What no one tells you about why weddings cost more than any other event
If you’ve been to all different types of events - christenings, milestone birthdays, kids birthday parties - and weddings, you would be able to tell and feel the difference between being part of a wedding and other celebrations. As a wedding and event planner, I know that weddings are a special moment celebrated by close families, friends and other loved ones. As almost a once-in-a-lifetime or major milestone, weddings are usually extravagant. But have you ever wondered why weddings always come with a higher price tag than any other event?
Guest numbers
Have you noticed there is a larger guest list for weddings compared to private events? This is most evident with reception venues where catering is charged per person, resulting in an exponentially large bill. We would also see this with larger spaces, including having more chairs at a ceremony, arranging a greater number of bonbonnieres, decorations and entertainment to suit the guest list.
Photo by Danik Prihodko
2. Trickier logistics to handle
Events I have created involve flowers, balloons, backdrop, catering and even unique table setups. However, weddings require a lot more suppliers involved in creating an extravagant occasion, including extra decor, videographer and entertainment. Furthermore, with more intricate detail (especially with flowers), it comes with the price tag. Especially when you have an immense guest list, this means more people are required and orchestrated to prepare tables, chairs, cutlery, centrepieces; but this also ultimately requires a larger amount of time and effort to put the whole wedding together.
3. More time needed
For me as a wedding and event planner, I know that weddings usually involve at least 2 venues - 1 for ceremony and another for reception, even if some venues offer ceremony and reception packages under the same roof. It means more time is required to prepare for more than 1 venue space, including runthrough schedule, and creating floor plans - and also to be present for setting up on the day. It also means I am spending more time in general throughout the wedding planning process to create your wedding vision (all the way to the fine details) and sourcing suppliers to suit your vision.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
4. A lot more attention to detail is needed
Weddings are seen as glamorous and opulent. Because of this, it is normal to inflate the wedding budget by deciding on fine details, such as an elaborate floral arch, floral arrangements and runners, and crystal chandeliers to create a charming and luxurious wedding, which we normally do not see in birthdays and other private celebrations.
5. Extra cultural festivities and entertainment
Preparing for cultural festivities that are part of weddings can also make the wedding itself more pricey. As part of an Asian background, I know too that having a tea ceremony (from both sides of the family) on top of weddings can contribute towards a higher wedding budget - this includes hiring cultural outfits, as well as arranging tea sets, and having decorations in the bridal parents’ houses. We cannot forget cultural entertainment such as lion dancing!
Because of the intricacy, cultural importance and extra time spent in planning, weddings are more expensive than any other type of celebration. However, know that the price tag is not a reflection of the couple’s love and happiness. So it is good to be mindful when we charge differently between events and weddings!
Photo by Hong Son
If the thought of planning your own wedding, milestone or kids birthday, christening or any other events feel overwhelming and stressful, I can take the whole weight off your shoulders and guide you through the process (including budget breakdown!) so that you can enjoy yourself on the day!