TO HAVE, TO HOLD AND TO SPEND
A restaurant feast? A banquet hall blowout? Want a magical forest wedding? Whatever it is, it’s gonna cost you
Wedding planners Karina Lemke and Tara O’Grady break down the costs — time and monetary — that you’ll be likely face when planning your nuptials.
Upscale restaurant wedding for 100 people
Estimated cost: $35,000 (includes average $18,000 minimum spend fee, which excludes tax and tip)
Venue arranges: Venue (ceremony and reception, usually), food, service, alcohol, tables, linens & napkins, chairs, etc. You arrange: Marriage officiant, flowers, decor, wedding signage — including place cards and seating arrangements, entertainment, photographer, videographer, wedding cake. Planner says: “The advantage is, generally, great food and a unique, intimate setting,” said Lemke.
Pretty, not extravagant, tented wedding for 150 people
Estimated cost: More than $80,000 You arrange: Everything. Tent rental, ceiling decor, tables and chairs, linens and napkins, flowers, signage, lighting, dance floor, electricity/generator, heating and/or air conditioning, toilets. Furnishings and bar.
Planner says: “You are literally building something from nothing,” said O’Grady.
Banquet hall blowout for 250 people Estimated cost: $60,000 Venue arranges: Table, chairs, service, all food and beverage. Basic table linens — not always floor length.
You arrange: Marriage officiant, flowers, wedding signage — including place cards and seating arrangements, entertainment, photographer, videographer, wedding cake, transportation. Enough decor to make it look nice — possibly including upgraded linens, backdrops for the head table and wall coverings. Planner says: “The general thought tends to be that the less attractive the hall, the better the food,” said Lemke. Elopement at city hall for four people Estimated cost: $500 Venue arranges: Wedding chamber, marriage officiant. You arrange: Bridal bouquet, two witnesses, marriage licence. Planner says: “Elope, elope, elope if you ever do it,” says Lemke, who plans weddings for groups as small as 10 to 15 people, which she turns into extravagant affairs with dinners and dancing for around $5,000.