Wedding Cost Price Points

The average couples have been spending on weddings has decreased since 2018, according to the wedding website The Knot.

People were spending around $33,931 in 2019. Since then, it’s dropped down to $22,500 in 2021. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, average expenses fell all the way down to $19,000.

Donna Solbrig, founder of local retail and rental party store, Party Affair, the average cost of a wedding is $35,000 for a guest list of 100 people.

“From there, it goes up,” she said.

Individual costs do vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot.

By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs.

Reception Site

According to ValuePenguin by LendingTree, couples typically spend $9,261 on a venue.

Fredericksburg venues range from $7,000 to $10,000, said Donna Solbrig, founder of local retail and rental party store, Party Affair. One smaller venue, The Alegria Barn, is less expensive at around $5,000.

The average price for catering per person is roughly $70, according to The Knot. Locally, catering can range from $20 to more than $100, depending on whether it’s Rabke Catering or David’s Pit Barbecue, yet plated dinners can run up to around $100 each, Solbrig said. She added that a family style dinner is currently popular.

Bar service may be around $2,000 to $4,000 for a three- to four-hour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have a la carte fees. Solbrig said many venues have their own alcohol licenses, and clients go through them for alcohol sales.

All venues require venue insurance, a liability that covers accidents between a 24-48-hour period, depending on what the venue is requiring.

“They are also requiring security for everyone’s safety,” Solbrig said.

Cake

Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390.

Solbrig said local prices ranging from $5-$8 a slice is standard around the Hill Country. Desserts such as donut walls, cookies and small pastries are growing trends.

Music

The Knot says average cost of ceremony musicians is almost $800. An average cost of a DJ is almost $1,300.

Locally, DJs charge anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on strobe lights, karaoke and other options.

Planners

Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier.

Wedding planners cost between $2,500-$6,000, Solbrig said. Solbrig customizes her plans for each client, so prices can vary greatly. Guest count depends on how many staff she herself has to hire.

Transportation

Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose.

WeddingWire.com notes that wedding limo and bus services can cost an average of $750, with most couples spending between $500 and $1,100.

Gown

Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,000, according to WeddingWire.com. A dress usually ranges from $280-$1,650.

Solbrig said custom gowns can go all the way up to $15,000.

Photography/Video

Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,500-$4,000 or more for video and photography services.

Smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up, as well. Some cover rooms, hair and makeup for bridesmaids. Grooms can add in golf, skeet shooting or a fifth of whiskey for groomsmen.

Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up.