receptions
receptions
Adding up the costs
In addition to the usual tab for food, drink and entertainment associated with a wedding reception, having the celebration at home incurs extra expenses. Wedding planner Ayran Kanter detailed the home-related expenses involved with an upscale wedding she coordinated for a couple who wanted a romantic, black-tie, nighttime reception. The five-hour event was attended by 140 guests. The cost is higher in pricey regions such as Washington, where the average cost is $39,000. Check out www.costofwedding.com for the price range in your ZIP code.
TENT
Total expense: $14,120
40-by-60-foot tent plus a tent connecting to the house: $4,400
Sidewalls: $300
Plastic subfloor with short-pile carpet: $4,250
28-by-28-foot dance floor: $2,350
Two heaters: $500
Tent permit: $1,500
Maintenance technician: $420
Overtime labor for Sunday tent removal: $400
FLOWERS
Total expense: $38,000
PERSONNEL
Total expense: $8,700 (including chef, waiters, coat check, bartenders)
EQUIPMENT
Total expense: $8,500 (including tables, china, glassware, linens)
LIGHTING
Total expense: $6,000
HIGH-END TRAILER WITH TWO RESTROOMS
Total expense: $1,800
POWER GENERATOR
Total expense: $900
Source: Washington Post