Author of Post: Choya Jordan
Studies report that there were approximately 21,000 weddings in the Metro Detroit area in 2017, but the only one that matters is yours. With careful planning, you can create the wedding of your dreams without the dreaded wedding expense surprise.
If this is your first time planning a wedding, at first blush, it can look overwhelming. There are so many details to take into consideration. The following information should lessen some of that anxiety and help answer some of the unknowns.
Data collected from recently married Metro Detroit couple helps shed some light on wedding expense trends. According to survey results reported by the research company, The Wedding Report, Metro Detroiters who married in 2017 spent an average $26,131 on their wedding, excluding their honeymoon. 1 Here are some of the report results from the research firm.
Attire & Accessories: $1,644
A little bling, the perfect dress, and a suit help couples make a fashion statement of their own.
Beauty & Spa: $152
When budgeting, don’t forget to factor in these expenses, including hair care, nails, and make-up.
Entertainment: $3,343
Make any wedding memorable by adding excitement and entertainment. Items included in this category are MC/DJ services, entertainment lighting, live bands, musicians, soloists, and ensemble.
Flower & Decorations: $1,782
With a few well-placed thoughtful floral arrangements and décor, venues and ceremony locations can be transformed. Adding a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a stately boutonniere can change an outfit from attractive to gorgeous. In the research, items in this category included bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, event decorations, flowers, and centerpieces.
Gifts & Favors: $830
Many couples show appreciation by giving wedding favors to guests or giving gifts to parents and the wedding party. This expense, in addition to tips given for all services provided to the couple, should be accounted for in the budget.
Stationery: $1,019
Stationery items, including invitations, ceremony programs, engagement announcements, invitations, reception menus, save the date cards, table name, place cards, thank-you cards, and postage come under this category.
Jewelry: $4,936
Couples should budget for everything from the engagement ring and wedding bands to that stunning earrings and necklace.
Photography & Videography: $4,118
Every wedding should budget for a photographer and or videographer to capture this life’s milestone. Items and services included in this category are digital photographs, photo CD/DVD, engagement photo sessions, photo booth, prints, wedding photo album book, wedding photographer, and videographer.
Wedding Planner or Consultant: $6,445
Wedding planners and consultants can be an extremely helpful in making sure that your wedding turns out as you hope. Services in this category include A-La-Carte, Day of Coordinator, For Getting Started, Full Service, and Month of Direction services.
Venue, Catering & Rentals: $14,400
One of the largest expenses for a wedding falls under this category. It includes products and services such as ceremony officiator, event accessories, bar services, food services, location, rentals, hotel room after the reception, limo/transportation rentals, rehearsal dinner, and wedding cake/desserts.
Of course, every wedding is different. Your wedding may be less or more depending on your plans. For additional help developing your personal wedding budget, here is a guide to help allocate a percentage of funds toward each product or service. 2 You can also visit
detroitweddingday.com for additional helpful resources.
WEDDING GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS
Reception 45%–50% Gifts 2%-3%
Photographer/Video 10%-12%
Transportation 2%-3%
Wedding Consultant 5%-15%
Stationary 2%-3%
Attire 8%-10%
Ceremony 2%-3%
Flowers 7%-10%
Entertainment 7%-10%
Rings 2%-4%
Miscellaneous 8%
Sources: 1) The Wedding Report (theweddingreport.com 2017 estimated weddings); 2 Data compilation from theknot.com; modwedding.com.
