The Average Cost of QCA Wedding Vendors
According to The Knot®, the average cost of a US wedding overall is about $34k. However, this number varies greatly by state or region. State averages range from $53k to $19k.
But what about us here in the QCA? We’re not firmly set in rural Iowa where the state average wedding budget is just over $22k, nor are we living in the burbs or big-city Chicago where that number jumps to almost $40k.
Let’s take a closer look—
First and foremost, averages are just that— AVERAGES. Some vendors may be higher and some lower. You won’t find a vendor that matches exactly the average given below.
Second— There are many variables that affect cost. Rustic/ barn venues are going to be more than hotels or event centers. Photographers and videographers have varying packages and hours. Every vendor has options/ add-ons to increase/ decrease your price.
Third— Vendor pricing tells you something about the service you’re investing in. Vendors who charge half as much (or less) than the average are a red flag. Chances are that they’re either new to the wedding scene, don’t provide a high level of service, or aren’t insured. Prices that are as much as two times the average also indicate something(s) about the vendor: they’re very experienced, in high demand, provide a unique experience, or offer an elite level of service.
Source: Survey of local QCA vendors and website data
So what if you don’t have $35k lying around to invest in your big day? Don’t fret. Instead PRIORITIZE.
What is most important to you— Food? Entertainment? Alcohol? Photography? Allocate more money to those areas and less to others.
Consider an off-season or Friday/ Sunday wedding. Many vendors will give discounts for these dates.
Watch for seasonal promotions. Black Friday/ Small Business Saturday and Valentine’s Day are good times to check for deals.
Which products/ services can you do without, do yourself, or ask a friend/ family member to help with?
Arrange for set-up/ tear-down to be done by friends/ family instead of paying for it.
Trim down your guest list. Less guests = lower cost. Cutting one table of guests may save as much $500 per table between linens, florals, favors, meals, and drinks.
Consider a backyard or farm for your ceremony/ reception.
We all know that we get what we pay for. That’s true from the price of steaks to make-up to a hotel stay to sneakers. Higher-priced vendors will provide a totally different experience than the value-priced ones. While every couple wishes they could have the very best vendors across the board, you need to be realistic about your budget and identify the areas you can splurge and areas you can trim for cost savings.
Also, keep in mind that this estimate is NOT all-inclusive. Pre-marriage parties and gifts, hotel rooms, and postage are among the many expenses not included here.
For more information on who traditionally pays for what, check out this resource.
We’re excited to be the Quad Cities region’s FIRST all-inclusive wedding blog and vendor directory! We are celebrating all things love in the QCA and helping couples plan their happily ever after!
Dream it. Plan it. Love it.
