Wedding costs

MBIreland

New to this sort of game (obviously!), just wondered how much a wedding is likely to cost when you factor in venues, clothing, food, drink, cars, photos etc.

Just after a ball park figure, I know these can't be accurate, so any price ranges would be helpful.

Approx 100-150 people to attend, probably in Dublin area, any ideas welcomed!

tinkerbell

There are loads of threads on here already OP that have discussed this over and over again, there are even some sticky threads - have a read of those and you'll find your answer!

ThePiedPiper

We had about 145 guests. I think the total bill came to around 14,500 or so. This would've included:
Hotel meal, 5 courses
3 complimentary rooms
Afters food for 180 people
Sparkling wine toast
Wine for tables
Dresses for bride, 3 bridesmaid, flowergirl and mini flowergirl
Alterations to dresses
Suits for 7 men and a boy
Wedding Rings, €600 for herself, €100 for himself
Hair appointments
Band and DJ
Donation to church
Choir (free, friends of family)
Musicians in church (free, more friends)
Cake (present)
Registration
Cars (free, friends with nice Mercs, Audis and BMWs)
Photographer (free as present)
Invitations and Thank you cards (DIY job, postage maybe 70 quid)
Shoes and jewelery
Honeymoon flights to Italy with Ryanair (€55 each!!!)

So, in total it came to about €100 a head or therabouts. The hotel portion of it was I think €52 per head. This was on a Saturday, if we'd had it on Monday - Thursday, it would've been 20 quid a head but we didn't want to inconvenience our guests in order to save money for ourselves.

In contrast, a friend of mine got married 6 months previous to me and the hotel was €100 a head, another friend €80. Other people I know will have hired additional music, comedians, choc fountains, champagne toasts for all the guests, favours for all the guests, etc, etc. etc. You can go completely mad if you like, plenty do or you can still have the best day of your life without taking out another mortgage for it.

cowhands

I think the above post is very detailed, we are coming in at around the same money based on 140 people in Waterford.

Heres our breakdown if it helps:

Church
Donations: €150
Fees: €180
Lience: €10
Music: € free from a friend - roughly €300 for singer and musician
Not decorating the church

Venue:
€6,000 for 3 course meal (also on a sat)
Hotel throwing in lots of extras, like centre pieces, free back drop, chair covers, free choice on menu, free piper on arrival, free cookies and tea coffee for guests on arrival, free champaign for bridal party, complimentary bridal suite, bridesmaid and bestmans room, free 3 months free gym members ship, pamper package for bride and groom, free evening food...lots!
Bar extension: €500
Wine: €434
DJ: € free friend is a DJ - roughly €500
Band: €1100 for 3 hours of play
Photographer: €1,000 mates rates he does usually charge €2,500
Cake: €free cousin is a chef - do start at €400 upwards roughly
Dress: looking at about €700 including alterations
Bridemaids and flower girl: €200
Accessories: €200
Hair and make up €300
Suit hire for 4 : €400
Rings: €550
Cars: Using uncles new merc and own car - can go from €300 upwards
Flowers: €330 for my bouquet, 3 bridesmaids , flower girl, 7 button holes, unity candles and centre piece
Honeymoon: €??? the budget is rising and rising so we are not sure yet might book a flight over to an aunts holiday villa in Turkey if all comes to all

I would really advise using an excel budgeting template just google there are loads on line!

MBIreland

Thanks guys, really helpful info, looks like we're looking at a similar bill I'd say, but I'm sure it will be worth it!