Here’s the second installment of our two-part series on wedding budgeting!
To give you some numbers to work from for the Nashville area, here are some pointers for what to expect when meeting with vendors and how much you could potentially be spending. Also, look to these prices for those experienced, professional, and responsible vendors. When meeting with vendors, keep in mind that numbers on the low range of the scale in budget are for “bare bones” products and services while numbers on the high range are for more elaborate and complete services. And of course these are just estimates of what is typical for most weddings in Nashville, but some people do spend less or sometimes far more.
Wedding Planning services: Month of (or otherwise referred to as day-of) coordination services: $700-$3,200. For partial to full planning services: $2,500-$6,000++. In terms of percentages, expect to allot between 10-20% of your budget for a planner. Brides, see the value in paying a professional, experienced wedding planner/coordinator!
Flowers/Decor elements: For Personal flowers (bouquets, bouts, etc.) you can expect to pay anywhere between $500- $2000 depending on amounts needed (# in bridal party, family, etc.) and for full floral design that includes ceremony flowers, reception flowers, centerpieces, etc. you can expect to pay $1500 – $8,000 or more. If you’re wanting to include lighting, you can expect to spend anywhere between $400-$3,000+ depending on your choices (from simple uplighting to pin spotting to hanging chandeliers, etc.) and the labor involved in them. This also goes for drapery for your space as well. In terms of percentages, expect to allot between 15-25% of your budget for florals, lighting, and drapery, depending on what you choose to incorporate.
Photography/Videography: For many brides this area is very important to them; when your wedding day is over, all you will have is your wife/husband and the photos/video of your wedding day! For a professional/experienced photographer in our area you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000-$7,000+. For videography in our area you can expect to pay anywhere between $900- $4,500+. In terms of percentages, expect to allot between 10-20% of your budget for a photographer and/or videographer. Brides, see the value is paying a professional, experienced photographer!
Paper goods (Invitations, programs, etc.): This choice can vary depending on whether you order online, from a book company, or have custom created goods. In terms of percentages, expect to allot between 5-15% of your budget.
Catering/Beverage (bar): For your food and beverage, this is going to vary greatly depending on the number of guests you have; whether you choose to do a cocktail style reception, buffet, or plated meal; the amount of selections being prepared and the intricacies that it may have (thinking for your hors d’oeurves). You need to plan to allot 40-60% of your budget for catering/bar services. If you choose not to serve alcohol, or just a wine/beer reception, you can certainly fall to more of the 40-50%. On average, catering prices range from $30- $100+ per person (not including tax or service fees) depending on the type of meal and menu selections chosen. For the bar/alcohol, to calculate a starting point, multiply $6 times the number of hours the reception will last, and then multiply that times the number of guests. So for a 150-person wedding reception lasting 4 hours, you can expect to spend a minimum of $3,600. If you choose to have a full open bar or if you have heavy drinkers, plan on spending more.
Entertainment: Your budgeted amount is going to depend on the choice of band vs. DJ. Bands can range anywhere from $1,500-$6,000+ and DJ’s can range from $700-$1,500.
From there, you can determine what other important elements you need to consider depending on: your location (rentals/linens needed), make up artist/hair stylist, whether dress and attire need to be factored in or separate (some brides are gifted this), cake or desserts, transportation, and ceremony musicians.
This is a LOT of information, however it’s better to be prepared than blindsided in the midst of planning once you have vendors booked, right?
Visit StudioWed Nashville by making an appointment at 739.5477 and we can give you realistic planning advice and easy access to some of the best vendors in Nashville!
