In last week's post, we provided you with ranges for catering contracts that we're seeing in the Baltimore/Harford County areas.  We listed $25-$120 per person being the average cost.  For a wedding of 130 guests, that range is from $3,250-$15,600, not including tax and gratuity.  Huge range, right?  Well, more often we see costs between $60 and $90 a person.  With that said, we often have couples on a budget who come to us and say, "I have a friend who got their caterer for $18 a person!  So, I don't understand why I'm getting quotes for $75 a person!"  And this is what we say to that couple....

"WHAT IS INCLUDED?"

For example, a bride may get a quote for $18 a person, but by the time you add the $30 per person for open bar, the $7 per person cake and $3500 room rental fee, you're not getting any more than a bride who is offered $70 a person for food, bar and rental fee included or $75 a person that includes the cake!

So, moral of the story- be sure to include the following when comparing catering proposals:

-Room/Venue Rental Fees

-Tax: both food and beverage!

-Gratuities

-Menu Choices: including quality of food, amount of courses/options, any upcharges for more than 1 option, number of hors d'oeuvres, dessert options

-Bar Options: limited or open, rail or premium

-Cake Cutting Fees

-Pouring/Corking Fees

-Travel Fees

-Service Fees: including bartenders, servers, carvers, shuckers, event managers etc.

-Cook Truck Fees

-Presentation of Food/Bar:  signature drink display, food and drink display and presentation options

-Decor:  including table linen options, charger plates, chair styles, napkins, tables, stemware, china, flatware, lighting, furniture and draping

-Type of Dinner: seated, buffet or stations?

-Level of Waitstaff:  uniform, professionalism, experience

-Bonus Options: overnight suite stay for bride/groom, valet parking, shuttle services, cake included, any music included, complimentary use of any technologies or extra spaces

-INSURANCE!!:  Be sure to inquire if you will need to purchase insurance and if your caterer has insurance.  Being liable is not worth a sub-par caterer for a cheap price.

-CONVENIENCE:  This is one that is highly undervalued.  You do not want to have to pick up your food from a local restaurant and hire wait staff.  You also may not want to have to worry about how much liquor to purchase.  Sometimes hiring someone to do it is worth your peace of mind and stress free experience.

And, most importantly, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CONTRACT! This contract is absolutely vital to the success of your wedding and is for your (and their!) protection.  Read over it carefully before you sign and make sure everything discussed is included.

We find that the discrepency most couples have in the planning process is understanding how much things cost and what they're getting for their money.  Today, we're going to focus on what we're seeing in the Harford County and Baltimore areas.  We're going to give you ranges for each category to help you plan your wedding budget.  It's important to understand that these are relative to the vendor's location, skill and reputation.  While there are times when costs can be lower, there are more times that the price can be higher.  This post should be especially helpful because it provides you a blueprint for minimums.  If a vendor is offering you a price lower than outlined below, you should seriously consider their skill level, their insurance coverage and client reviews.  We've based these estimates on weddings attended by approximately 130 guests.

Venue Rental: $500-$5000

Church/Officiant Donations: $300-$1000

     -These numbers indicate the total, usually these are two separate transactions

Food/Beverage: $25/person-$120/person

Wedding Gown: $700-$5000

     -The average bride in our boutique spends about $1500

Accessories: $300-$1000

     -Including veil, jewelry and shoes

Tux Rentals: $100-$200

     -Grooms will often recieve theirs for free

DJ: $600-$1500

Band: $3000-$8000

Photographer: $1000-$5000

Flowers: $1200-$3500

Furniture Rentals: $500-$5000

    -This is depending on how many groupings, bars etc.

Lighting: $1000+

Draping: $1300+

Hair & Makeup: $175+

Stationery: $500+

    -This is including invitations, menu cards, programs, place cards

Wedding Planner: 12-15% of your budget or $1500-$4000

    -This is based on full planning options

Gifts for Bridal Party/Family: $250-$500

    -This is depending on how many parents/attendants

Favors: $130- $650

    -Many couples are omitting this

We hope you find this helpful!  What price ranges are you seeing your area?