An Example of how Ridiculous the Wedding Industry Can Be

We decided to forgo the “hiding in the bushes” expedition yesterday since, when an employee at that venue e-mailed me their pricing package, about four “hidden” costs were revealed.

Here’s an example of what it might cost to have a wedding there:

Venue ceremony fee (i.e. what it costs to have your ceremony on-site, which includes parking for 2 cars and the right to have your photographs taken): $700

Venue reception fee (i.e. what it costs to have your reception on-site, not including any rentals or food or anything): $600

Reception extras (includes SOCAN fee for dancing (?!) of $60, 5 hours of staff coverage at $35/hr): $175

Food at reception for minimum requirement of 75 guests, most reasonably priced buffet dinner for $42.95 per person: $3221.25

Open bar at $26 per person: $1950

Let’s see…so far that totals over six thousand dollars without tax. Are you getting the picture here? This doesn’t include a photographer, videographer, transportation, flowers, clothing for the bride or groom, gifts for our attendants, favours, a cake, tent rental (which we hear from friends can go as high as $10,000!), gratuities or taxes or any of the other stuff the industry is designed to convince every bride she cannot be married without!

Scenario B is in the works, and it won’t break the bank or leave us with a second mortgage. More to come on this as the situation develops. ha

Dad and Heather are hosting a family engagement party for Graham and I on October 1st. They are using the same caterer that they used for their wedding 8 years ago. This is convenient because it will give us a chance to try them out, you know, just in case we need a caterer later on…

Be Sociable, Share!

•