What Does an Average Wedding Cost in NC?
You’ve probably dreamt about all the fun aspects of your wedding. Now, you need to figure out how much those things will actually cost. The first step of wedding planning – before you can even pick a venue or planner – is to create your wedding budget.
The Average Cost of NC Weddings
Photographer: Fancy This Photography
You might read that the average cost for a wedding in North Carolina is just over $30,000. However, this number can be misleading when it comes to making a budget for your wedding. Remember that this average factors in the costs of all weddings in the area – including microweddings and elopements. This $30,000 estimate probably more accurately represents the cost of a reception for about 100 guests.
This average wedding budget estimate may also leave out costs for the rehearsal dinner, attire, accommodations and more. This means that the overall cost for most weddings in NC will be much higher, especially if you’re hiring a team of event professionals.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a tight budget or have the ability to spend more freely; a bit of organization and know-how can help you plan a beautiful wedding without running in to unexpected expenses. Start by deciding on a guest count and creating a list with your must-haves. Of course, it’s important to know whether your families will be helping to cover costs, or if you and your partner need to pay for the wedding yourselves.
Then, read our wedding budget breakdown below to find out what to expect based on the average wedding costs in NC.
Core Wedding Reception Costs
The tricky part is that no two weddings are the same. If you want to splurge on your fantasy florals, that cost may take up a larger portion of your wedding budget than it would for the average NC couple. So, keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust other portions of your budget to accommodate that choice.
Booking your venue needs to be a top priority after you get engaged. The type of venue and your wedding date will affect how your budget for the rest of your vendor team. Your venue, along with catering costs, will probably account for the largest chunk of your budget.
What’s the Average Cost for NC Wedding Venues?
North Carolina wedding venues vary quite a bit in cost. Venue rental fees average $7,500 in the Triangle area of North Carolina. But, your venue rental may cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000 or higher depending on popularity, location and time of year.
Plus, pay attention to what may be included with your venue fee, like party rentals, decor, food and beverage, overnight stays and more. All-inclusive venues range from $10,000 to as much as $30,000. This may seem like a steep venue fee, but remember that your budget may stretch much farther depending on what’s included with your booking.
Wedding Ceremony Costs in NC
Separate ceremony space or private chapel rental prices start around $2,000 and go up from there. The chapel rental fee typically depends on whether an officiant, musician and ceremony director are included. There are also more affordable outdoor options like city parks where you can get married in NC for less than $1,500.
Your venue and catering costs will make up the largest portions of your budget. These two items will probably account for 30% to 40%, or even up to half of your spending. This is essential to consider as you structure your wedding budget.
If you’re hiring a private professional to officiate your wedding, budget $500 to $1,000. Church ministers are given an offering that is a fair compensation for all hours spent in consultation and counseling.
If you choose an outdoor ceremony or reception venue, you might need to pay for a tent or other infrastructure. Tent prices depend on many variables, such as location, size, weather and decor. A full reception venue can be created inside a tent. Your tent can even be fitted with roll-up walls or windows, heating or cooling systems, special lighting, drapes and chandeliers.
Our local tent pros report that most couples are spending a minimum of $5,000 to $7,000 for tent builds, but keep in mind that adding all the bells and whistles can raise the cost to a price point similar to an indoor reception venue.
Ceremony and Reception Rental Expenses
Consider your ceremony rental needs. Does your venue have a beautiful fireplace or grove of trees that will serve as the backdrop of your vows, or do you need to rent an arch from a rental supplier?
Reception rental expenses vary depending on your style choices. Basic linens start at $23 each. You’ll pay significantly more for specialty pieces. Chairs are also available from rental suppliers. The two most common styles are folding chairs, which rent for $2.50 to $4.50 each, and Chiavari, which cost around $10 each. Other specialty chairs and lounge furniture costs will add to your budget for party rentals. China, glassware and flatware rent for about $0.65 per piece to $2. Chargers cost about $2 to $3 each. Keep in mind that you may need to pay fees for delivery of the rental pieces to your venue.
Wedding Food and Drink Costs in NC
Packages from our recommended NC caterers with appetizers and a seated meal will range from $65 to $135 per person. The base rate for catering jumps quickly when labor, gratuities and taxes are added in, so we recommended budgeting at least $75 per person. The most budget-friendly catering options are usually a buffet or cocktail-style reception.
Alcohol can vary greatly in price depending on the size of your event and the bar package you choose. Alcohol may be charged by consumption, in which case the costs depend on what you order (and how much your guests drink). A general rule of thumb is to budget one drink per person, per hour.
Another option, if your venue allows, is an open bar. This is priced by wedding guest and usually comes with tiers of alcohol you can choose from at different price points. A mid-tier liquor package costs about $5,000 for 100 guests. Packages vary greatly by venue if the bar package is included in your venue rental costs.
How to Budget for an NC Wedding Photographer
The average wedding costs in NC for a professional photographer range from $4,000 to $8,000. Luxury NC wedding photographers begin at $10,000. The cost will be on the higher end depending on the experience level of your photographer and the hours of coverage your package includes. Costs also rise when you add in extra sessions, albums and prints. We recommend budgeting another $1,500 to $2,000 for additional shoots and add-ons. Elopement packages cost less since these are usually shorter time frames than full weddings.
Wedding videography packages can vary between $4,000 to $7,000. Highly customized of multi-day packages can cost up to $12,000. Like luxury photographers, high-end videographers may cost $10,000 or more for a full wedding day. However, this is one NC wedding vendor you don’t want to skimp on. Your wedding film will be how your special day will be remembered and preserved. Therefore, we highly recommend that you factor videography costs into your overall wedding budget.
Photo booths have become a wedding standard. The average price ranges from $900 to $2,000; add-ons like custom keychains will cost more.
Average Wedding Attire Costs in NC
Of course, you’ll each need to set aside some of your wedding budget to cover the costs of your attire. Below, we’ll break down the costs for attire, from your wedding dress or formalwear to alterations, hair and makeup and how these costs factor into the average wedding costs in NC.
How Much to Budget for a Wedding Dress
Here in the South, wedding dresses can cost anywhere from $800 to $20,000. Bridal salons in NC with couture collections have an average price of about $3,500. Designer gowns that are not made to order are less expensive, closer to $2,000. Make sure you include gown alterations in your budget, too. Expect to pay about $600 for alterations.
Hair & Makeup: Reign Beauty | Photographer: Fancy This Photography
Suits and tuxedo rentals cost about $190. Custom suits require a larger budget and start around $1,500. Expect a discount for groups.
Wedding hair and makeup services will typically cost between $95 to $250 per person for wedding party members. Budget anywhere from $120 to $600 for celebrants, depending on if you want a trial run. You may have to add on transportation costs if you want your hair and makeup artists to come on-site, or if your venue is outside their complementary range of travel.
The Cost of Wedding Planning in NC
You should budget for wedding planning based on the level of service you need. Wedding planning costs can also vary based on the season your wedding is taking place, and the experience level of your planner.
Budget between $2,500 and $3,500 for month-of wedding coordination. Partial planning services range from $5,000 to $6,000 depending on the size and scale of your event.
Full-service wedding planning is usually charged as a flat fee. Many planners like to interview you about your wedding before giving a quote. You can expect to pay $6,000 to $14,000 for a full-service wedding planner in NC. This cost depends on the scale and specifics of your event. Some wedding planners charge a smaller flat fee plus a percentage of your final wedding budget. The idea behind this structure is that the planner is compensated as the work increases.
Your wedding planner can help you stick to your overall wedding budget, saving you money in the long run!
Average Costs for Wedding Flowers in NC
You should budget $3,500 to $7,000 for a full wedding package from most Triangle NC floral designers. This price would cover bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony flowers and reception centerpieces. But, many florists will work with a budget smaller or larger than this. A la carte flowers can be a more affordable option if you are trying to keep to a strict overall budget. Some high-end floral designers in North Carolina have minimum costs starting at $5,000.
The lush bouquets you see in bridal magazines would cost between $225 to $400, with bridesmaids bouquets from $90 to $165.
Our recommended florists are flexible when working with a smaller budget (within reason), and can create designs that have beautiful containers and votives, too. Simple bud vases should start at $20 and full table designs range from $65 to $250, depending on the size of the arrangement and the blooms you want.
Hidden Expenses You Shouldn’t Overlook When Budgeting for a Wedding
You’ve probably realized by now that your venue, catering, decor, photography and wedding planner will take up most of your overall wedding budget. But, there’s still several important vendors you’ll want to hire. Your entertainment, invites, transportation and desserts will probably account for at least 10% and up to 25% of your budget, depending on your choices.
How to Budget for Wedding Cakes and Desserts
Wedding cakes are generally priced by size (meaning how many guests they can serve). You’ll probably find our local NC bakeries charging $6 to $8 per slice. However, if you pick an intricate design with fondant, expect to pay more.
Cost varies for dessert bar items; two individual desserts will cost $5 to $9 per person.
Wedding Entertainment Costs in NC
Ceremony music should be part of your wedding budget. Live music can range between $500 and $750 for a soloist. For a duo, trio or ensemble, pricing starts around $2,000 and goes up from there. Keep in mind that adding more musicians or additional time will mean a higher cost.
Professional DJs run the gamut from $1,000 to $10,000, with most averaging $3,000.
Live bands typically cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on size and reputation.
Live painting can run anywhere from $3,000 to $9,000.
Average Cost of Wedding Stationery in NC
The average wedding costs in NC for wedding invitations varies based on what’s included and the level of customization. Some stationery designers have a minimum cost. Pricing varies greatly depending on the paper and detail options you pick, and the size of your wedding. If you pick higher end paper options, engraving and details like wax seals, these can raise costs as high as $6,000.
For 100 fully custom invitation suites, expect to pay between $2,000-$4,500. Semi-custom invitation suites start at $500 for 100 and can go up to $2,000. Fully custom day-of items cost about $500 to $3,000 for a wedding of the same size.
Wedding Transportation Costs in NC
Limousines and other specialty car rentals are stylish and part of the fun! Set aside $600 to rent a limousine for a four-hour period. For transportation of guests from the hotel to your wedding, or between the ceremony and the reception, a shuttle service is a great option. The cost for a five-hour time period is approximately $1,000.
