YOURBUDGET
can all be rented locally, and are substantially less expensive than purchasing.
flowers
minimums as well as delivery fees. ($50-75 is typical for a local delivery).
the food
Most reception facilities and caterers in the Triangle price alcohol based on consumption. This means you’ll pay only for the alcohol that your guests consume. Expect to spend between $14-28 per person if you’re offering a beer and wine bar for four hours. Remember, you’ll have to pay a service fee (generally 18-22%) and sales tax on your bar tab.
This is your largest expenditure and the toughest to estimate. Hors d’oeuvres parties start at about $19 per person and can go as high as $72 per person. (We’ve even seen some $200 per person parties!) Price depends on the selections that you make with your caterer. Keep in mind that there is an additional fee for carvers, servers, and bartenders. This cost is either figured in a staff-cost expenditure, or it’s included in the 20% service fee. Though most couples don’t expect it, seated meals can sometimes be the most affordable option. Portion sizes are very controlled, so caterers know exactly how much of each ingredient to order. Seated dinner prices range from $18 to $85 per person, with averages in most clubs and hotels around $35 per person. Buffet dinners are often the most expensive option. Caterers must prepare more of each item to ensure that they don’t run out of food and that means waste. Buffets generally start at $26 per person and go up to $60 per person, with averages around $38 per person. You’ll want to remember that you’ll have an additional 20% gratuity and 7% sales tax added to the final bill.
the cake
transportation
The prices of flowers vary widely based on flower types and the labor required in arrangement styles. In general, you can expect to spend between $75 and $400 on your bouquet. Price depends on the size of the bouquet and the blooms you select. Bridesmaid’s bouquets are usually more modest and range from $75 to $225. Boutonnieres and corsages range from $9 to $30. Arrangements for your ceremony can vary widely, but expect to spend at least $200 on anything of substantial size. Centerpieces for your reception range from $50-$100 per table for something small and simple to $350 per table for a large elaborate arrangement.
bar fees
Wedding cakes range from $2.50 per slice to $7.00 per slice. The average Triangle baker charges $4.00-$4.50 per slice. Keep in mind that there are slice
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Traditional limousines are widely available in a variety of colors and sizes. Expect to spend between $100 to $155 per hour for a traditional
limousine with a three-hour minimum on most weekends. There’s also a 15-20% gratuity added to the overall bill. Larger scale limos, limo SUVs and specialty cars are typically more expensive.
reception music
If you’re thinking of a DJ, budget between $800 and $1200 for a fourhour reception. The cost of bands vary widely. For a local party band with four to five members, plan on $2000 to $4000. If you plan to hire a band with more regional appeal or more members, you’ll need to increase your budget by as much as $4000.
wedding favors
Favor costs vary depending on the item selected. Most couples spend between $2 and $5 per person on favors and packaging. Options like birdseed and bubbles are the least expensive, and items like custom poured chocolates, mini cakes and sterling silver gifts are most expensive, sometimes reaching $10-$15 per person. wm