I live in Dallas, TX. I’m wondering what you think is a typical/reasonable amount to spend on a wedding these days (not including honeymoon, rehearsal dinner)?

i live in WI and was just horrified to see that some people are sending 20,000 + on a wedding that is just plain crazy…..those are the type of people that have the most extravagant of everything and want to be some sort of princess and crap like that….i am having a private wedding in a park with just close family and a huge reception of more than 200 people and so far it is less than 2,000 and that is including my dress, flowers and etc and the food and everything….the only thing that is left out of that price is the hotel room for our honeymoon…..

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11 Responses

  1. Lindsay Jane

    2010 Mar 16 1

    $15,000.
    References :

  2. bubbles

    2010 Mar 16 2

    Mine is up to 20,000 and I search and search but we wanted a good cater and a nice hall. I was told most people spend at least $30,000 in NJ where I am at!!
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  3. Big Momma Carnivore

    2010 Mar 16 3

    $10,000 to $25,000. Ways you can save money: no photographer, DJ instead of band, hold it at a public place, no limos, no video guy, no bridesmaids

    But for god’s sake, have an open bar, give your guests a good meal and play music to dance
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  4. Cassie

    2010 Mar 16 4

    I live in Georgia and am getting married next summer.
    Usually, the site and food and alchohol will cost between 12,000 and 15,000.
    Some of these places also include flowers, music, photography, etc. But, not all of them do. It is important to compare and contrast what each place includes and does not include.
    I would say after the site fee, food, flowers, photgraphy, and dress for you and your future husband, you are looking at about 20,000.
    It can be done for less, of course. Or more.
    Good luck!
    Congrats!
    References :

  5. jenniferaboston

    2010 Mar 16 5

    It depends on the quality of everything. My wedding was $12,000, not including the honeymoon and we only had 26 guests. My best friend’s wedding was $5000 and that included the honeymoon!

    As far as what is "reasonable," it depends on your priorities. For me, I absolutely would not budge on the photographer because that was the most important thing to me. The pictures was all we would have of that wedding besides the memory.

    As far as the reception goes, anywhere from $25-$35 a person is average. However, different places have different packages that sometimes include the cake, flowers and alcohol. There are too many variables to make a blanket statement to answer this question.
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  6. alanpks4

    2010 Mar 16 6

    $15,000 +.

    My advice is to remember this is a one day event. Most couples would be much better off having a smaller event and taking the extra money and investing it or buying a house.

    My wife and I eloped. our choice it was what we wanted. Actually ceremony cost with pictures was $500.00.

    After returning home we planeed a party.
    We rented a hall at a nice hotel and had a huge meal, buffet breakfeast and lunch and a DJ, for 90 people. The whole thing was under $5,000.00. And that included staying at the hotel the for 2 nights.

    We had a GREAT time and so did all our guest and it was a lot less than a typical wedding.
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  7. Krys

    2010 Mar 16 7

    well, i wanna have a nice wedding but not too expensive….for just the wedding and not the honeymoon/rehearsal dinner..my budget is about 5,000.00. if i get married in my church, there is no fees to rent..same for the reception hall, i want a traditional wedding with all the stops, but you just have to set a number and stick with it…if you cant afford the fancy invitations get the less fancy ones…no one saves them anyway! most people around here (which i am from the south) have their bridesmaids rent/buy their own dresses..(i dont wanna do that) my sisters budget was 2,000.00 and her wedding was beautiful!
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  8. Colo33

    2010 Mar 16 8

    $30,000 according to cnn.com’s money page.

    Check out costofwedding.com to see what the average is in Dallas.
    References :

  9. Ambre B

    2010 Mar 16 9

    I’ve read that the average wedding costs between $20-25,000. That is just what the average person spends. We had a beautiful wedding for $15,000. There are ways to work within a set budget. I went on ebay for A LOT of things!!!! I got a $80 tiara for $15. When looking for a site I would try to find a place that doesn’t specialize in weddings!!! Those places tend to charge a lot more. We found a private lodge that charged us exactly what it cost them for food and labor. Just something to think about.

    Good luck!!!
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  10. paulamarie27

    2010 Mar 16 10

    i live in WI and was just horrified to see that some people are sending 20,000 + on a wedding that is just plain crazy…..those are the type of people that have the most extravagant of everything and want to be some sort of princess and crap like that….i am having a private wedding in a park with just close family and a huge reception of more than 200 people and so far it is less than 2,000 and that is including my dress, flowers and etc and the food and everything….the only thing that is left out of that price is the hotel room for our honeymoon…..
    References :

  11. Honeybee

    2010 Mar 16 11

    The US average is around $27,000, but we’re doing ours for much less, around $10,000 which I still think is a lot to be spending on one day, but am doing it anyway. Check out the site I listed below for the average cost of a wedding in your town. Consumer Reports says the average cost is $22,000 for 175 guests (2nd link).
    References :
    http://www.costofwedding.com/
    http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/wedding-take-where-the-money-goes-605/index.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=3&searchTerm=wedding


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