No matter where in the world you get married, weddings have a tendency to cost more than your average party or event. And there are good reasons why! For most people, weddings are still a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an important milestone of a couple's life. It’s that rare chance to gather your closest family and friends to celebrate the love you share with your other half. No wonder it’s such a big deal!
So, why do weddings cost an arm and a leg? Does a “wedding tax” really exist? The answers aren’t as straightforward as we’d like them to be. Let's dive in and clear things up.
The Wedding “Tax”
Imagine contacting a vendor as a "mystery shopper" and asking for a couple of quotes. One for your wedding and one for a similarly sized personal or corporate event for the same date. Chances are, the quote for the wedding will be higher. Does this mean the vendor just tried to rip you off? No, not necessarily.
What often gets overlooked is the extra pressure and attention to detail that weddings demand. Unlike other events, weddings come with the expectation of perfection. This means vendors put in more time and effort, which naturally bumps up the cost. A wedding is also a representation of your identity as a couple. And it’s hard to compromise on identity. It is no surprise then that many couples push themselves to stretch their budget that bit further. This push naturally drives prices up in line with good old supply and demand.
And let’s not forget the laundry list of things you will need (want!) to bring your wedding vision to life. Spending what feels like a small fortune then almost becomes a natural consequence.
Breaking Down the Big Ticket Items of Your Wedding Budget
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, your choices will ultimately dictate how much you’ll spend. There are a ton of services to consider, and every couple has their own way of divvying up the wedding budget. Some might go all out on a gourmet meal and fine wine. Others might invest in an amazing live band or DJ or just have to have that jaw-dropping venue. The trick is to splurge on what matters most to you and save on the stuff that’s less important. Let’s break down the big ticket items to help you make informed decisions.
Venues
When planning your wedding, the first step is usually to choose your wedding location, followed by selecting your venue.
Have you always dreamed of getting married in a specific setting? Maybe you attended a wedding in a lovely location or seen stunning pictures of a venue on Instagram and Pinterest? When it comes to the cost of your wedding, the venue is often the biggest contributor.
Beautiful venues come with a premium price tag because they're in high demand and there aren't many like them. This is particularly true in popular destination wedding locations like the south of France, the rolling hills of Tuscany or the Greek islands. Some venues require you to book for 2-3 days, sometimes even a whole week. A booking that goes beyond just the night of the wedding can hike up the cost dramatically. If the venue includes accommodation, that too comes at an extra cost. And bear in mind that venues can also charge for essential services. These include setup and teardown, extending the curfew, cleaning, and corkage fees if you’re bringing your own alcohol. Lastly, some venues have exclusive contracts with certain vendors, which can limit your choices and push up costs even more.
Wedding planner
Hiring a wedding planner is like bringing on a professional best friend who's got your back.
They offer expertise, a network of reliable vendors, and most importantly, peace of mind. By juggling timelines, coordinating with vendors, and handling all the logistics, they let you enjoy the planning process and your big day without turning into a stress ball.
During the planning phase, your wedding planner will spend countless hours finding the perfect vendors. They'll review quotes and contracts, and manage all of the back-and-forth communication. This is quite a time-consuming aspect of the job, especially when working with new vendors they haven't worked with before. That’s why planners often recommend sticking with their trusted vendors to minimise risks. But don’t let that put you off from making your own suggestions if you happen to find that perfect photographer yourself!
Finding the right wedding planner isn’t always a breeze. Start by asking friends and family about their experiences and who they’d recommend. You want to get this right because it’s a long-term commitment. Some couples start planning their wedding 18 months or more in advance, so don’t be afraid to interview several planners until you find the perfect match.
Food and drinks
Feeding a large group of people isn’t a cheap affair, particularly when aiming for top-notch food and service.
If you’re a foodie at heart, you might want to treat your guests to an unforgettable culinary adventure. This could mean opting for a reputable caterer with high-quality ingredients and a variety of menu options instead of your venue’s in-house options. Or maybe you’re organising your wedding at a private venue that does not offer catering services. In both cases, keep in mind that bringing outside catering can come with additional fees. These range from travel, portable kitchens, equipment rental and staff accommodation.
Going all out with a multi-course meal featuring gourmet selections like seafood, fine meats, premium wines, and artisanal desserts can quickly lead to a large bill. Plus, some catering services might charge extra fees for special dietary requests, customised menus, and any on-site cooking. For those of you who aren’t too fussed about the wedding cake, you could find that your caterer can sort you out. But if it absolutely needs to be a baked masterpiece, you might have to use a dedicated cake baker. Of course that will add another layer of expense and coordination.
Photographers and videographers
Like most couples, capturing the memories of your big day is probably high on your list of priorities. You want these moments to last forever and to look back on them with joy for years to come. Experienced wedding photographers and videographers are in high demand and charge a premium for their expertise and equipment.
These pros don’t just capture the magic on your wedding day. They also put in a lot of work before and after to make sure the final product is top-notch. The post-production process involves selecting and retouching the best shots, colour correcting, and adding any special effects. Creating a cohesive narrative of your wedding is an art. And it's one that requires as much skill as capturing the initial photos and videos.
And let’s not forget, there are no “take twos” when it comes to weddings. Having professionals means you get the reliability and peace of mind that your memories are in capable hands.
Flowers
Creating the perfect ambiance at your wedding involves a lot of choices, and flowers play a big part in that. The cost of flowers can vary greatly depending on their seasonal availability. Choosing locally grown flowers that are in season will be your best bet to save money. But if none of those suit your preferences, you might opt for the pricier, out-of-season flowers that need to be imported.
Alternatively, you could consider using potted plants.
Not only is this a great option to be kinder to our dear planet, but also to your budget. You can give them away as favours or simply take them back home with you. Plus, potted plants can be set up early and with ease, and you have the fun of choosing unlimited amounts of beautiful, eclectic pots to match your wedding theme.
Whatever you choose, hiring a professional to handle the botanical arrangements is a great way to make sure to bring your wedding vision to life. Floral designers and wedding decorators bring their expertise and creativity to transform your space. Their services include planning, design, and installation which do add to the overall cost. However, the result is a stunning, cohesive look that makes your big day all the more memorable.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, hiring a wedding band, DJ, or other forms of fun is often a must. It is, after all, a party! Live bands usually cost more than DJs because of the number of performers and the equipment needed. But they do bring an engaging and dynamic atmosphere.
To keep a lid on costs, many couples opt for a live band during the cocktail hour and switch to a DJ for the after-dinner party. But if entertainment is your top priority, why not go all out? You could hire additional performers like dancers or magicians, or even plan a firework display. Making these options a part of your wedding will increase your budget but can take it to the next level of “wow”.
Remember, it’s all about what matters most to you.
Beauty and accessories
Many couples go for custom-made or designer outfits for their big day. Designer wedding dresses and bespoke suits offer high-end fabrics and intricate designs. The result is a unique look with a personal touch, but it comes with a hefty price tag. A more budget-friendly option is to alter off-the-rack outfits or even spruce up hand-me-downs to get that perfect fit. And don’t forget about accessories! Shoes, jewellery, veils and fascinators all add to the overall cost.
In addition to outfits, professional beauty services are often a must to ensure you look your best. Hair and makeup artists specialise in creating flawless, long-lasting looks tailored to your preferences and wedding theme. Their services typically include trials, on-site touch-ups throughout the event, and specialised products. Wedding makeup is a whole different ball game from everyday makeup. It has to withstand a long, emotional day, from early morning prep to midnight celebrations, through tears, hugs, and kisses. Plus, it needs to look impeccable in high-definition photos without any dreaded “flashback” issues.
As is often the case, you could also choose to cover the cost of hair and makeup for your close family and bridal party. It not only adds to the preparation fun but also ensures everyone looks cohesively fabulous on your special day!
The Services That Can Sneak Up on You
Besides the main vendor categories, there are plenty of other services that can creep up on you. Though they might not be things you think of right away when starting on your wedding planning journey, they can definitely have an impact on your budget.
Stationery
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Wedding invitations, save-the-dates, and other wedding stationery can sneak up on you. This is especially the case if you go for custom designs.
While custom invitations are pricier than standard templates, they do add a unique touch. Personalised designs, like a wedding monogram, often involve graphic designers. And high-quality printing techniques such as letterpress or foil stamping quickly rack up if you have a large guest count.
Then there’s the fancy stuff: specialty papers, custom envelopes, and calligraphy for addressing invitations. It’s all about the details, and while they might be small, they can impact not just your wedding’s look but your budget too.
Transportation
Transporting the bridal party and guests might not be the first expense that pops into your mind. But depending on your choices, it can make a sizeable dent in your budget. Hiring luxury vehicles or specialty transportation for the bridal party isn’t cheap. To add that extra touch of elegance, some couples go all out with limousines, classic cars, or even horse-drawn carriages.
And though you’re unlikely to extend the same level of service to your guests, you might need to arrange transportation for them. Especially if the venue is far from where most guests are staying. Whether you go with taxis or a shuttle service, it’s important for everyone to get to and from the venue safely and conveniently.
Remember, a successful event starts with getting them to the party on time and without a hitch!
Furniture rental
It’s easy to assume that venues come with everything you need. But to create the perfect ambience, couples can easily find themselves renting furniture like specific tables, chairs, linens, and decorative pieces. This is especially true if you’re hiring a private property or planning a destination wedding on that idyllic beach.
Caterers often have some options for you to choose from, so be sure to check with them first. But if you absolutely must have those boho-style chairs or that custom-made bar you saw on Instagram, be prepared for costs to escalate. Don't forget to factor in the cost of delivery, setup, and breakdown too.
Matching your furniture to your wedding theme requires careful selection and often a good chunk of change. But in the end, it's all about creating a beautiful and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy the day.
Key Takeaways
Planning a wedding can feel like navigating a financial minefield. It's a significant investment, and the trick is to figure out your priorities early on. Decide which big-ticket item deserves the splurge, and be savvy with the rest. But beware of those less obvious costs, they can make your budget balloon faster than you can say "I do."
To keep your wedding budget - and your stress levels - in check, you need a solid plan and a way to track it all. That’s where Bemazi steps in. It’s a free AI-powered tool designed to stay on top of your wedding finances with ease. Think of it as an extra pair of hands that don’t get tired.
Give it a try, your future self will thank you for it.
