Over the past few years I have tried to update this blog on a fairly regular basis as I see things changing in our local industry. Here are the numbers as I see them, in late September 2024. My recommendation is to pick your 3 most important things to you on your wedding day and don’t compromise on them and then be a little flexible on the other areas to be able to say within your budget.
Venue:
Average: $10,000
Range: $2,500 – 15,000
Photography:
Average: $3500
Range: $2,000 – 8,000
Videography
Average: $3,250
Range: $2,500 – 6,000
DJ for reception:
Average: $2,250
Range: $1,500 – 5,000
Ceremony Music:
DJ (as add on for reception): $300
Live Musicians: $500-1000
Cake: Priced per slice
Average: $6.00 for buttercream (Multiply by guest count)
Caterer: Priced by person
BBQ – starts at $21 per person
Buffets – start about $32 per person
Plated – start about $34 per person
Alcohol: Priced by person
Most Common $30 per person for 4-hour open bar for beer & wine
Range: $20 – 45
Catering & Alcohol will have a service fee, typically 18-30%, depending on the caterer/venue some will have a set per guest service fee, example: $25 per guest is service fee
Florals (this depends on the couple, venue, expectations, bridal party size, guest count size etc)
Average: $3,500
Range: $2,000 – $30,000
Stationery: save the dates, stamps, invitations, stamps, RSVP cards, stamps, programs, menu cards, etc
Average: $1,000
Hair & Makeup:
Bride Average for trial & makeup $400 – $750
Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, napkins, etc)
Budget $1,000 in beginning, before knowing venue, venue will determine everything you need
Officiant:
$250 – $400
Day Of Coordinator (or Month of Coordinator):
Average $2,250
Range: $1,750 – $3,500
Full Service Planner
$3,500+
Dress & Accessories
Average: $2,500
Range: $1,250 – $5,000+
Alterations
$600-$800
Other items to budget for:
- Fiancé’s Attire (Groom, from Geno’s $250)
- Rings (couple covers)
- 3 Dance Lessons with First Dance Lexington $255
- Transportation – depends on getting ready location, venues, what you are using it for
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Details (tables numbers, signage, etc) $1,000 random expenses)
- Bridal Party Gifts
- Getting Ready Location
- Signage day of
- Night of Location (ideally the same as getting ready location) Couple covers
- Gratuities
- Wedding Insurance – approximately $250
- Marriage License $50
- Honeymoon
Featured image: Franzetti Photography
