What It Costs To Get Married

I saw this great article in the Fall/Winter 2007 edition of Brides New Jersey and had to post. Over the years, I've come to find that most non-married people really have no idea what type of wedding they can or can not afford upon becoming engaged. This article serves as a pretty good eye-opener to what married-couples-to-be are in store for ... in the tri-state area, especially New Jersey.

MUSIC

4 hours of live music by a popular 13-piece band of accomplished musicians with tour experience: $11,000
5 hours of professional DJ service, plus an MC and a light show: $1,695
4 hours of basic DJ service, plus a pianist for cocktail hour: $1,095

RECEPTION

4-course, plated dinner with 5-hour premium open bar, cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and wedding cake at a historic garden estate : $245 per person
5-course, plated dinner with 5-hour open bar, buffet hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, and wedding cake in a ballroom with stunning city views: $150 per person
3-course, family-style dinner, with 4-hour open bar, champagne toast and wedding cake at a reputable Italian restaurant: $50 per person

PHOTOGRAPHY

Deluxe package from a photojournalist with 20 years of experience, including two hours of rehearsal-dinner coverage, unlimited wedding-day coverage plus assistant, DVD presentation, online gallery, and 30-page bridal album: $9,100
Premium package from a wedding photographer, including unlimited wedding-day coverage, wedding-album design session, and image CD: $2,995
Standard package by a wedding photographer from a wedding-planning center, including 6 hours of coverage, 3 photo albums and 1 11"x14" print: $975

CAKE

Fondant-covered red velvet cake with sugar flowers from a landmark baker, serves 140: $1,400
Fondant-covered vanilla cake with chocolate ganache and strawberry mousse filling, by a pastry chef who works out of her home, serves 140: $750
Buttercream-covered vanilla pound cake with raspberry filling, from a family owned bakery, serves 150: $495

FLOWERS (bouquets)

Bouquet of hydrangeas, roses and miniature calla lilies, garnished with berries from a floral design studio that has been featured in bridal magazines: $225
Bouquet of cymbidium orchids, roses, mini spray roses and faux diamonds by an event florist: $195
Bouquet of lilies, dendrobium orchids, larkspur, roses, Italian ruscus and asters wrapped in satin ribbon from a small flower shop: $65

And for those of you who live outside of New Jersey or major metropolitan cities, http://www.costofwedding.com/ can help you get an idea of what your wedding will add up to be.

Comments

"Farm Sweet Farm" 1st Birthday Party

My husband and I celebrated our baby twins, Jonah & Gia's, 1st birthday with a "Farm Sweet Farm" party last weekend. The party was held at our home (aka The Anderson Farm ) and our closest family and friends excitedly attended. Honestly it's still difficult for us to believe a full year has gone by since they entered our lives, but one thing was clear from the beginning --- we had a lot to celebrate and we intended to do just that! Everyone had loads of fun; they would've partied until the cows came home if we let them. And since the guests of honor LOVE animals, the theme proved to be absolutely perfect for them and their guests. To most, I'm known for planning amazing weddings and bridal celebrations by means of THE BRIDAL PARTY , so it was really a lot of fun to step outside of my comfort zone and show off my versatility and range. I can't deny, this was FUN! I'm still quite "giddy" about it all. * * * * * * * * * * INVITA

scam (skām): A fraudulent business scheme

Y esterday, I received my first wedding scam attempt (guess my latest marketing and advertising efforts are starting to work). I received an email from an "Irish" bride-to-be whose fiance was offered a job in the U.S. and needed help planning a small wedding in New Jersey. I vaguely remembered hearing of certain swindle attempts on wedding vendors (especially photographers and videographers), so my radar peaked immediately, however, I didn't jump to any conclusions right away. I responded to the email, drew up a preliminary proposal, quoted cost of service and submitted an invoice for payment. Nonetheless, when it became apparent that the bride-to-be and her French fiance only intended on mailing a cashier's check, I knew right away what I was dealing with ... a scam! I happen to know that international cashier's checks are not fully validated for 90 days. So even though the check may clear at first, if found to be phony, the money is later deducted. I must say, i

Aidan & Jonathan: Enchanted Forest

We shared snapshots of our Enchanted Forest wedding just four days ago and somehow, SOMEWAY, professional photos became available last night! (an unbelievable world record ... calling Guinness after the holiday) As mentioned before, we were brought on to plan and execute this wedding just 3 months out, at which time 90% of the vendors and service providers had not been selected. But I must say, we couldn't have had a better team of professionals bring this event to life if we'd started a year ago. The ceremony was held in the evening on the outdoor patio of Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, NJ. On this brisk mid-November night, our teams successfully achieved a loving and warm ambiance by having clear tent wall covered by swags of 21-foot long fabric hung on the outer perimeter of the space. This treatment allowed for the bride's dream of being married near nature but also kept the couple's beloved friends and family comfortable. A blooming birch-b

After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Search This Blog