How Much Do NYC Weddings Cost?
If you’re considering celebrating your marriage in New York City, you’ve undoubtedly been told that it is one of the most expensive places in the United States to host your wedding. That’s why it is so important to understand the different costs associated with NYC weddings so you don’t end up committing to an event that will blow your budget. Read on to see our cost breakdown of what you can expect to spend on all things wedding-related and the average cost of a wedding in New York City.
Keep in mind that the season, day, and your guest count will all heavily impact your wedding costs. Choosing a Saturday wedding in October for 200 guests will cost significantly more than a 100-person wedding on a Friday in December. The below costs are general ranges you will see for a peak date for between 100-150 guests.
Venues
Raw Space Venue:
Raw spaces are venues that are essentially empty when you rent them out, sometimes rentals like tables and chairs are included. The initial venue cost is lower but you are responsible from renting everything else from linens to catering to alcohol. Expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on raw space venue rentals.
Full Service Venue:
Full service venues are spaces that provide rentals, catering, alcohol, linens, staffing, etc. all under one price tag. Though you might have sticker shock at the final number, it can sometimes be more cost efficient to go with a full service venue. Expect to spend between $50,000 and $90,000 on a full service venue.
Restaurants:
A more affordable venue option is to buy out a restaurant for the evening. These typically range from $25,000 to $40,000 for the buyout, which will include, food, alcohol, rentals, and the ceremony and reception spaces.
Additional Venue Costs
If you choose a raw space for your wedding, you’ll need to bring in everything yourself. Here are some ranges to expect for catering, alcohol, and rentals (tables, chairs, etc.)
Catering
If you need to bring in catering to your venue, expect to spend between $200 and $300 per person.
Alcohol
If you need to bring in alcohol to your venue, expect to spend between $50-100 per person.
Rentals
If you’re bringing in all the rentals to your space, expect to spend around $100 per person. If your venue provides some, this might be less.
Music
DJ
Most NYC DJs range from $3,000 to $5,000.
Band
You can find many talented NYC bands in the $15,000 to $20,000 range. Some bands also fall in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.
Strings
If you’re considering separate ceremony music, like a string duo or quartet, expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000.
Photo & Video
Photography
Expect to spend between $6,000 to $12,000 for a full day of coverage.
Videography
Expect to spend between $4,000 to $7,000 for adequate video coverage.
Decor
Florals
Florals costs will vary hugely depending on your venue and vision, but couples often spend between $7,000 and $20,000 on flowers.
Stationary
Including your save-the-dates, invitations, signage, and day-of stationary (menus, table numbers, programs, etc.), expect to spend between $2,000 and $3,000.
Lighting
If you’re adding lighting to your venue, like string lights, disco ball, etc., expect to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 for general lighting needs.
Planning
Full Planning
For a full-service planner, expect to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000+ depending on your budget and event scope.
Partial Planning
For a partial planner, expect to spend between $6,000 and $10,000.
Coordination
For wedding coordination, expect to spend between $4,000 and $6,000.
Miscellanous
Transportation
If you’re offering transportation for your guests, like shuttle busses to and from hotels, expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000.
Hotel Suites
If you’re planning on booking hotel suites for your wedding weekend for getting-ready the morning of and to stay in on wedding night, expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000.
Hair and Makeup
Bridal hair and makeup typically costs about $500 to $700, whereas additional non-bridal hair & makeup services cost between $300 and $500 each.
Start making a plan for your celebration! Contact us to discuss your ideas for your big day and the budget you’re looking at. We’ll work with you to find the right venue and vendors for your New York City wedding.
