What did your DC wedding cost?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| About $12K all in. Ten years ago, 70 guests DC restaurant with a large private space to do ceremony and reception. For many years after I wished we’d just eloped instead and saved the cash. |
Anonymous
Similar here. Mine cost $5k or so in another state. |
Anonymous
|
Grandma's home in the backyard, no cost.
Rented trellis, a few tables and white umbrellas. Donation to the pastor. Friend of my wife's family made the cake. Some food platters. Wife's dress was less than $75. She bought a new hat. All in less than $2k. |
Anonymous
| 60 guests $100k |
Anonymous
I considered DAR but went with National Museum it Women in the Arts— similar budget (and yes, still happily married) |
Anonymous
| 5 years ago we were all in, including apparel, at around $8k for 35 people. That also included welcome dinner for out of town guests (25 people) the night before. Wedding & reception were in a private room at a local restaurant. Dress from eBay, did our own decorations, flowers, music. I do wish we had spent a bit more on photography but I had a very hard time finding someone in a mid-range price point. We went with less expensive instead of doubling our budget. We do have some lovely pictures, but the group shots aren’t great. |
Anonymous
| Just under 30k for 75 people at local church and Whittemore House in Dupont Circle. Venue was discounted for August wedding. My mom paid around 2k for rehearsal dinner with out of town guests at a restaurant. |
Anonymous
| I'm so happy I only have boys. The stupidity on here is astounding. |
Anonymous
My husband’s parents paid for our wedding to have it to their standards. We spent $30K for 85 guests in 2004. I paid for my dress separately. Had I been left to my own devices it would have been 40 guests and a few thousand dollars. |
Anonymous
In 2019 are people still expecting the bride to shoulder the bulk of the costs? |
Anonymous
|
Married 2 years ago in DC and all in spent about $37k for 100 people.
I don't have my spreadsheet in front of me but here are some estimated costs- $5k Venue - included ceremony and reception space, chairs, tables, basic linens etc. $10k Food and Beverage- catering was in house, we had beer and wine only $5k Musicians- live band that also provided ceremony and cocktail hour music. This was our splurge item but totally worth it! $3k Flowers- 5 Bouquets, 8 corsages, 10 low centerpieces, 2 large arrangements for ceremony. $3k Photographer- including 8 hours and engagement photos. We picked someone up and coming, she now charges double! $3k Wedding attire- dress ($1k bought at sample sale), alterations ($300), shoes, basic veil, black suit for groom ($1k) $1.5k professional hair and makeup for myself and 4 bridesmaids $1k Officiant- non-denominational minister $1k Wedding cake. Simple, delicious 3 tier buttercream. $1k Wedding coordinator. She was pretty new but did a great job. $200 Favors- personalized fans to keep everyone cool The only items we DIY'd were the stationery- invitations, table numbers etc. (probably $800 for professional printing and postage) We married in an unpopular month (July), so we had our pick of vendors and they were a little flexible on price. My advice would be to focus on the items that matter most to you, whether it be incredible food or an amazing band, and spend minimal on items that don't such as favors or table cards (these are just examples YMMV). Also having an all inclusive venue means much fewer vendors to coordinate and less stress! Happy wedding! |
Anonymous
| Friend's DD - 2017 Key Bridge Marriott (amazing view), 200 guests - she told me it cost about $80K |
Anonymous
Pretty sure most of these "stupid" women on here married men... you know, like the men your boys will become. Hate to break it to you, but nowadays most couples pay their own way. We did - every penny of those $40K. |
Anonymous
Most of my friends got married in the past 10 years and more than half paid for their own weddings. The bride's dad paying is definitely not a sure thing anymore. |
Anonymous
Most boys parents pay equal to brides It's 2019 after all |