Real Costs

Oh I'm sorry, I guess I missed the part where every comment had to be extremely meaningful with a point? Please forgive me?

I'm not sure what part of MA you're looking to say in- seems like North Shore area from what you've posted, but if you don't mind venturing out a bit I would highly suggest looking at the Barn at Gibbett Hill in Groton as well. When I was looking the total price was a decent amount lower than 30k, depending on a head count of course. As far as pricing for what you posted, seems about right but not sure how many guests you're having?

OP, how many guests? I would say 30K sounds about right for an average sized wedding, but we really need to know your guest count before giving estimates. Also, I know you didn't ask, but might I suggest for an outdoor wedding anywhere, including MA, you push your wedding date out of the summer. September is MA is beautiful and much more comfortable, temperature wise. Alternatively, early May is also comfortable. June could be comfortable or very hot and if the temp is above 75, you need to move it indoors.

Kelsey, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the White Mountains and Cathedral Ledge for a wedding will be insanely gorgeous. My photographer is from the White Mountains and actually took brides and grooms rock climbing up the cliffs (bride would change into her dress on the cliff) for photos, something that seemed just terrifying to me.

Oh, I probably should have posted this. I did TONS of research on barns in MA/NH/ME and had them on a spreadsheet. I'd be happy to share. This was from Feb of 2016.

Bigger picture:

www.i.imgur.com/pYviyjy.png

@Elizabeth - Thank you! It's going to be stunning for sure, especially because of our photographers. Like, look at their newest photos. I almost DIED when they posted them!

www.facebook.com/edandaileen/

(Fun fact: The photo on their "2017 travel dates" below is us! Lol)

Mrs. Fall Bride, pay no attention. That particular poster hasn't mastered etiquette yet (isn't inviting spouses in case husbands want to bring their girlfriends instead of their wives) so she's surprised by what she's reading.

ETA: Kelsey, your photographer does amazing work. I'm so envious of your guests Can't wait for your BAM!

I didn't tsk tsk anything. It was just an observation.

Hi, Im also in MA. Our wedding will be in Western Mass (near Amherst). The venue (food, alcohol, taxes, etc) came to $10K for 55 guest. After everything is set and done, we are looking at $15K.

It really depends on the guest count... So we can't be of much help without that. I'm in MN but for 215 people we are coming in at around $45,000. So depending on the number of people you are hosting, $30k might be a good deal?

Hi Sarah! That quote doesn't sound crazy, but it totally depends on how many guests that covers! Per guest pricing for food and booze can easily run $150pp and up.

Your venue and catering should be the biggest bulk of your wedding spend, and around 40% of your total budget.

WW Budget Guide

Hi am also June **** guest in Castleton nh after all set and done like 18k

My venue already booked

How many people are you inviting? We are also in MA and for our venue (food, drink, rentals, security, taxes, fees, ceremony..) for 100 guests we are at about $15k. Our total budget is 30k and so far it's looking like we'll end up coming in around $27k when all is said and done (for the wedding itself, not for our honeymoon or rehearsal dinner)

Also, we are having it at a country club in a gorgeous kind of rustic looking ball room.

Hi all, thank you for all your responses! We're planning on 125 people. I've tried to get this list down but that's the "worst case" scenario (when thinking about catering). Anyone have any suggestions for the MA area? Southern NH would be fine too. We're in Haverhill, MA and can drive about an hour in any direction if it's for the right price. I'd love to a 20K max budget for everything. Help!

Hey Sarah, I'm in Florida, but originally looked to have our wedding in RI/Mass area bc FH and I have family there. I think New England in the summer (their "in season") is typically higher than other places. We received quotes for $20,000 for off-days, like Thursday's, Friday's, and Sunday's. the pricing for Saturday weddings were WAY higher than 30k. I'd suggest looking at off peak days or during off season to keep the costs lower if your heart is set on a NE wedding. We are going to be married in Florida and are getting A LOT more for our money down here. Best of luck!

You have enough time to make your budget work with you. In some areas of your wedding you might end up spending more than you thought, but in other areas you can go cheaper and no one will know. I'm in Chicago and am getting married in 10 days, and we had a budget of $15k (not including rings) for 145 people and it is going to work out wonderfully. I cut costs on flowers by buying paper origami flowers, I got a dress for half off, etc.

I think a $20k budget for 125 in MA is unrealistic, honestly. (I'm in CT, prices are similar.)