Expectations Vs.
Reality
So the Journey Begins
The beginning of planning your wedding has begun, the joy, the excitement, and the reality of how many vendors and details are involved. A great place to start though, is to talk about money and develop a budget. It will help as you start this journey, as you inquire with different vendors or work with a planner. A budget can be like bumpers at a bowling alley, they will help you stay on track and get you to your goal without too much stress.
Below we have put together what you can expect to budget for if you are choosing to get married in the beautiful wine country of Northern California. Whether you are born and raised here or you are seeking the stunning backdrop of grapes or a coastal barn, we are going to lay out the reality of what it costs. Not to scare you but to bring awareness, walking into the journey of planning a wedding with the reality is a far better place to start than underestimating and getting frustrated as your budget goes out the window!
The information that we are providing you is sourced from different sources such as Junebug Weddings to provide stats posted on Nov. 2023, these polls were what couples anticipated they would need to put aside for each area that they desired for their wedding day. We have added to these stats as we found that some of the categories did not accurately represent the area that we service, these areas will include florals as well as venues. Otherwise, we found that the information that they provided, felt accurate.
We hope that this helps you as you start the journey of planning your wedding. And if it is in your budget to hire a wedding planner, highly recommend it, they are well-versed in their specialty and are your advocate through out the process and journey of planning on top of making the ease of creating the vision of your wedding into a reality!
Wedding Venue
Expectation: $8 -10K
Average: $12 - 30K
Wedding Venues vary from location to location but on average a standard venue in Sonoma or Napa County will run from $12 - 30K. Ask your venue about catering and any rentals that they may provide, not every venue provides these accommodations.
floral Design
Expectation: $3 - 5K
Average: $10 -30K
Floral Design and services also will vary, for Gather & Kin, a full-service floral company we collect and provide a floral vision for your wedding, a design deck, take care of executing floral design, delivering and designing ceremony as well as reception, providing candles and coming back at the evening to retrieve florals - we estimate min $10K
Wedding Attire
Expectation: $1 - 3K
Average: $3 - 5K
Your attire for your wedding day is personal, it is an aesthetic all its own. From your wedding gown, shoes, and jewelry. They are personal touches that add to the beauty and elegancy of your wedding day. And for the groom, the rentals and any additional accessories, cost estimate very similar to what was expected from couples.
Wedding Planner
Expectation: $1,500 - 3K
Average: $6 - 10K
I cannot advocate more than I already do how much I love and believe hiring a wedding planner is. Whether it is a month out or from the beginning to the end, hiring a planner can be one of the best ways to relieve any stress or worry as you begin the journey of planning your wedding. They will help you stay on budget as well as help execute your vision.
Wedding Invitations
Expectation: $100 - 300
Average: $300 - 700
Wedding invitations give your guests a glimpse of what you are planning for your wedding and attached to that invite will be important information about your wedding day. Depending on the intricacy of your wedding invitation, pricing will vary as more detail, try of paper and accessories will add to the overall cost.
Photography + Video
Expectation: $3K
Average: $3 - 4k
From couples across the board, I always hear them say how quickly the evening went and in a blink of an eye, the whim and frenzy of the day comes to an end. So, it is up to the talent and skill of your photographer and or videographer to capture your wedding day. Find the photographer that you connect with and once you have seen their gallery; resonating with how they capture moments - you will be sure that your wedding day will be something you will enjoy looking back on for ages to come..
Band + DJ
Expectation: $1 - 2K
Average: $1 - 2K
From walking down the aisle to dancing the night away, music sets the tone and will fill the air of your wedding day. Whether choosing your band or Dj, it all depends on the importance of where it lands on your list of must-haves, it can be an area that you can shop around.
Catering
Expectation: $ 2 - 4k
Average: $4 - 8k
There are many amazing catering companies here in Sonoma and Napa County, and if you are a foodie and having a plated dinner for your guest you will have no shortage of options to choose from. There are also plenty of other cost-effective options when it comes to catering that will accommodate your budget such as changing the style of service.
Rentals
Expectation: $1 - 2K
Average: $1 - 3k
When you scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and you see a wedding that sparks inspiration, many of what you see there; tables, linens, plate ware, lighting - they are all. rented. With local rental companies right here in Sonoma and Napa, you will be sure to find what you are looking for as well as what will fit in your budget.
Planning: @2friendseventsca
Ceremony: @thehavenattomales
Photographer + video: @aubreelynnphoto
Florals: Gather & Kin
Band: @amswinecountry
Rentals:@heirloomeventsrentals
Dessert: @yoursweetexpectationsbakery
Hair + Make-up:@bridalmuah