors are paid, make sure your desires are clearly explained to vendors, offer solutions to stressful situations that arise, offer ideas on decor and theme, refer you to the most reputable local vendors, ect. She is your right-hand man.

Check out theknot.com and you can get ideas. They even offer an online wedding/budget planner to help brides stay on budget and schedule by helping her keep track of expenses and to-do lists. Best wishes.

Answer 8

I put together my wedding my self and it cost about 10 thousand. The most expensive was my caterer and photography. My sujestion would be to try and find a Photographer through your local college a student

Answer 9

I recently heard that the average wedding in the US cost about $25,000. However you live in the OC so I am sure you can expect to pay much more.

Answer 10

My wedding in January of 2005 only cost us about $500.00. That included the cake, dress for me, dresses for flower girls, flowers, officiant fee, and coffee for our guests. We were married at home, had the reception at home, and enjoyed it much more than either of our church weddings before.