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The Business of Weddings


As you know by now, weddings are BIG business! The cost of weddings have continually gone up and today's average in the DMV are (based on the average number of guests - 140):

Washington DC $320 $44,856

Maryland (Baltimore) $252 $35,236

Virginia $204 $28,542

Nationwide $213 $29,858

Because of this trend, many couples today attempt to do everything (or almost everything) themselves. From wedding planning, to save-the-dates and invitations, to making their own wedding favors, couples are looking for ways to save money while having the wedding that they dream of. How do you do that? Prioritize what is most important and then shop wisely! The word "budget" does not mean "low budget", it just means that whatever your budget is, you stay on track while achieving what you want.

Now get out there and start planning! There are wedding blogs, wedding shows and wedding websites that teach you everything that goes into a typical wedding, but taking that knowledge and applying it to your own personal event ca be a challenge.....but it can be done with some creativity! Talk to you future spouse and determine if your wedding will be formal, semi-formal or casual (not jeans casual but open collar, no jacket casual!). This will help lead you towards a theme and the venue(s) to have your wedding.

The most expensive part of a wedding is usually the reception with the cost of the venue and the food and drink. Sometimes having both the ceremony and reception at one venue is a better value and saves time and energy on the day-of. Look for venues that are free (yes free!) or reasonably priced. Be creative in your search: art galleries and museums (the small ones - the large ones can be very expensive), parks, gardens, historic mansions (yes, the small ones can be reasonable if they're not popular), restaurants with picturesque grounds, and even friends well-appointed backyards can all be great places to hold your event. Go off the beaten path and introduce your guests to somewhere they've never heard of or been before. Then create a decoration plan to make the venue what you want it to be (that's where the theme comes in!). Your save-the-dates and invitations should carry this theme forward and get your guests excited about your event.

Search out caterers that want your business and are willing to create a menu that provides what you envision and meets your budget. Think outside the box and have a breakfast, brunch or hor d'oeuvres menu. Do a simple wedding cake and then splurge on a dessert bar. Hire a mobile bartender and provide your own alcohol.

There are many ways to create your vision for a price that you want to pay. That does not mean low-balling your vendors. That never promotes a good working relationship with those that are working for you on your special day. What it means is select what you can afford (there's that budget word again!) and agree to pay a fair price for it. Ask your vendors for suggestions on how you can cut costs so that you're happy, they're happy and your event is stress-free.

Whether your wedding budget falls in the low, mid or high range, make sure that every part of it speaks to your heart and encompasses something that the two of you hold dear.

Happy Wedding Planning!

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