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?

1. Make an Entrance: The entrance is one of the most important elements of the wedding.  Have a team available to greet them by name, hand them a glass of champagne, and take their coat.  Roll out the red carpet treatment and offer aphoto opportunity before they enter the reception.
2. Lighting:  Lighting is single handedly the greatest way to transform a space.  Have your lighting designer wash the room in color and use additional uplights in another shade to add depth.  Use gobos (it’s kind of like a projection!) of design elements such as branches to create an enchanted forest feel or your monogram to mark the dance floor.
3. Different table shapes:  The traditional round table will no longer do.  Guests love the intimacy of long banquet tables with florals flooding down the center and the visual interest that a mix of square and round tables can bring.
4. Serve something other than champagne:  Make the Bride’s signature drink a bubbly concoction that can be used for toasting.  Call on a professional mixologist to help you come up with the perfect blend to accompany champagne.
5. Approach each room as a chapter in a story, with the reception being the finale:  Let each room surprise them.  Work with an event designer (ahem!) to help you come up with a cohesive design concept that will flow from room to room, wowing them over and over again.
6. Don’t overlook the food:  People love food.  They have an emotional connection to it.  Serve your guests warm butternut squash soup to mirror your love of fall or set up a sushi station if you love to travel.  
7. Think full transformation:  The modern wedding doesn’t stop at gorgeous centerpieces and great music.  Create a space with lighting, draping, furniture rentals, standing arrangements, a custom dance floor and specialty chairs.  
8. Ditch the linens:  No, but seriously....  choose farm tables for a rustic feel, mirrored tables for a glam feel or a glass top sitting on cylinder vases for a modern, sleek look.
9. Take decor to new heights:  Don’t forget the ceiling!  Whether you hang florals, crystal curtains, chandeliers or hundreds of votive candles, taking the decor to new heights adds a dimension that will certainly get your guests talking.  If you’re looking for a less expensive option, try colorful floor length fabric panels or satin ribbons.
10. An unforgettable exit: confetti canon.  Enough said.