Wedding Spending Expectations - Where to Begin
Choosing an event venue is often a couple’s first endeavor into their wedding planning and vendor research. Naturally they have many thoughtful questions about how to best utilize the space, most comfortable guest counts, the various catering options, décor limitations, music, and more. Our job at The Barn at Reynolda Village is to answer what we can and to explain options in a way that helps them envision their big day with us. Easy! However the one question we often hear on site visits that is a bit harder to answer is: How much should I expect to spend on my wedding?
Photo courtesy of Dauntless Pines.
Wow, talk about a loaded question! It's no secret that wedding budget planning can feel daunting, particularly because weddings are expensive. In fact, The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study found that the average cost of a wedding is $28,000 (excluding the engagement ring). For many engaged couples, it might be the most expensive thing they have ever committed to!
Photo courtesy of Hart Creative.
Which is exactly why we recommend that all newly engaged couples, or even soon-to-be-engaged couples, start their wedding journey with the least romantic, yet most important, thing possible: RESEARCH.
Start that research with each other. What’s most important to each of you when you envision your wedding celebration? Are you on the same page about the components that you each feel will “make or break” the ideal wedding celebration? You might find out that your soon-to-be-spouse isn’t interested in having alcohol and you thought they were! You can now adjust your budget accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Hart Creative.
Did you attend a wedding recently or know someone else planning a wedding? If your relationship with that person or couple permits conversations about money, ask them! Especially if the event took place in the same region that you are planning for. They will very likely have some great tips on things they overspent on and areas where they wish they had invested a bit more.
So, where to begin? Here is a list of the expenses typically associated with planning a wedding. Keep in mind that some of these may not apply to you, depending on the kind of celebration being planned. The coolest part about modern day wedding planning? You can do as much or as little as you want by customizing the day to include exactly what’s important to YOU!
WEDDING PLANNER
FLORAL DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHER and/or VIDEOGRPAHER
BAKERY
STATIONARY
DÉCOR (ie: linens, arches, furniture)
MUSIC (DJ or Band)
FAVORS
TRANSPORTATION
INSURANCE
To begin your wedding venue research, spend some time on our website where you will find rental rates, catering partners, terrific photos, and an inquiry form to get your first site visit planned! We hope you will only need one!
Inspiration can also be found on our Instagram page, on Facebook, and of course, Pinterest! And you can always give us a call at 336.758.BARN.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Ray Photography.