How much are weddings?

lina1131

what is a fair price for an engagement ring?

It depends on what you can afford. No one can tell you a fair price because it all depends on you and what you can afford.

KrisKabob

Okay... our wedding was somewhere around $30,000... BEFORE you freak out... please read all I have to say about it though.

This number includes ALL costs... ceremony, reception, clothing (incl. my dress), flowers, photography, invitations, presents for the wedding party, etc.... you get the idea. My parents paid some, his parents paid the most, and we paid some.

I was never a little girl who grew up dreaming of a wedding... in fact, I really didn't care at all about having a wedding, however my husband's family loves big weddings.... so I told them if they wanted us to go big then they would have to contribute... so they did.

My BIG DREAM was the honeymoon!!! I love to travel! I had always wanted to go to Hawaii so that's what we did... with the help of my parents time share and their frequent flyer miles. HAHA!!! :laugh:

My husband and I had a short engagement... 6 months. About a month or so away from the wedding I asked my husband if we could call off the whole "wedding" thing and just get married on the beach in hawaii and mail DVD's to everyone (I was a little stressed)!!! Let's just say he didn't go for it! haha!

After it was all said and done... I wouldn't have changed a thing!!!! We had a beautiful, romantic, outside wedding on the most beautiful day of 2005. Minus a few kinks, everything went very smoothly.

Don't get me wrong though... Hawaii was the best part of the whole thing!!!

Good luck to you! It will work out however you wish it to. Just don't let people try to control things... it's you and your husband-to-be's day... keep it special not extravegant... it's not about all the bells and whistles... it's about the love the two of you share. I think people forget about that.

Kris

SUPREMENOTORIOUS

aww that was nice!

AJCM

In my humble opinion...

Having been through a very elaborate wedding, 8 years later (and still in love - a deeper love) I would do things VERY differently (although that is easy for me to say now, becase I already did the big wedding)!

Focus on the two of you, what really matters, and who really matters. Don't get caught up in it all (we could have spent two weeks in Hawaii for what I spent on my dress alone - it makes me feel a bit sick thinking about it - and it seems as though weddings are getting bigger and bigger).

It's about the two of you, your close friends and family, and celebrating your marriage. Nothing else.

BUT, if it is your dream to do the big wedding, and you have the budget, go for it!!!
:flowerforyou:

KrisKabob

In my humble opinion...

Having been through a very elaborate wedding, 8 years later (and still in love - a deeper love) I would do things VERY differently (although that is easy for me to say now, becase I already did the big wedding)!

Focus on the two of you, what really matters, and who really matters. Don't get caught up in it all (we could have spent two weeks in Hawaii for what I spent on my dress alone - it makes me feel a bit sick thinking about it - and it seems as though weddings are getting bigger and bigger).

It's about the two of you, your close friends and family, and celebrating your marriage. Nothing else.

BUT, if it is your dream to do the big wedding, and you have the budget, go for it!!!
:flowerforyou:

I second this... although AJ's wedding sounds a bit larger than mine.

Three years and still VERY IN LOVE!!! I think weddings are getting out of hand these days. People are losing the fact that it's not about the dress, food, or place... it's about the love that the two of you share. It was VERY important to me since we had a bigger wedding that people knew that it wasn't about that... we spent the most on the venue b/c it felt very romantic and personal to me.

I was very surprised b/c after our wedding some of our guests e-mail and called us just to tell us how much fun they had and also to let us know that it was one of the most personal weddings they had ever been to... I felt humbled to know that my mission was accomplished.

Kris

SUPREMENOTORIOUS

thats true... I guess I was thinking that it was about impressing the guests

BlazinEmerald

thats true... I guess I was thinking that it was about impressing the guests

That's because you dont have the love of your life yet. When you do it isn't about anyone but the 2 of you. And you'll do your wedding to represent your love and respect for each other. To show the world you found your one and how much they mean to you. Thats all a wedding is about. To be able to stand in front of friends and family and pledge your love and lfe to this one individual and shout to the world that you've found him/her.

peej76

My wedding was pretty inexpensive, but I'm am a very low maintenance woman so...... nothing fancy needed here. I rented my wedding dress, and my bridesmaids wore black (my fave colour) so their dresses were cheap. We rented the legion for reception, so no 5 star hall or anything. My family is really laid back so for the meal we did potluck, which I like better because there is huge selection of food for everyone. I'm not big on jewellry so my engagement ring and wedding band came from walmart, 200 dollars in total for both, so cheap as well, also got my husbands ring at walmart for 100 bucks!!

Now for all the expensive stuff I am very lucky, my sister in law is a florist, my cousin a photographer, my aunt makes awesome cakes, we got married at our church, and they only wanted a donation, and at the time my hubby's grandpa had a black 57 chevy that we rode around in style, my dad payed for the dj. It was the best night I ever had, people are still talking about how much fun they had!! We honeymooned in Niagara falls, so not too much money there either, had a blast!!!

I guess it just depends on the type of wedding you want, there is always ways to cut costs though, it just depends on what is most important to you!!

AJCM

In my humble opinion...

Having been through a very elaborate wedding, 8 years later (and still in love - a deeper love) I would do things VERY differently (although that is easy for me to say now, becase I already did the big wedding)!

Focus on the two of you, what really matters, and who really matters. Don't get caught up in it all (we could have spent two weeks in Hawaii for what I spent on my dress alone - it makes me feel a bit sick thinking about it - and it seems as though weddings are getting bigger and bigger).

It's about the two of you, your close friends and family, and celebrating your marriage. Nothing else.

BUT, if it is your dream to do the big wedding, and you have the budget, go for it!!!
:flowerforyou:

I second this... although AJ's wedding sounds a bit larger than mine.

Three years and still VERY IN LOVE!!! I think weddings are getting out of hand these days. People are losing the fact that it's not about the dress, food, or place... it's about the love that the two of you share. It was VERY important to me since we had a bigger wedding that people knew that it wasn't about that... we spent the most on the venue b/c it felt very romantic and personal to me.

I was very surprised b/c after our wedding some of our guests e-mail and called us just to tell us how much fun they had and also to let us know that it was one of the most personal weddings they had ever been to... I felt humbled to know that my mission was accomplished.

Kris

Kris - your wedding sounded beautiful, money well spent! I don't really regret spending it all (although I would do some things differently for sure). The most romantic part for me is that my hubby says he wouldn't change a thing, and wouldn't have spent one cent less (we spent around $50,000 from top to bottom - and parents did kick in some!).

BUT I personally wouldn't spend a cent that I didn't already have in cash, and I wouldn't have spent that if we didn't have a similar amount to put down on a house, and a similar amount to furnish the house, leave some money still in the bank, etc.

Rings - get what you like! You can get a beautiful and simple diamond eternity band starting at $500, or you can get a lovely 2 carat diamond around $10,000; or you can spend LOTS more, or spend $50 on a simple wedding band. This is the area where anything goes!

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable spending lots of money on a wedding, knowing that I was going into debt for the wedding, or in any other area of my financial life! But once again, everyone has different comfort levels in terms of spending, so that is just my opinion. Do what you know you can live, and I would never do anything just to impress someone else - in my experience, THOSE are the exeperiences that I regret - I personally try to only impress myself, everyone else can take me or leave me just as I am!!!
:flowerforyou:

Koozy81

Don't 'they' say 2/3 of a months wages?

actually 'they say' its 4-6 months wages.....crazy....i know:grumble:

SUPREMENOTORIOUS

jeez!!! thats a little too much I don't expect a 10 thousand dollar ring! It would be nice, but I'm trying to be realistic...

Fab140

jeez!!! thats a little too much I don't expect a 10 thousand dollar ring! It would be nice, but I'm trying to be realistic...

My large sparkly ring was a little over $100. I knew we could afford a real diamond, but I wanted a big honkin' thing (i love big rings!!!) so we went on QVC.com and ordered me a Diamonique ring. It's absolutly lovely and I have no regrets!!

ohthatbambi

what about the dress? or did you already have it in your closet?

I got a 2000.00 designer dress for 500.00. It was from the year before's line and I loved it! You can spend as little or as much as you want for a wedding. You can have a nice one and not break the bank...it might take a little more legwork to find the bargains, but it can be done. I have a very nice wedding and we spent less than 7000.00. I had engraved invitations and everything. We left off the free drinks at the reception and just served very nice food. Alcohol can really add to the cost and then everyone just gets drunk on your dime.

kellch

Welllll...I'm getting married next June. My ring for me was $600 (for the whole set engagement and wedding band) And it's beautiful. It's 1/2 carat and my fiance keeps telling me I should have the bigger one but I told him in the future when we are financially more stable we can always upgrade to a bigger ring on our anniversary or something (Kay Jeweler's warranty states that you can trade your ring in for a ring of more value and get the amount you paid for it off of the other ring) but to me it is the meaning behind it and what it represents not the size of the diamond. As far as his ring goes, I was looking at a ring that was like $650 and he told me just to get the band (there's one with some type of design engraved on it for $250 and he likes it better actually) For the wedding itself, I got my dress for $550 and its not one of those with a huge train but I love it....here's the link to it:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2677&prodgroup=10

(it was on sale at the time $50 off) ....BTW I bought it two sizes smaller for incentive to stick to this plan and I can now zip it all the way up...a little tight but I can do it. And I've got a year to get it the rest. they may have to take it in. With shoes, jewelry, handbag, that bra thing you use to pull it all in what a boustiette (dont know how to spell that :noway:), the slip, veil, and all other accesories for me it came out to $1100. This is the one part of the wedding I was willing to let myself splurge....but didnt do too bad. He will rent his tux so that shouldnt be bad either.

The wedding is at the church and asks for a donation. We were thinking $400-500 would be enough.

We are having our wedding at the campgrounds ($500 for the night no time limit)(his father is retired and travels in an RV they will let him stay overnight at $20 a night same with anyone else...if they drink too much no need to drive:drinker: ) And to save money we are using silk flowers as our centerpieces that we are putting together ourselves and most of the decorations we will do ourselves. It doesnt bother me to use silk flowers it saves a ton of money and looks nice. Plus can be used as keepsakes. We will use a local DJ that plays at the bar I used to go to. He's not too expensive. And his parents will pay for the alcohol...yes must have open bar...well for our family and friends anyway...:laugh: :drinker: :laugh: :drinker: I think doing our own decorations will save a lot. Luckily my parents have some friends at the town hal that will let us rent tables for a lot cheaper than usual. The thing that stinks is, I live in SC and my friends and family are in OH. The wedding is in OH. So I have to depend on them to plan most of it. We send pictures via email and stuff, but its not the same. Oh well I trust them. My parents and his parents are wonderful. And my bridal party wouldnt be my bridal party if they didnt know me well enough to know what I would like. And personally I dont care too much as long as it is romantic, looks nice, and things go well. This is about us committing ourselves to each other for life and celebrating our love. So the main thing is that we can share that joy with the people we love the most in this world, our friends and family. So far our estimate for all of this is around $7-8000 give or take a little bit. Not sure. But there are a lot of ways to cut your costs. Most of it includes do-it-yourself for decorations and party favors. My family & his family will pay for most. We will throw in what we can and pay for the rings and the wedding party gifts obviously, the invites, and thank you cards. You'll know what you want when you meet that right person and the time comes. My fiance would rather go on a great honeymoon but I want the wedding. Not so much for the dress or the cinderella thing (well a little bit *giggles* maybe) but the fact that I want my closest friends and family to share a very important time in our life. Good luck to you........

Smilineyes

Weddings can be crazy expensive. That's why it's good to know people I'll be all set for when Chris finally does ask me. My 2 cousins are wedding planners and they know how to go cheap without looking cheap. One of my cousins is a professional photographer. My grandma has the hookup with cake people and food people. So get in good with the right people and you'll be fine lol

psuastro97

in a nutshell, it definitely depends on where you live and what you want.

I had the exact wedding I wanted (husband, too :laugh: ), and we paid for it ourselves. we got married about 30 minutes outside of Washington DC and it was about $23k. Would not have changed a single thing, and I do remember the evening! We had a blast - it was about 95 people and was perfect! Biggest surprise to me was how much it was per head for the reception - child's meal was $45, steak was $92 and chicken was $85....that's where the majority of the money went - to feed people!

again - don't regret a thing and we are going on our 4th year - and still as happy as the day we got married!

SUPREMENOTORIOUS

I'm guessing altering dresses are an extra what???? I'm very short, do you think it is easier to have someone personally make the dress or to alter a dress after you have picked it out from a store???

alf1163

You spend whatever you can afford. To me, really, what matters is your relationship. The wedding ceremony itself is not important. I don't really think people should get in debt or spend their savings in a wedding. I think the simple the better. I would spend the money on the honeymoon rathen than the ceremony. I have witnessed too many couples spending so much money on their wedding to then divorce in a few yrs. Ridiculous!!! Sorry if I offend anyone but that is my opinion. Oh, my husband and I have been together for 20 yrs, married for 18. Our first ceremony was with a Justice of Peace, just the two of us. The second one was 10 yrs later in church and we probably spent less than $2,000. Now if you are rich or your family is rich and want you to have a lavish wedding then by all means go all out!!! :flowerforyou:

spaul82478

Well, I planned my entire wedding.. Paying roughly 10,000.00 dollars.. not including my dress and hair stuff... BUT I had a family member do my cake,flowers, dj, all at cost prices.... I got a great deal on my hall due to a family member.... GOOD LUCK... YOU can find awsome deals if YOU LOOK and are PATIENCE..... NOW 3 and a half years later.. divorced... and still feeling the wrath of my ex inlaws.. BUT GOOD LUCK TO YOU... It's what you want and how you want it.. I could of easily spent way more but I had money problems like most... I wouldnt change what I did eventhough its over... JUST SO YOU KNOW. :bigsmile:

psuastro97

I agree - you really do spend what you want, and i also agree to never go into debt for a wedding. they say money is teh main reason couples divorce. so why start with a ton of debt???

we did not go into debt - but i know plenty who did - don't make the same mistake they made!!!

TamTastic

We managed to do our entire wedding for around $5,000! (that included EVERYTHING, even my dress)In Greenwich, Conn. TOO! (If you don't know about that town, it's a SUPER expensive community that is an easy commute to Manhattan. Kind of like the Beverly Hills of the East Coast.

SO, we had a small reception..less than 50 people and we did a lunchtime reception.....and served beer and wine..but that was it.

Anyway, I have had friends tell me I should write a book on doing an inexpensive wedding.

SUPREMENOTORIOUS

I have one of those... but it was made in the late 80's early 90's and I could use an updated one

walnut

Hi. I just have to comment so that I can easily check out this page later under "my topics" to steal all you guys' great ideas about ways to keep things cheap.

emtink

check out indiebride.com

when i planned my $5,000 wedding, i checked it all the time for ideas.

debbie_010

I do wedding cakes and cater receptions, and of all the weddings that I have attended I think the small intimate ones were the most beautiful.

Should you decide not to do everything on your own, you can still get married on a budget if you plan early and shop around. Most vendors should be able to make your wedding special for you and your guests no matter the budget you give them. After all, it is their reputation that is on the line. I know that I want the wedding cakes that I make to look spectacular no matter the budget. I have also done a few cakes for nothing but free advertisement.

The most important thing is LOVE who you are about to marry and try to have a good time. This should be a day that you remember for the rest of your life. You don't want the only thing you remember about your special day is how stressed out you were.