How much is your wedding costing you?

[ErikDaGenErik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trophywife Our wedding is going to be no more than 50 people tops in Hawaii. Anyone have any idea how much a wedding for that size should cost??

my cousin had a wedding in Oahu at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in Waikiki for $100 people. the whole thing cost her $40,000.

your wedding for 50 should be less than that.

[Katherine4-09]

with everything, wedding reception, our flights & stay, honeymoon etc. we have a budget of $16000 which we are going to be right on. We hope too be a little under budget but it does not look that way. But as long we were right on w out budget we are good.

And right now we totally are!

[MsSunshine]

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Originally Posted by Lenchika I did the rough budget by researching this site a lot LOL and was hoping to spend around 7.5K, that was about 2 months ago. After more thoughts, things add up... we're up to ~10K of expected spendings, and only 1 week at RPLA in Cancun. We're having a very small wedding, just my parents and my sister and hubby. We're not paying for anyone's airfare...or dresses or anything else. I cannot fathom how you ladies are only spending around 5-8K! Good for you! Looking for tips from the frugalminded Not sure where I can cut corners...Here's our breakdown: lodging & airfare3500 (just a regular room) ceremony1000 (least expensive at hotel) photography 1000 video1100 bouqet for bride, boutineer for groom50 additional flowers (rose petals, girl bouquet) 50 centerpieces150 decorations 600 (that's for the bamboo arch that I cannot live w/o) dress 500 - looooooove it, haven't done any alterations yet. tuxedo/suit300 music500 (may cut that out - it was for a guitar player - but may go with just CD music) gifts (welcome basket)100 adventures500 tips300 Any ideas where to cut costs/corners?

Wow some of the things you are doing are expensive! There are a few things that you can cut back on. For the tuxedo/suit I think you are better off buying it instead of renting. If you have a K&G Warehouse or Burlington Coat Factory they have great deals on suits. I've seen a deal for K&G Warehouse buy 2 suits for $150 dollars. For the centerpieces you can make those yourself. That's expensive since its only going to be 5 guests including yourself. For the welcome basket, check out places that have great deals for tote bags and stuff some goodies in it. You can include things that they will most likely use like a beach towel, sunblock, immodium AD, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, snacks, and koozies? If I think of anything else I will let you know. So far, those are the things that I think you can cut back on. Good luck!

[Lenchika]

MsSunshine - thanks for tips. You're right, the centerpiece is expensive (hotel price). I may end up doing something with candles and sand for the ceremony itself, and carry them over to dinner.

We haven't actually gotten a suit yet, but from reading other reviews - for suit, shirt, - $300 is not unreasonable.

Also - the welcome bags, I took the upper limit of the range.

Another thing I am willing to give up is video but after reading about so many brides regretting not getting the video...its hard!

 

-L

[Solidshan83]

We based everything on 75 people so at the end of only 40 show up...i feel like I saved money I dunno it works for me. We are looking at about $17,500 (Trip, private reception, ceremony, photos,and video) Does not include air.

[ErikDaGenErik]

do not give up on photographer or videographer! i read from sooo many bridal magazines and heard from other brides that this is the most important thing EVER!

 

a $300 suit is NOT expensive at all. that's the average price of suits from Banana Republic which is geared towards the average Joe/Jane at work. a suit never gets old---cost of style. you're always going to need a suit, it's not really a one time purchase.

 

this is your wedding. have fun! you're investing on memories and a lifetime commitment! =)

[Lenchika]

Exactly! I don't want to give anything up, yet I have to remain reasonable

We, brides, have so many choices to make. I guess, something will have to go... but until I'm totally sure what..I won't make any choices

[latown9958]

We dont really have a budget (we are very lucky). My parents are paying for WHATEVER. So far, the actual wedding day at our resort Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach,(wedding location, cocktail hour, flowers, decor, reception, band,etc..) Is around $23,000 give or take. Photographer JCT is around $5,000. Rooms for immediate family - $5,000. Rehearsal Dinner - $3,000. Airfare - $5,000. Then welcome bags, spa, hair and maekup, dresss - I'd say for my end - the bride it will be around $50,000. Then we are honeymooning for 3 days after which Fiance fam is paying for - and they are also paying for a welcome dinner at Panchos.

 

We have tried to cut costs where possible and still seems so expensive?!?

 

Our reception alone whihc we requested buffet style sevice is $12,000 for 40 people.Seems pricey to me??

[Bridget810]

Quote:

Originally Posted by latown9958 We dont really have a budget (we are very lucky). My parents are paying for WHATEVER. So far, the actual wedding day at our resort Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach,(wedding location, cocktail hour, flowers, decor, reception, band,etc..) Is around $23,000 give or take. Photographer JCT is around $5,000. Rooms for immediate family - $5,000. Rehearsal Dinner - $3,000. Airfare - $5,000. Then welcome bags, spa, hair and maekup, dresss - I'd say for my end - the bride it will be around $50,000. Then we are honeymooning for 3 days after which Fiance fam is paying for - and they are also paying for a welcome dinner at Panchos. We have tried to cut costs where possible and still seems so expensive?!? Our reception alone whihc we requested buffet style sevice is $12,000 for 40 people.Seems pricey to me??

Wow, that is $300/pp for dinner! That seems pricey to me too However, I guess it depends on the type of food and drinks you'll be serving!

[thomalm]

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Originally Posted by *Heather* Yikes, you girls are doing very well with your budgets! Ours is going to come in around $33,000, not including the honeymoon. That's what happens when you don't have your wedding at an AI I guess

Thank goodness I read your post/explanation for the budgets being so different than mine. I was freaking out and wondering if I was overpaying.

My day of is looking at to be around 20K and then another 10k for travel, hotel, dress, invitations, etc.