True Cost of a Wedding

The true cost of a wedding continues to increase each year. In 2010, The Bridal Association of America estimated that an average wedding costs a whopping $38,500! There will always be more expensive and less expensive weddings that will change the average. This figure includes the engagement rings and the honeymoon, which on average amounted to $4,400 and $3,700, respectively.

Reception

As you can probably guess, the cost of the reception was by far and away the largest expense for a wedding. This amounted to over $14K or 37% of the expense. Depending on the number of the guests, catering for all the food was estimated to cost over $9,000! In addition, do not forget the alcohol. Having an open bar will increase the tab significantly. On average, couples spend over $2,800 just on beverages and bartenders. Other expenses include rent for the venue, the wedding cake, Bride and Groom Cake Toppers and hotel rooms.

Photo & Video

Making up an estimated 10% of the total is Photo and Video. If you want to capture those once in a lifetime moments, you will have to pay dearly. Nearly $3,700 in total. Do not forget to allocate $2,300 for the photographer and another $1,400 for the videographer. Not included in this total is an additional $953 for music and entertainment.

Attire

This is your big day and you want to look your best. However, this does not come cheap. In total, attire amounts to 7% of the total budget or $2,600. Nearly 60% or $1,500 of that total is dedicated towards the bride’s dress. Don’t forget the bride’s accessories, headpiece, and hair and make-up – that adds up to another $740. Not included in this total is an additional $2,000 for jewelry. The groom can look good in his tuxedo and a few accessories for under $400.

Ceremony

The Ceremony expenses come in at over $2,500 or about 7% of the total budget for a wedding. Nearly 50% of the cost of the ceremony is related to expense from the rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinners can easily exceed $1,000 with the average cost being $1,269. Site decorations, ceremony location, officiant, Favors Boxes, Wedding Wine Favors and other accessories round out the remainder of the costs for the category.

Flowers

A wedding would not be complete without flowers. A couple can expect to pay nearly $2,000 to liven up the wedding with a pop of color. Flowers used as decorations is the bulk of the expense, with the remainder going to bridesmaid and bridal bouquets, Wedding Candle Favors,Bride and Groom Cake Toppers corsages, and flowers for the flower girls.

Favors and Gifts

Last but not least are the favors and gifts presented to friends in family for sharing in this joyous occasion. Don’t forget to set aside an additional $1,100 for this expense. Gifts for your bridal party can amount to over $580. Having a wedding favor for your guests is an important tradition, however this can cost an additional $400. Other small gifts for parents can also add to the bottom line. DS

Not included in this review is stationary and transportation – which add an additional $1,250 in expense.

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Five Wedding Favors That Won’t be Thrown Out

Many have questioned if a wedding favor is necessary. Many favors are purchased, only to be thrown out at the end of the night, with hundreds of dollars going to waste. I would argue that wedding favors are a necessity, but you should be careful in how you chose the gift and how they are presented. Your wedding favor should not be an afterthought; it should be well coordinated. After all, favors symbolize the thanks and appreciation from the wedding couple to their guests. You should put the extra effort to think creatively to find the perfect wedding favor for your guests.

Destination Wedding Favors

Whether your party is in Las Vegas or in the Caribbean or another exotic location, guests are spending a lot of money to share your moment. Give them something memorable of not only your wedding, but also the destination. Think local (and small) when choosing your wedding favor. Items like poker chips or handmade crafts or specialty treats will provide a unique touch to your wedding. You can easily find vendors that are willing to work with you ahead of time and have everything ready for you when you arrive. However, you must do your homework to research and plan everything in advance. In lieu of a wedding favor, you may also consider providing your guests with a small care package of chips, peanuts granola bars, or a local specialty item upon arriving to your destination. Your guests will be thankful for your extra effort in making their stay enjoyable.

Edible Wedding Favors

Use of an edible wedding favor has been the rage for the last few years. Treats such as chocolates, candies, brownie pops, mints, cookies and jams are among the most popular edible choices a couple can give at their wedding. Many couples choose to set-up candy stations where guests can select amongst a variety of choices. Typically, small favor bags and or favors boxes are provided for guests to take their sweets home.

Eco Wedding Favors

Many couples nowadays opt to go green for their wedding. Green favors are one of the best ideas to be environmentally friendly. They can be potted plants, seed packets, soy wedding candle favors or anything that shows care to the environment. Sending your guests home with a gift that just keeps on giving is the best type of favor. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort that you have shown to care for mother earth and for generations to come.

Practical Wedding Favors

Choosing amongst hundreds of options, practical favors are ones that are used and remembered for many years after the wedding. Wedding wine favors, coasters, luggage tags, or small kitchen accessories are perfect reminders from your memorable day. Think outside the box and buy in bulk to save. Individualized tags or stickers add additional flair for that personalized effect.

Religious Favors

Asian functions are lavish affairs that are vibrant, colorful and blend cultures from destinations afar. These cultural weddings are steeped in traditions and flair. In many Asian functions, the giving of cultural or religious figurines is common. To highlight the importance of their culture, religious statues like Buddha or Lord Ganesh are commonly provided to look over the couple in good times and bad times. Even if your guests are not religious or affiliated with the religion, these handcrafted items can be displayed proudly amongst your guests’ décor.

Choose wisely and you’ll ensure your wedding favor is remembered and not thrown out.

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