Weddings can be expensive and planning one can be even more so. However, with the help of a wedding planner, you can save a lot of money and have a spectacular wedding all at the same time! In this article, we’ll take a look at what it costs to hire a wedding planner and how much you can expect to pay.
The Cost of Wedding Planning
The average cost of wedding planning can vary depending on the size and scope of the wedding, but on average, it will cost between $1300 and $4000. However, some couples may spend significantly more or less than that amount – it really depends on the specific needs and wants of each individual wedding. Here are some key costs associated with wedding planning:
-Venue: This is by far the biggest expense associated with weddings – a typical venue can range in price from around $2,000 to well over $10,000.
-Caterer: Another big expense is catering – a typical wedding meal can range in price from around $500 to over $3000.
-Reception Venue: If you’re opting for a reception venue, expect to pay between $200 and $600 per hour.
-Wedding Dress: A nice wedding dress can run you anywhere from $300 to over $2000.
-Groom’s Attire: A nice suit can run you anywhere from $200 to over $1000.
-Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bridesmaids’ dresses typically range in price from around $50 to over $200.
Wedding Venues
When planning a wedding, it’s important to consider the cost of different venues. Here’s a list of the most common wedding expenses and how much they cost:
– Wedding invitations: $0.50-$2 per invite
– Wedding cake: $10-$30 per cake
– Ceremony and reception hall rental: $1,000-$2,500 for a weekend event, $5,000 for a weeklong event
– Marriage license: $60-$120
– Favors: $25 per favor
Wedding Photographers
A wedding is a special day that should be captured perfectly. That’s why you need the help of a professional photographer. Here are the average costs of hiring a wedding photographer:
-Basic Package: $2,000+
-Prints: $1,000+
-Travel: $500+
If you’re interested in including more than one photographer on your wedding team, here are some additional costs to keep in mind:
-Second Shooter Package: $800+
-Prints: $400+
-Travel: $200+
Wedding Planner Fees
According to The Knot, a wedding planner can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000. However, the average cost is closer to $10,000. It’s important to note that not all planners are created equal – some charge more for their services because they have more experience or are better at coordinating large events. Additionally, it’s worth considering whether you’ll need a full-time planner or if you can work with a part-time planner who will provide support on select weekends or special occasions.
Marriage License Fees
There is no set price for getting married in the state of Georgia. The cost of a marriage license depends on the county you live in and the type of license you need. Check with your local county office to find out the fee for your specific county.
The following are the average costs for marriage license fees as of May 2021:
– County Court: $60.00
– Superior Court: $110.00
– Court of Common Pleas: $135.00
– Probate Court: $175.00
Entertainment for Your Wedding
Planning your wedding can be a very expensive process, and there are many different things you’ll need to pay for. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your big day:
Venue rental: A huge expense is venue rental. You’ll likely need to pay around $5,000 for a ceremony and reception space, plus additional costs for catering and decorations.
Music licensing: If you want music at your wedding, you’ll need to license it from an agency or musician. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $5,000 per hour.
Reception food: You won’t be able to have traditional wedding fare at your reception without spending money on catering. On average, you’ll spend about $4,000 on food alone.
Flowers: Floral arrangements can also be expensive, costing an average of $200 per table setting.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding can be an expensive endeavor, but there are ways to keep costs down. First and foremost, research the various wedding planning services available in your area. You may be able to find a team of professionals who can help you with all aspects of your wedding, or you may need to do some of the legwork yourself. Once you have a rough idea of what is involved and have identified key vendors, start negotiating prices and terms early on in the process. Don’t let surprises come up later on when prices have skyrocketed! And remember: don’t be afraid to ask for discounts – many couples offer them without even realizing it!
