Why are weddings so expensive?

@ Mrs. Chanel, yes we are getting married in San Diego (Solana Beach/Del Mar to be exact). We haven't secured our date with the church or venue yet. I had second thoughts on our selections once I added it all up. I'm including all costs - wedding bands, dress, etc. It's all the little things that are adding up that really seem insignificant - $100 here, $200 there, but when you put it all together, it adds up so fast. Transportation to church then to reception; church fees, church classes; florist (no bridal party, it's just me and the flower girl). I consider myself a pretty level-headed person and don't expect nor do I want all the bells and whistles. People are not going to care what linens I have; they care about the experience they will have and linens or chivari (although really beautiful) don't shape their experience. I also considered nixing the DJ in place for an iPod and amp. However, it's something that my fiance seems to not want to give up. I think we have some more discussing and planning to do, like cutting out 15 of my younger cousins (they're all young adults now) who I'm not even sure know my fiance's name, and reevaluating what is important for us to splurge or pass.

You're hiring many different types of creative artists...and venue wise, you are also paying for the times they aren't being used....they pay land tax etc on it when not being used....simple business. they pass on to the customer to keep their existence. You have to prioritize what's most important to you...and your fiance is right not to cut the DJ when they are directly responsible for the overall party vibe and guest experience, as well as organization of the event. Cousin John and the iPod can't do the same.

I found my catering for $27 a person. Just keep looking! My caterer runs out of a small restraunt that is like a hole in the wall. You just have to find that perfect one. Good luck!

Edited: My budget is around the same and I don't have all the money right now but I pay vendors as I get paychecks and its been working so far! A lot of vendors will do payment plans, don't be afraid to ask!

We have a small guest list of 50-55 with a $6k budget, we are cutting costs by doing several things 1) friday evening ceremony & reception 2) off season, one week before Memorial Day cut the venue cost in half 3) my sister is the officiant 4) no extravagant ceremony venue fee same place as reception paying $150 for time and a few chairs for guests who cannot stand for long, 5) bbq buffet for meal fh isvery picky and most likely wouldn't eat a different type of meal and he has asked for nothing do bbq it is 6) hired my old nanny who is I. Art school to take pics, this might be a tricky cost saver but, I trust her and am only paying her $300, 7) dj is only $350 my friends step dad does this on side 8) lucky me I have a baker as a friend he is making a 2 tiered cake for us and enough cupcakes for 55 people FOR FREE 9) my mom bought my daughter's dresses and I saved for my dress that was on sale 10) DIY centerpieces shopped sales and used coupons 11) DIY silk flower bouquets 12) plain simple white gold band not the intended band to go with my ring but we will save over $1k by going this route and that makes me happier than having a specific band ever would fh isn't happy but he is ok since I told him he could buy me the "intended" band for a birthday or anniversary someday down the road

Idk... I'm torn. I agree with Celia, but I also feel like even if it is a birthday party, anniversay, work banquet...etc, I am expecting the same level of perfection that I would for a wedding. If a centerpiece is messed up at a baby shower I am planning, I would be pissed because I am paying money for something to be the way I wanted it to be. I don't feel that quality and level of attention should vary based on the type of event.

With that said, I feel that for the most part people will charge what they are worth or what their services/products are worth. There are few things that I think are truly overpriced as it relates to a wedding.

Do people come into your workplace and tell you that you should make less than you do?