3 Things to Consider When Talking About the M Word

It’s time to talk money. Cha-ching… I know, I know. Money can be a mood killer! Did you know that the average amount a U.S. couple spent on their wedding in 2016 was $26,720? WHAT??? While it us usually less in Utah, it is still a lot of money! With careful planning and awareness of what you can expect from wedding costs A-Z you are well on your way to creating a wedding that is customized to fit YOU. So, where do you start? First, you must understand this: Balance. Find and create a balance between your “dreams” (what you want) and your “reality” (what you can afford) Yes that’s right, just because it’s on Pinterest, doesn’t mean you need it, or in fact would even enjoy it. If done right, (both bride and groom share in the process) planning your wedding can become the “blueprint” for how you manage your financial affairs together in your marriage. Second, here are some things to consider. How much money do you have to work with? How much your wedding will cost? Do you know who’s paying for what? What compromises will you have to make? Even if you have saved for years and years, is it the best idea to spend it all on the wedding? Or is there, perhaps, better ways to invest that money into your marriage and post wedding living expenses? Third, consider a long-term budget. Have you even considered a post wedding budget? Things like: Down payment on a home, moving costs, general living expenses, new appliances, school, kids….just to name a few. While this idea may not be the most popular, traditional thinking, it may do wonders for your new beginning as a married couple. That being said, you have a wedding to plan. Below you will find a list with the latest average wedding costs. Hopefully this will assist you with your planning. Please comment and let us know if this is in line with your plans - Market Totals 2015 2016 Chg % Market Summary $26,645 $26,720 0.3% Attire & Accessories 2015 2016 Chg % Dress Accessories $226 $224 -0.7% Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $101 $103 1.7% Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $203 $208 2.5% Wedding Dress/es $1,226 $1,221 -0.4% Beauty & Spa 2015 2016 Chg % Hair Service $66 $67 1.4% Makeup Service $53 $54 1.4% Manicure & Pedicure $44 $45 1.2% Entertainment 2015 2016 Chg % DJ $728 $735 1.0% Live Band $1,706 $1,695 -0.7% Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble $611 $618 1.2% Flowers & Decorations 2015 2016 Chg % Boutonnieres, Corsages $144 $147 1.8% Bridal Bouquet $148 $152 2.7% Bridesmaid Bouquets $179 $188 5.0% Event Decorations $446 $446 0.0% Event Flower Arrangements $438 $432 -1.4% Event Table Centerpieces $325 $326 0.3% Flower Girl Flowers $85 $89 4.2% Flower Petals $95 $98 2.7% Gifts & Favors 2015 2016 Chg % Gift/s for Attendants $104 $104 -0.1% Gift/s for Parents $120 $122 1.6% Tips (for all services) $385 $384 -0.2% Wedding Favors $235 $239 1.7% Invitations 2015 2016 Chg % Ceremony Programs $121 $127 5.2% Engagement Announcements $105 $108 3.3% Guest Book $59 $61 2.6% Invitations & Reply Cards $228 $226 -0.7% Postage $106 $105 -0.9% Reception Menus $124 $125 1.0% Save the Date Cards $112 $112 0.4% Table Name and Escort/place Cards $83 $85 2.0% Thank You Cards $89 $90 1.3% Jewelry 2015 2016 Chg % Engagement Ring $3,386 $3,407 0.6% Wedding Bands $1,254 $1,242 -0.9% Photography & Video 2015 2016 Chg % Digital or Photo cd/dvd $305 $294 -3.5% Engagement Session $396 $398 0.4% Prints and/or Enlargements $237 $238 0.5% Wedding album/s or photo book/s $428 $421 -1.6% Wedding Photographer $1,644 $1,611 -2.0% Wedding Videographer $1,068 $1,072 0.4% Planner/Consultant 2015 2016 Chg % A La Carte Services $957 $943 -1.5% Day of Coordinator $825 $812 -1.6% For Getting Started $883 $875 -0.9% Full Service $2,886 $2,773 -3.9% Month of Direction $1,085 $1,062 -2.1% Venue, Catering & Rentals 2015 2016 Chg % Ceremony Officiator $208 $214 2.7% Event Accessories $325 $327 0.7% Event Bar Service $2,378 $2,378 0.0% Event Food Service $4,771 $4,674 -2.0% Event Location $3,628 $3,610 -0.5% Event Rentals $1,719 $1,737 1.0% Hotel Room for After Reception $309 $315 2.0% Limo Rental $480 $483 0.5% Other Transportation $515 $518 0.6% Rehearsal Dinner $577 $572 -0.9% Wedding Cake/dessert $422 $419 -0.7% The latest average wedding cost data is based on 9,298 survey samples collected from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 by TheWeddingReport.com