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Laura
Beginner May 2021

My city is so expensive!

Laura, on October 22, 2020 at 11:22 AM

Posted in Planning 27

I don't know if it's just me and my idea of what my dream wedding is or DC is just outrageously expensive. Send help! Lol My guest list is very small 25- 35ppl.I may raise the cap to 50 guests if I absolutely need to, but I doubt it. The venue that I chose is $2500 and they have a catering companies...
I don't know if it's just me and my idea of what my dream wedding is or DC is just outrageously expensive. Send help! Lol



My guest list is very small 25- 35ppl.I may raise the cap to 50 guests if I absolutely need to, but I doubt it.
The venue that I chose is $2500 and they have a catering companies that that partner with, which would run me about $3500. That's over 5 grand without a honeymoon, our clothes, accessories, decorations, etc...
My original budget was $10,000-$15,000 But that sounds so unreasonable for such a small number of people. Am I doing something wrong here?

27 Comments

  • Laura
    Beginner May 2021
    Laura ·
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    FH and I were literally just talking about this!
    Like what even is the difference which state your marriage license is in, if it's still recognized in all 50 states.

    I think I was being blinded by the black and white of all the rules. Thanks for adding that reiteration.
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  • Kari
    Master May 2020
    Kari ·
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    DC is expensive but those prices sound super reasonable, especially for DC. Weddings are just expensive, especially if you want to make them a special experience for yourself and guests.

    We considered everything from a pretty small event (30 people) to the modest size we chose (still on the smaller side, at 60-80 people) and it was expensive no matter how we tried to pull it off. Unless you have access to a free venue and rentals and a pro bono chef/cook, it's just a costly event.

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  • S
    Dedicated November 2020
    Shakiyla ·
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    Oh that’s great!! The courthouse and party route is very nice. I wish I did that.
    At the beginning of my engagement I was looking at DC as well, scrapped that idea very quickly lol I almost had my wedding in my aunt’s backyard in PG Maryland but my FH really wanted his grandparents there so we settled with having our wedding in Norfolk,Va.

    The cost to do business in DC is already disrespectful but the cost to plan a wedding is just ignorant. Smh
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  • Laura
    Beginner May 2021
    Laura ·
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    Yess! Perfect descriptions for these prices lol


    I expanded my search for garden venues nearby and found a rose garden that will give us a permit to have our wedding there for FIFTY DOLLARS. It's not a private area and I don't think there were bathrooms available, but it gave me a real grasp of hope that I don't have to spend thousands on a location alone.
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  • J
    Dedicated June 2021
    Jessica ·
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    Have you considered getting legally married prior to your ceremony? That way, you're able to have your religious ceremony and reception at a budget friendly location.

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  • Laura
    Beginner May 2021
    Laura ·
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    The thought did cross my mind, it would allow a great deal of flexibility.
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  • Laura
    Beginner May 2021
    Laura ·
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    That's the conclusion I'm drawing, right about now.
    I AM still going to keep doing my research, to see if I can find a more affordable venue and catering combo farther away from the city, but it's looking like I may end up being willing to shell out the money to make sure I have exactly what I want.
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