Tying the knot comes at a price
R60 000 upwards for wedding – with all the frills
THINKING of walking down the aisle in a glamorous white dress inside a beautifully-decorated venue with a threecourse meal, four-tier cake, photographer and all?
Then prepare yourself for a minimum financial setback of around R60 000 – an average outlay for a wedding with 80 guests, a basic wedding dress, an average meal, a simple vanilla-flavoured cake – and a photographer.
This amount excludes drinks, décor, music, bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s suits (where applicable) or any travel or accommodation costs.
In an attempt to find out how much it costs to wed this year, the Saturday Dispatch asked the average prices of the most crucial items couples need to have on their special day. These include:
R3 500 to R20 000 for a wedding dress; R350 to R5 000 for a suit; R4 000 for flowers; R250 per guest for food; R4 500 for venue which includes décor; R1 800 to R12 000 for a cake; and R4 500 to R12 000 for a photographer.
Owner of wedding venue Two Swans, Alison Henderson, said although difficult to estimate exact costs, she often advised couples to budget around R250-per-head for the reception.
Henderson said this amount secured the venue and a three-course meal with a starter of finger snacks, a buffet with two meats and five vegetables, and dessert.
The price increased once drinks, flowers and décor were thrown into the mix.
“That price is for a normal run-ofthe-mill wedding without any frills. Chairs, tables and food are included in the price. Drinks and flowers cost extra,” she said.
“When it comes to drinks, most couples purchase the drinks themselves and have an open bar policy, rather than having the guest pay for their own drinks. This is a package that most of my couples go for.”
Gonubie Manor, on the other hand, charged couples R4 500 for the venue which covered both the marriage service and reception.
This includes draping, fairy lights, red carpet, chairs, chair covers, tables and table cloths. A threecourse meal costs around R290-ahead for around 80 guests.
When it comes to the bride’s dress Fairytales owner, Juliana Gouws, said a hired gown went for between R3 500 to R4 900, with the price higher for made-to-hire dresses, which brides can design themselves. For those brides looking to own a dress, Flaming Angel owner, Lize Schenk, said they should budget between R4 000 to R20 000, depending on style. “Obviously the most extravagant dresses will be more expensive, then there are extras like crystals and beads, which are priced individually.
“A lot of brides are buying their dresses online now because it generally works out cheaper than having a dress made,” she said.
A three-tier vanilla cake with minimal decorations can cost around R1 800, with a more elaborate affair averaging R12 000.
All Things Cake owner, Carol May, said a fruit cake could cost double the amount.
East London-based photographer, Mark Fredricks, said his packages ranged between R4 500 to R12 000.
He said this was for an average time of 10 hours and included a 110page hardcover coffee table picture book as an option.
“Some couples opt to take the bulk of the pictures on a flash stick so they can print for themselves based on which pictures they prefer.” — zisandan@dispatch.co.za