Insane Cost of Weddings

FH has said that it seems like they take a reasonable price and add a 0 for a wedding. The cake baker I hired actually charges $3 for a regular cupcake and $3.25 for a wedding... with a delivery fee on top of that (that part was expected). I don't understand how the W word makes everything $$$ either.

@Keisha I want to see likes and be able to inbox, and be able to block fake brides... and be able to build friendships with like-minded people

I completely understand you!! Adding the word "wedding" increased the cost for a lot of things! It's nuts to me how a venue that provides nothing but their land and time for a day can charge so much! I'd probably be paying for their entire month bills in just one day! Lol I of course did not choose the venue like that and shopped around for what came out to the best deal for a great quality. But I do get where you're coming from. I couldn't believe just how expensive it is!

Expectations around wedding have changed. It used to be normal to get married in your church, have the reception in the church hall with food provided by relatives. Receptions were also a lot more low key. There was no DJ or videographer. The photographer did not come to the reception. No one expected a full bar. Few people would be happy with a wedding like that now and guests would be disappointed.

Like others have said it is what you make it. We focused on food and drinks because we're foodies so we're coming in at 115 dollars PP. it's a ton of money but oh so worth it to us and our guests. If I could change anything wish I spent more on our photographer but it's too late now and it is what it is. Basically if you want to cut costs cut the guest list and don't buy into things you really don't need because Pinterest told you to lol

It's only expensive when you have a wedding. *shrugs*

So don't have one, problem solved. But if you are, suck it up and pay up.

It's simple business and profit.

I'm confused how 70pp for food is a lot. Have you ever been out to dinner and drinks? Goodness.

I am paying $100pp for everything. It could end up being more than that, as $100 is our minimum but I'm trying to avoid it!

It's crazy expensive. I'm with you girl. I just can't give into the wedding industry. Most brides I talk to in person after their wedding say to just elope. One girl I know had so much anxiety about her 50k wedding after. It gets so out of hand you lose what the wedding is about in the first place. Plus our generation has social media we're all trying to out Pinterest each other. You have to know your audience though. You're on a forum of brides in the midst of planning they're wedding so you aren't going to get much sympathy lol

That sounds like a lot to me..we are getting married at a country club and buffet is $32 per person and our alcohol is about $20 per person..if you want open bar with all liquor, beer and wine then obviously it can get pricier

Also, I'd agree with that average cost of a wedding (mine was maybe 10k less) that's for the most traditional wedding I think

The wedding industry is going to have to deal with the fact that more and more couples will simply choose not to have a traditional wedding or have one at all.

Starting to see friends choose this route more and more. So maybe the wedding industry should worry about how much it's costing couples.

Yes, it is expensive, but honestly FH and I will never host a party to 100 people ever again. We're actually really excited to provide a good time for all our friends and family. My sister had the big extravagant wedding 11 years ago. I absolutely loved it. We're also using highly regarded and experienced vendors in the wedding community. They charge for their experience and skill. However, everyone needs to start somewhere so you can save money by selecting less experienced vendors.

I am so confused why people are freaking out at OP. Weddings ARE overpriced. The cost of hosting a beautiful charity fundraiser - virtually the exact variables as a wedding minus the ceremony itself - costs a fraction of the price of the exact same event if you call it a wedding. Caterers DO charge more for the EXACT SAME SERVICE if you say it's for a wedding. So do venues, florists, and every other vendor. This isn't up for debate, it's a proven fact.

Vendors 100 percent take advantage of the fact that brides and grooms typically don't have experience planning events of that scale and therefore don't know what "fair" prices are . Imagine if you'd never purchased a pair of jeans before in your life, then someone told you to go buy a pair, and by the way, they're going to be the most important pair of pants you'll buy in your life. You'd have zero bargaining power and of course you'd overpay. It's exactly what happens during wedding planning.

OP, you're right. It IS ridiculous that weddings cost as much as they do. It wasn't always this way.

Weddings are crazy over priced!!!!!!!! I got a quote from a limo company for a girls night on the town for $100 per hour. I then asked them for a quote for a wedding and the rate was $1,000 PER HOUR. Just because it's a wedding. I didn't read all the comments but I'm assuming people are knocking OP. If I wanted to throw a family reunion at my venue it would be $50 per person but because it's a wedding it's over $100 per person. It's so frustrating!!!!!

It is insane to me what people spend. Not how much the vendors charge. & it is up to you with how much you spend. I

@Rachel - You're absolutely right. But the problem is that there's no "non-wedding" option for people who aren't perfectionists. Additionally, the idea of utter perfection surrounding weddings is a relatively new concept. Where do you think it came from?

I agree. Anything wedding related the cost goes up. But you can have a nice wedding for under $35k. Guest list is the biggest thing.

Yes it is a business but yes- it's sickening what weddings end up costing. When you could use that money for so much more.

If you think it is costing you to much, just simply don't have a traditional wedding. Get married at City Hall. Same outcome: Married.