Planning a Wedding? Here are some of the expenses that come with the big celebration!

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. From the flowers to the spa and beauty treatments, wedding costs can add up quickly. While the spa may not be so exorbitant the same can’t be said for the others. Let’s take a look at the top five expenses of having a wedding.

The biggest expense will probably be the venue. A normal church might cost about $500 which doesn’t include the officiator. If you want to get fancy however, the bill can easily exceed $10,000 for a ballroom or similar venue. This also doesn’t include the decorations which will typically include a florist. On average decorations can cost around $1,000-$2,000.

Catering is probably the next highest expense, which on average is about $10,000 $15,000 for 150 guests. This typically includes food, drinks, cake, and cake cutting fee. You can spend $30-$70 per person for limited bar and drink service, but typically you’ll spend around$ 100-$125 a head. After that the main cost to factor in is service and gratuity fees.

Attire including jewelry is next with an average of $2,000 for wedding bands and an average $4,000 on an engagement ring. The bride can easily spend$1,500 on the entire ensemble with an average $1,100 on the dress alone.

Of course you can’t tie the knot without capturing the memories and the photographer/ videographer is next. A conservative figure will put you at around $1,000. For a more moderate photographer you can expect to pay $1,500-$3,000, but figures can reach $10,000 if money is no object. A cheap videographer can run about the same at $1,500.

The music at reception is last of all coming in on average around $950, but like everything else more can be paid for a more well-known DJ. If you would like a live band however be prepared to spend around $3,000.

Of-course, we cant forget about bride’s dress that can cost anywhere from $500 to $10, 000 or more depending on the brand and type of dress that is being purchased.