Special Sections

Conley Media | January 2018 | All Things Weddings 5 Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples can- not wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don't know what to expect — particu- larly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning advisor CostofWedding. com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most peo- ple spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples' preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their wed- dings and where they may need to cut costs. • RECEPTION SITE: According to The Knot, a premiere wedding planning re- source, couples can expect their recep- tions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception ven- ues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to four-hour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees. • CAKE: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390. • MUSIC: The Knot says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650. • WEDDING PLANNER: Many cou- ples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services. • TRANSPORTATION: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depend- ing on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise. • WEDDING GOWN: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants. • PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO: Pre- serving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain. The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa ser- vices, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for inciden- tal expenses that may pop up. WEDDING COSTS: What to expect Pioneer Creek Farm WEDDING/EVENT VENUE Reserve your date for your dream come true. Devonne O'Gorman • 262.751.1426 • devonne@pioneercreekfarm.com W4722 Superior Drive, Lomira, WI 53048 258864001 Where Rustic Meets Romance! Deer Haven Banquets Wedding Specialist teamed with Ka-Bobs Deer Haven Golf Club & Banquet Facilities Have your wedding on the course. Start to finish facility seats 225. Deer Haven Banquets New Berlin 258758001 19180 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin 262-408-0915 www.DeerHavenGolfClub.com Photo by John Ehlke

• Cover