How much does your wedding cost or how to calculate your budget?

The first days after you have decided on the date of the celebration have passed. You are ready to start preparing for the holiday. You are tormented by many questions, and most of all – the budget.

What expenses can't you live without, and what can you save on?

• Number of guests
• Wedding organization
• Celebration decoration
• Marriage registration
• Groom's dress and suit
• Makeup and hairstyle
• Banquet and show program
• Wedding procession
• Bachelorette and bachelor parties
• Wedding rings and wedding paraphernalia
• Total

Number of guests

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The first thing that influences the final price tag of the celebration is the number of guests. Make a detailed list of all guests by name. Do this with your fiancé in a calm environment. Together, divide your guests into groups and discuss the importance of inviting them:

• Close relatives
• Distant relatives
• Close friends
• Buddies
• Colleagues

When choosing guests, listen to your inner voice.
Forget about “I was at his/her wedding” or “he will be offended.” This is your wedding and your future husband, and it should be attended by those with whom you want to be close on this day. The average number of guests for a budget wedding is 20 people, for a medium wedding – 30-40, and for a luxury wedding – more than 50.

Wedding organization

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When the number of guests has been determined and the scale of the event is clear, you can start organizing the celebration. There are two options: organize it yourself with your friends, or turn to professionals.

Organizing the ceremony yourself is quite possible. Especially if you have enough time, know how to negotiate with people, and know what you want. As a result, you won’t spend a penny on wedding preparations! Not counting several sleepless nights, spending on mobile communications, travel and gatherings with friends during a brainstorming session. A small test to test your readiness to prepare a wedding yourself:

• Do you have free time
• More than 3 months before the wedding
• Your friends (sister, mother) will be happy to help you
• No more than 50 people are invited to the wedding

If you answered no to at least 1 question, think about working with a coordinator!
The wedding planner will act as a lifesaver.
He will not only advise on the appropriate style of dress, but will also supervise a thousand cases and prevent emergencies. How you spend the few months before the wedding and the celebration itself depends on his work. The cost of wedding agency services
is approximately 10% of the total wedding budget. However, it is not necessary to order a turnkey wedding. You can choose those services that you cannot handle on your own. Traditionally, the price of a comprehensive celebration organization includes:

• creating a holiday concept
• budgeting
• ordering decorations and decorations
• scheduling your wedding day
• search and book a venue
• organization of a show program
• ordering photo and videographers
• logistics organization

So, the budget for organizing a wedding: Economy:
0 rubles if you plan the event yourself.
Medium level:
10-15 thousand rubles – independent organization + participation of a wedding coordinator.
Maximum:
40-150 thousand rubles when ordering a turnkey wedding.

Abroad

A wedding abroad is a great way to combine travel and a ceremony that will remain a pleasant event in your memory.

France, Thailand, Great Britain, India, Maldives and some other countries do not register marriages of foreigners. You will have to rely only on an unofficial ceremony.

In general, to register a marriage, you need to pay a tax, write an application for registration, provide a foreign passport and sign. Obtaining an apostille guarantees the legal validity of the marriage certificate.

Countries where you can hold a beautiful ceremony in the summer, and the approximate cost of a celebration abroad (in rubles):

• Montenegro (Budva) – from 140,000;
• Cyprus (Larnaca) – from 170,000;
• Cuba – from 170,000;
• Czech Republic (Prague) – from 170,000;
• Sri Lanka (Bentota) – 190,000;
• Portugal (Lisbon) – 195,000;
• Seychelles (Grand Anse Praslin) – 220,000;
• Greece (Rhodes) – 240,000;
• Hungary (Budapest) – 245,000.

The prices include: hotel accommodation for the couple (10 days), flights, marriage registration and hall decoration, photographer services, etc. You can save money if you thoroughly study the registration rules in advance, book photographers and decorate the ceremony site yourself.

After receiving an apostille from a notary, it must be translated into Russian in Russia.

Interesting! The most expensive wedding in the world, worth $137,000,000, was celebrated in Dubai. The newlyweds, Princess Salama and Sheikh Rashid, invited 20,000 guests to their celebration.

Decor

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Wedding decor - details that will decorate your holiday. Even a modest celebration cannot be imagined without decorative details. This:

• wedding invitations
• the bride's bouquet
• boutonniere for the groom
• hall decoration

Every wedding has a wedding bouquet, boutonniere and at least simple invitations. You can save on decorating the hall. This includes table decor for the bride and groom, guest cards, seating plan, double bouquet*, souvenirs for guests, photo zone, wish table, glasses, candy bar** and other little things that will cost a pretty penny.

Main factors for increasing costs for registration

– fresh flowers and handmade items. If we are talking about a modest holiday, most of the details can be bought ready-made.

Thus, factory-made wedding invitations will cost 40-50 rubles/piece, and designer ones – from 110 rubles.
Arrangements of fresh flowers will cost from 2,500 rubles. Economy:
Bouquet, invitations, ikebana for the table of the bride and groom, boutonniere = 5000-6000 rubles.
Intermediate level:
Bouquet, double bouquet, decoration of key areas, invitations, seating cards, boutonniere, souvenirs for guests – 25,000-30,000 rubles.
(*subject to 40 guests) Maximum:
All wedding decor, including photo zone and candy bar - up to 300,000-400,000 rubles.

Marriage registration

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The state fee for registering a marriage is 350 rubles per person.

This is the minimum amount required to formalize the relationship.
That is, a wedding ceremony in one of the registry offices will cost only 700 rubles. Many couples refuse standard registration, preferring outdoor celebrations. You can choose any location for your dream wedding - a park, forest, coast or blooming garden. The ceremony is conducted by a person who acts as a registrar, and the bride and groom receive the certificate on another day. The cost of an outdoor ceremony includes the design of the venue, the services of a host, and transfer to the venue. Some newlyweds arrange a light buffet after the ceremony. Economy:
700 rubles – wedding ceremony in the registry office or Palace
Intermediate level:
Painting in the registry office – 700 rubles + venue design – 10,000 rubles + host services – 5,000 rubles + champagne and snacks for guests – 5,000. Total: 20,700 rubles.
Maximum:
Painting, decoration, host + buffet (500 RUR/person) = 35,000 (*taking into account 40 guests)

Approximate estimate for 50 people

All expenses taken into account above are entered into the table. Here's approximately how much a celebration for 50 people will cost:

Groom's dress and suit

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One of the most unpredictable expenses of a wedding celebration is the bride's outfit. On this day, you should be the center of attention.
Prices for dresses start from 5 thousand rubles for models from budget lines and can reach 15-20 thousand dollars. In addition to the dress, you need accessories. Traditionally, brides buy a garter, stockings, and shoes. Additionally - bracelets, earrings, veil, tiara, veil, gloves, fur coats. Wreaths made from fresh flowers are on trend. Their cost is 1000-1500 rubles. Economy:
Wedding dress – 5000 rubles + shoes – 1500 rubles, garter – 300 rubles, stockings – 500 rubles = 7200 rubles.
Intermediate level:
Wedding dress 30,000 rubles + shoes – 5,000 rubles, accessories – 10,000 rubles = 45,000 rubles.
Maximum:
Designer dress, shoes, accessories = from 80,000 to 1.5 million rubles.

The groom's suit can be purchased at a men's clothing store or made to order according to individual measurements.
You can choose a suit that your husband can then wear in everyday life (as opposed to a dress that we forever lock in the closet). Economy:
Suit, shirt, shoes and accessories – 10,000 rubles
Average level:
Suit, shirt, shoes and accessories – 20,000-25,000 rubles
Maximum:
Custom suit – from 50,000 rubles, designer shoes – from 20,000 rubles, accessories – 10,000 rubles = 80,000 rubles.

What can you save on?

You don't have to rent a luxury car at all. A beautifully decorated Nissan Murano or Toyota Corolla will give it worthy competition.

Wedding dresses can be rented. Not many people can afford to buy a chic wedding dress, but rental budget will allow it.

Restaurant expenses are an item that can be seriously cut. It’s better to do the decoration of the hall yourself, doing everything to your liking. A restaurant in the city center requires more expenses than the same establishment, but on the outskirts.

A weekday wedding day will reduce the wedding budget, since the payment increases on weekends. The season also affects wedding expenses: in warm weather, the banquet can be held outside.

Makeup and hairstyle

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You can’t do without hiring specialists to do your makeup and hair.
These could be top stylists, hairdressers or students of professional schools (they will only charge you for the cost of materials). Creating a wedding look includes rehearsal and services on the day of the event. Rehearsal is needed so that you are sure that both the master and the image suit you. On the day of the wedding, wedding hair and makeup can be done both in a beauty salon and at home. Economy:
Hair + makeup in an economy class beauty salon + manicure – 4500-5000 rubles (including rehearsal)

Average level:

Hair + makeup in a beauty salon + manicure – 9,000-10,000 rubles
Maximum:
Hair + makeup from a luxury salon + manicure – 12,500-15,000 rubles.

UAE – 12 million rubles

This is exactly the amount couples are willing to pay to get married in the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, as a rule, most of the expenses are paid by the groom's family. Experts say that such a high cost of a wedding in the UAE largely depends on social pressure. People try to live up to high social standards to avoid criticism from others, which could affect family honor.

Banquet and show program

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The venue for the unofficial part of the celebration can be an outdoor tent, a yacht, an estate or cottage, a country hotel, a banquet hall or a restaurant .

. Prices start from a few tens and reach hundreds of thousands of rubles. You can get together only with close friends and rent a country house. Its rent per day will be approximately 12,000-15,000 rubles, and for a banquet you will have to spend 15,000-20,000 for 15-20 people.

A banquet in a restaurant would also be an economical option. Some establishments allow you to bring your own alcohol

, having paid only the “cork fee”. Please clarify this point in advance when ordering a banquet.

More non-standard options for holding a holiday will require additional rental costs.
You can rent a cottage for 50,000 rubles, an old mansion - 300,000-400,000. This price does not include the banquet itself. Catering services are usually involved in its organization. Economy:
35,000 rubles – a banquet in a country house or an inexpensive cafe
Average level:
100,000 rubles – a restaurant or 120,000 rubles – a cottage
Maximum:
from 300,000 rubles to 1 million rubles.

You can refuse the show program if there are less than 20 guests at your wedding.
If it’s more, be sure to include these expenses in your budget so you don’t have to entertain your guests yourself! The host's fee (toastmaster) with normal jokes and fun competitions starts from 25,000 rubles. Additionally, you can order a DJ, a cover band, a magician, classical musicians, an animator for children, or invite a “star” presenter. Economy:
presenter + rental of musical equipment = 30,000-35,000 rubles
Average level:
presenter + rental of light/sound + DJ = 70,000 rubles
Maximum:
from 100,000 rubles

How to distribute money correctly

As a percentage, the distribution of the average wedding budget looks like this:

• banquet - feast and hall rental (41%);
• motorcade – 7%;
• wedding ceremony – 3%;
• video and photography – 11%;
• decoration – 9%;
• show program - 12%;
• technical support – 5%;
• clothing and accessories (candlesticks, cushions for rings, icons, towels, etc.) – 12%.

The indicated percentages do not include additional, unforeseen expenses, which may account for up to 10–20% of the total budget.

List of unforeseen expenses and the amount required for them (in rubles):

• ironing a wedding dress (500);
• cleaning the area after a banquet when it is held outdoors (600);
• delivery of a wedding bouquet and cake to the venue (200–300);
• evasion of the motorcade from a pre-agreed route with the company that owns the transport (from 300 to 1000);
• delay of musicians - at the end of the evening, not all guests may be ready to go home immediately (from 600);
• buying alcohol and snacks while walking (approximately 1000);
• if the banquet is planned to be held outside, then the whole celebration can be ruined by the weather. To prevent this, you should think about
• so that there is some money left to buy awnings, blankets, umbrellas and raincoats (2000);
• tips for waiters who will serve the banquet (1000-1800).

Photo and video shooting

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After the wedding you will have many impressions. However, during the holiday itself, you will be so excited about what is happening that you will not notice some moments. Plus, photographs are a great memory for your future children. To save money, you can order a photographer for just a few hours. The cost of services in St. Petersburg is 1,500-4,500 thousand rubles/hour.

The price includes shooting and photo processing.

full-day photographer The price will include shooting, photo processing, photo book, and creation of a walk plan. Book a photographer in advance. The most popular months - April, June-September - are scheduled in advance by good specialists. The delivery time for photographs ranges from 2-3 weeks to a year, depending on the season and the popularity of the photographer.

Economy

: 3,000 rubles / 2 hours of shooting
Average level:
1 photographer per day + photo book = 30,000 rubles

Maximum:

2 photographers per day + photo book + LoveStory = from 60,000 rubles

Videographer

You can also hire for the whole day or for a few hours, for example, solely for registration or for a walk.

Average cost – 2,000-4,500 rubles/hour, 30,000-60,000 rubles – all day.

This price includes shooting, creating a film without a duration limit, video editing and color grading.
If you are planning a large wedding, you may need the presence of 3-4 videographers and the use of additional equipment: a filming crane, a helicopter. Economy:
4000-5000 rubles/2 hours of shooting
Average level:
50,000 rubles – a shooting day
Maximum:
work of several operators with additional equipment all day – 100,000-120,000 rubles.

Car rental

Average prices for cars in St. Petersburg:

• limousine – 1100-1300 rub./hour
• retro car – 2000-2500 rub./hour
• convertible – 1000-1100 rub./hour
• foreign car – from 800 rub./hour

You can save money on guest transportation if you wish.
For example, if the ceremony is taking place near the banquet venue, you can arrange a walk with a photo shoot. If you still can’t avoid traveling by transport, hire a bus or minibus – 1,500 rubles. and 800 rub./hour respectively. Economy:
Car 1600 rubles + bus 1600 rubles = 3200 rubles
Average level:
Convertible (limousine) – 2600 rubles + 4 minibuses – 6000 rubles = 7600 rubles
Maximum:
Retro car or limousine – 5000 rubles + car for all guests 15,000 rubles = 20,000 rubles
*subject to rental for 2 hours (minimum period)

Bachelorette and bachelor parties

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Optional pre-wedding events include bachelorette and bachelor parties.

They don’t have to be held at all, or they can be held at home.
On a limited budget, organize a pajama party with your girlfriends and men's get-togethers with friends! If you are not limited in spending, a bachelor and bachelorette party can be held in a hundred different scenarios. Spa days, nightclub parties and limo rides are popular among girls. Analogues for men are karting, water racing, barbecues in nature, a nightclub. The most luxurious option is a weekend in Europe. Economy:
Home party – 3,000 rubles
Average level:
Spa/restaurant/club – 10,000 rubles + photographer – 2,000/hour
Maximum:
Tour of Europe – from 100,000 rubles.
*subject to 5 guests

Summary

For a wedding to be flawless, you need to prepare thoroughly, and a properly planned budget will be its basis. You shouldn’t skimp on a photographer, costumes or food, but you can decorate the hall yourself. Prices for a photographer, makeup artist, manicurist and stylist need to be carefully monitored in order to find a professional and not for an exorbitant fee.

Looking at the approximate estimate, you can clearly understand where you should spend more and where you should cut costs. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and feelings of guilt for foolishly spent money. Before planning a wedding abroad, it is important to find out all the nuances so that nothing spoils the celebration.

If a couple is limited in finances, it is best to find a middle ground between a luxurious wedding and an economical celebration, using some of the tips provided. The main thing is not to forget: happy newlyweds mean a perfectly executed wedding.

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Wedding rings and wedding paraphernalia

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Rings are traditionally chosen from gold (white/yellow), but you can also choose from silver. Additionally, newlyweds order the application of names or symbols. The cost of the products ranges from 2,000 rubles per pair (silver) or 12,000 (gold). Engraving will require + 500-1000 rubles.

Other expenses include:

• wedding dance lessons – 30,000-36,000 rubles
• towel, loaf – 2000 rubles
• Chinese lanterns – 300 RUR/piece
• fireworks – from 10,000 rubles
• decorative bottle of champagne – from 1500 rub.
• helium balloons – from RUB 1,500/10 pcs.

You will probably remember other wedding details that you would definitely like to see at your holiday.
Add them to your list so you don't forget! Economy:
Rings (silver) – 2,000 rubles
Average level:
Rings – 20,000 rubles + paraphernalia = 50,000 rubles
Maximum:
Rings – from 50,000 rubles + paraphernalia 50,000 rubles = from 90,000 rubles