New York City is an iconic place for celebrations. Some of the most well-known and most-watched events take place in the Big Apple. If you’re planning a wedding in the city, you can expect a luxurious and exclusive celebration. The quality of service is sure to be amazing, and the entertainment options are top-notch. The dazzling venues and science views make for stunning backdrops that you and your guests are sure to remember.
Of course, it’s important to consider your budget and average NYC wedding costs. If you want to have your wedding in NYC, you can expect higher prices but also an incredible celebration you’ll never forget. Here’s what you need to know about having your big day in the Big Apple.
Nearly everything in the Big Apple has a higher price tag than you’d find in other locations across the country, and weddings are no exception. According to The Knot, NYC weddings typically range from $32,380 to $101,190, with the average wedding cost in New York City being $75,005. The venue location typically plays a large part in affecting the cost. A wedding in Manhattan tends to have higher costs, coming in around $87,700 on average. Alternatively, outer borough celebrations average closer to the $60,000 mark.
For most couples, the venue tends to be one of, if not the, highest expense for a wedding. In New York City, venue location is a significant price contributor. The national average for wedding venue costs is $12,200, but in NYC, that price nearly doubles, reaching $25,000 to $30,000 on average.
Accessing venues tends to be more challenging in this city because space is limited, and demand is higher. This means the space that is available comes at a premium price. For example, the historic estates and vineyards of Long Island tend to have much higher prices than the rustic scenes of upstate New York. Couples may also need to book longer in advance than other areas of the country to get bookings at their preferred venues.
Catering has a smaller price margin, ranging from about $17,000 to $20,000 across Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Several elements impact catering costs. For example, plated dinners are generally more expensive than buffet-style dinners because they often require more staff and hands-on services. The guest count will also greatly impact catering costs, as most couples pay per person for everyone to eat. New York caterers also face a unique challenge with kitchen availability. Many New York event venues do not have traditional kitchen equipment, so caterers have to build out kitchens or find other ways to prepare and serve quality food in a timely manner.
Another contributing factor to New York’s high price tag is operating expenses. Business owners tend to have more expenses, which increases prices for everything else. The parking is also a unique problem in this city. Loading and parking spaces are often hard to come by, making it more challenging for rental companies and service providers to deliver and load goods for a wedding. Often, these challenges will translate to higher labor or delivery fees to ensure a business employs the necessary hands to complete the job on time.
It’s important to find the right photographer for your wedding. A professional with a consistent style that matches the vibe you’re going for is the best way to ensure you will be satisfied with the photo and video results. You also need to trust that your photographer will capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments you want to remember forever. These factors and several other elements greatly impact photography totals. Prices vary greatly by hourly coverage, travel fees, the specific services you choose and more. Additionally, if you’re looking to book a well-known NYC photographer, you can expect to pay a premium price.
Entertainment is a big choice, since the style you choose can drastically impact the tone of the night. DJs and live bands often have very different price ranges, so it’s important to consider which style matches your personality and vision. Manhattan DJs average just above $3,000, while DJs in outer boroughs come in around $2,700. Live bands average $9,530, with Manhattan bands reaching above $11,000 and outer boroughs averaging $7,600. These estimates account for all types of musicians, including specialty instrumentalists.
Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and consideration, so it’s normal to have some additional questions. Take a look at these FAQs to get a deeper feel for NYC celebrations:
High demand and limited availability drive NYC wedding costs. The overall cost of doing business in New York is expensive, which translates to higher labor, service and delivery fees for couples. Logistical challenges like parking also contribute to higher spending.
The time of year you host your wedding plays a part in total spending. Peak wedding season in NYC is around September and October, with June also being a prime time for outdoor ceremonies. December, January and February are considered “off-peak” and the least in demand.
There are many ways to make your wedding more affordable. Your venue and guest count will have some of the largest impacts, so give careful consideration to who you invite and where you want to spend your big day. You can also find budget-friendly ways to decorate. For example, thrifting your decorations or crafting your own centerpieces and party favors can help you save money.
When talking with venues and vendors, it’s important to ask about all costs associated with your services. Pay close attention to hidden costs like service charges, overtime fees, insurance, additional staffing needs and delivery or travel fees. Always ask your vendors for a detailed breakdown of all potential fees.
Tipping should be appreciated but not expected. For many NYC vendors, tipping is customary. However, some contracts include automatic gratuities for entertainers, caterers, bartenders and delivery crews. Review each contract to avoid double tipping.
When planning your wedding and budgeting your costs, it’s important to prioritize the most crucial elements of your big day. The one area you don’t want to cut corners is your photographer and videographer. At Shutter and Sound, you can find flexible photography, videography and content creation packages and pricing to meet your budget while capturing all the essential moments. Contact us for more information!
