How much did your wedding cost?

[KJET54]

My sons wedding is in 2 and a half weeks away. The total cost for everything (reception, ceremony, families flights, family accommodations,tuxes, dresses, flowers, rehearsal party.etc.) is hovering around 45 thousand dollars. The cost of the day for 70 people with the ceremony at the Wedding pavillion, and reception at Living Seas (food, drink, buses, limos, flowers, character, pictures, etc) is about 28-29 thousand. Heres to hoping my son and future DIL have a perfect day..........................

 

[o0IrishEyes0o]

Oh lordy! I think I am going to have an anxiety attack reading all these figures! I better start playing the lottery or I'm going to be in debt for the next 20 years!

Aww Well the key is to start buying the little things now... b/c they can add up. Or at the very least, make a real effort to put aside money. Even if it's just $20 here and there into a Wedding Savings account or CD You've got a good amount of time to sort of "acclimate" to the costs

 

[JandJ]

Soup to nuts we came in around $7500. That included absolutely everything, even our Disney hotel (WL for 4 nights) and our RC honeymoon cruise. It was the most perfect wedding I could have ever dreamed of

You don't have to spend a fortune to have your perfect day. We were not about to start our marriage with a big debt especially since we paid for everything ourselves (o.k. my parents paid for 1/2 my dress and his parents paid for the rehearsal dinner, and mine, MOH, and MIL hair).

 

[aprincess72]

You don't have to spend a fortune to have your perfect day. We were not about to start our marriage with a big debt especially since we paid for everything ourselves (o.k. my parents paid for 1/2 my dress and his parents paid for the rehearsal dinner, and mine, MOH, and MIL hair).

I totally agree with you about not having to spend a fortune and not going into debt!

 

[sajilunni]

Okay, should the fact that I have never been to Disney World and yet spent $27,000 to join DVC just so we could have accomodations for guests at this vow renewal be considered part of my budget.

This is especially sad considering that my "vision" for our 10 year VR was originally going off to Vegas with the kids and getting a $200 wedding with an Elvis impersonator.

Then I realized my children (DS6, DD4, DD1) have no idea who Elvis is and would never appreciate the kitsch value I was going for. Then my mom started pining for an entire family vacation, which would never get done unless I organize and pay for it. And if I invite my family, we have to invite DH's as well of course. So that's when I started thinking about Disney, since my kids love the characters. So we got the DVC with enough points to get a grand villa and a 2 bedroom. We're springing for accomodations AND the Disney Dining Plan for 12 adults and 5 children for a week (about $3700).

Then there is the VR day. We're doing it in 2008 so it's $4000 (quite a jump from the $200 all-inclusive in Vegas ), so I'm trying to keep it as bare bones as possible. I still don't know how much dinner will be, but I am trying desperately not to book a private room with a $2000 minimum. I found a Belle-esque dress for $500. The Cinderella/Belle jewelry came out to $90. The kids are going to be in character costumes (about $40 each=$120). DH will wear an Indian costume with turban (about $300). Hair updo ($100). I'll get my MOH and FG (both DD's) a bouquet and a basket of rose petals (I'm thinking about $50 for that). No decorations. Mickey hats as favors (about $170 I think). Officiant ($150). Photo enlargements ($500). So my handy-dandy calculator says that this event will cost my husband about $38,680... once again, HUGE SIGH... okay, I should subtract the DVC since we're going to use it again, so $11,680. Since I am well known for being frugal my DH is fully supportive of whatever money I spend (I know, lucky me).

There is definitely a part of me that is very sad whenever I think about the budget. Because unlike many brides I DON'T want to be a princess. I wanted to shrink into the background on my wedding day and thought the worst part of it was having everyone looking at me. Because our families were really into it (and we were the first weddings in both families) we had a mega wedding with 750 guests, almost all of whom I didn't know. I think of this as making up for it with the wedding that I should have had, with beloved family only. I don't want it to be about me, or even my DH, because we are already in the happiest marriage we know. I want it to be about our kids and extended family having a really good time, and feeling like they got to participate in something really very special. But I still have a very hard time with the thought of spending tens of thousands of dollars that has even the whiff of self-indulgence. Which this plan obviously does...sigh...

Jil

 

[OceanGdss]

Aww Well the key is to start buying the little things now... b/c they can add up. Or at the very least, make a real effort to put aside money. Even if it's just $20 here and there into a Wedding Savings account or CD You've got a good amount of time to sort of "acclimate" to the costs

I agree. I'm 18 months out, but I'm picking up things already if I see them at a good price. (Picked up Flower Girl petals in just the right color today at 1/2 price!) Those little things add up, so if my theory is that if we take care of 2-3 items (decor, cake topper, favors, etc) a month, then come the wedding we won't have much left to pay for! DF thinks I'm a little nuts, but in the end I'll be the one saying "told you so" just kiddin...id never be that mean to him

 

[aprincess72]

Okay, should the fact that I have never been to Disney World and yet spent $27,000 to join DVC just so we could have accomodations for guests at this vow renewal be considered part of my budget.

This is especially sad considering that my "vision" for our 10 year VR was originally going off to Vegas with the kids and getting a $200 wedding with an Elvis impersonator.

Then I realized my children (DS6, DD4, DD1) have no idea who Elvis is and would never appreciate the kitsch value I was going for. Then my mom started pining for an entire family vacation, which would never get done unless I organize and pay for it. And if I invite my family, we have to invite DH's as well of course. So that's when I started thinking about Disney, since my kids love the characters. So we got the DVC with enough points to get a grand villa and a 2 bedroom. We're springing for accomodations AND the Disney Dining Plan for 12 adults and 5 children for a week (about $3700).

Then there is the VR day. We're doing it in 2008 so it's $4000 (quite a jump from the $200 all-inclusive in Vegas ), so I'm trying to keep it as bare bones as possible. I still don't know how much dinner will be, but I am trying desperately not to book a private room with a $2000 minimum. I found a Belle-esque dress for $500. The Cinderella/Belle jewelry came out to $90. The kids are going to be in character costumes (about $40 each=$120). DH will wear an Indian costume with turban (about $300). Hair updo ($100). I'll get my MOH and FG (both DD's) a bouquet and a basket of rose petals (I'm thinking about $50 for that). No decorations. Mickey hats as favors (about $170 I think). Officiant ($150). Photo enlargements ($500). So my handy-dandy calculator says that this event will cost my husband about $38,680... once again, HUGE SIGH... okay, I should subtract the DVC since we're going to use it again, so $11,680. Since I am well known for being frugal my DH is fully supportive of whatever money I spend (I know, lucky me).

There is definitely a part of me that is very sad whenever I think about the budget. Because unlike many brides I DON'T want to be a princess. I wanted to shrink into the background on my wedding day and thought the worst part of it was having everyone looking at me. Because our families were really into it (and we were the first weddings in both families) we had a mega wedding with 750 guests, almost all of whom I didn't know. I think of this as making up for it with the wedding that I should have had, with beloved family only. I don't want it to be about me, or even my DH, because we are already in the happiest marriage we know. I want it to be about our kids and extended family having a really good time, and feeling like they got to participate in something really very special. But I still have a very hard time with the thought of spending tens of thousands of dollars that has even the whiff of self-indulgence. Which this plan obviously does...sigh...

Jil

Jil,
I don't think that paying for 12 adults and 5 children to come to the happiest place on Earth is self indulgence. It sounds more to me like extremely generous people are doing something incredibly special for people they love.
I feel pretty secure in saying that WDW will give you wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and down through the next generations of your family!!
It sounds to me like anything you think is self indulgent is more like well deserved!!!

I hope you have an amazing and magical time!!! Don't forget to come back and tell us all about it!

 

[M&M126]

Jil,
I don't think that paying for 12 adults and 5 children to come to the happiest place on Earth is self indulgence. It sounds more to me like extremely generous people are doing something incredibly special for people they love.
I feel pretty secure in saying that WDW will give you wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and down through the next generations of your family!!
It sounds to me like anything you think is self indulgent is more like well deserved!!!

I hope you have an amazing and magical time!!! Don't forget to come back and tell us all about it!

I agree with this completely. You are so wonderful for wanting to make this occasion special for the WHOLE family. I hope I can do something like that for my family one day! Have a wonderful trip and hopefully we all get to hear about it

 

[vfinder1]

I thought the minimum you had to spend was $10,000 and thats for a M-Thur wedding? How are people getting under that amount?? Would love to save some money!

Thanks

 

[JaxTeach]

I thought the minimum you had to spend was $10,000 and thats for a M-Thur wedding? How are people getting under that amount?? Would love to save some money!

Thanks

People who are under $10k are having an Intimate/Escape wedding. The Intimate/Escape is $2950 for 18 guests or less. It is a package and you can add a few other things to it. The $10k figure is for Custom/Wishes weddings. Hope that helps!

 

[MickeyAnne]

I read an article he other night that the average wedding costs $15,000 - $20,000. Now, here I am, getting married in northern NJ and thinking to myself "I WISH I could do a wedding that cheap!". Df and I are by no means going all out on our wedding - we are thrifty where we can be but here, you truly get what you pay for. In total we will be spending about $40,000 not including our honeymoon (Disneyland and Disney Cruise). Sometimes I think of that and my heart stops for a minute - my goodness, the things I could do with $40,000!! For one day? But in the same breath, I know every penny is worth it - its such an odd dichotomy. Whats good is that, despite the high cost of our event, we will not be coming out in debt - actually, we will come out of it with money in our pockets. We have been working for years and saving money for this and we are getting a very generous gift from my parents. DF is great with money and I have him to thank for the fact that we are not starting our life together in debt. I know my day will be magic - and although I would spend less if I could, I feel to do it the way I dream, I have to do what I am doing.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I have cut my budget to just under 16,000... Go me!!! It took a lot of work, but we cut where we could and kept all the important stuff (food, alcohol, etc). We have 150 guests, outdoor wedding, sit down dinner... Will be amazing. I love Shades of Green... It's as Disney as I can get... Plus my grandma's buying us Cinderella and Prince Charming!!!!

 

[Emwit27]

Oy! This thread has actually motivated me to go back and look at my figures and it isn't good...we are having an Escape with 18 people and we have spent about $11,000 (including our plane tickets, hotel, dress, etc.). There's still a lot of stuff we haven't paid for yet...

Plus we are doing a seperate reception in Vegas in November. Hmmm...this wedding thing is expensive....

 

[honey2741]

This thread has been EXTREMELY helpful!

 

[Error_kitten]

We had a Custom wedding 2 yrs ago week day 10am at the WP and reception at ADH We had apx 100 guests.
My total for Disney was about 26k.
I cut a lot of corners.
I made my and the wedding party's bridal attire, instead of BMs having flowers they carried staffs with ribbons. We had the Flowers from the ceremony moved to the reception.
I made all the center pieces.
My biggest regret was that I did not Hire a professional photographer We had 2 family friends who do photography as a hobby take our pictures.
They turned out wonderful but I feel there was a lot that we missed out on.
I did not do a Video either.

We did not have custom rings done or anything like that. We also had the buffet style lunch and No Bar. We did coffee and pastries instead of a cocktail hour.
We served all Sparkling cider rather than champagne (I have alcoholics in my family and I wanted to avoid drama, not to mention we were done by 4)

For those who want to see what our wedding looked like I still have pictures up on www.Photobucket.com Just search AlyAndNathan.
That is the user name and it's open to the public.

 

[Mrs.Bungle]

Ours is at $10,500 in Vegas. Chapel booked with everything we could possible need to stay and have a ceremony. We're having 50 People in with a lush dinner & alcohol at a nice restaurant. 9 days until the BIG day!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I had a DCL Vow renewal..
It was $1500 for 10 guests..I had 15 so that bumped it to $1600
That included
Ceremony performed by a ship's Officer
Concierge Service
Note from the Captain/Hotel Director
Fresh flower bouquet and boutonniere
Two-tier Vow Renewal Cake and keepsake Cake Topper
Champagne Toast with Fairy Tale Cuvee
Special Vow Renewal Gift
Vow Renewal Certificate
Solo Musician
Wedding Coordinator assistance
Dinner for the couple at Palo, on ceremony night
Complimentary Photo
Champagne & Strawberries delivered to room

We also had a dinner at Palo with all our guests..that was $15pp not including alcohol
I ordered flowers for the table at Palo..$75
Corsage for my mother..$21

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

Right now my Disney portion is about $21,000.00. That doesn't include my outside photographer Misty Miotto and videographer STVS Video. With everything all together I am at about $30,000.00 +. This is only with 36 guests but I have a TON of extras and little details that are really not necessary but that I demanded to have. Hey hopefully you only do it once right??

 

[ElleBren]

Ours was 31,000. It was for 80 people. It included:

Dessert Welcome party for 50 friday night
Wedding at 12 on saturday
cocktail hour in the whitehall room & patio
Dinner, including open bar at the convention center
Video
Photography-whole length of wedding
All our flowers
Bus for guests for 8 hr


I could have not had the dessert party, but it was a really great way to have everyone get to know each other which I feel made the wedding even better.

Also had I had the wedding in NJ where we live I would have never been able to get it this cheap.

 

[SarahInMN]

Ours is in about 6 wks:

Our total is just under 23,000 for 47 total people this includes food, beverage, decor, wedding favors, and motorcoach transport for the guests.

We're having a Welcome Dinner for everyone the night before at the California Grill with an open bar. Our ceremony/reception is on a Monday at 6pm at the Whitehall patio/Whitehall room. We're having a pre-dinner cocktail hour with 5 different hors' douerves and a cheese display followed by a plated dinner (appetizer, sald, entree choices of beef/lobster or salmon, and dessert) with an open bar that entire time.

For decor, we're having centerpieces at the CG and at the plated dinner, the ceremony decor includes a chuppah with floral accents, and black tablecloth overlays (but otherwise using the standard GF linens/tablesettings) to match my dress.

Our guests get mickey shaped wine stoppers as favors, young guests get chocolate mickey lolly pops, and the younger set gets activity sets with crayons and coloring books.

As for non-Disney prices, our officiant is a friend so no cost, and we did hire an outside photographer (3 hours, CD only package for around 600$).