Realistic Budget?

TravelMal3

Freaking out about budget.  After reading posts on budgets for weddings for 200+ guests, I have no idea how ours came to $50K for only 150-165 guests.  Seems high... I am only doing one realtively low key event (rehearsal dinner/cocktail) in addition to the wedding ceremony and reception.  My aunt is throwing another event, but that is not in the budget.  I am, however, counting clothes and jewelry (I think I will actually end up exceeding my budget in that regard).

Anyhow, do the following budgeted items seem realistic, low, or high?

Decorations (mandap and wedding decor plus reception decor for 150-165 guests or 15-16 tables) = $6000

DJ (5 hours for reception) = $2500

Photographer (entire day of wedding/reception and 3 hours on each of two prior days; three events in total) = $6000 (will probably have to compromise on quality of photographer, which I hate)

Thoughts?  Can anyone recommend an inexpensive but reliable and modern wedding/reception decor vendor in North New Jersey (Jersey City)?

Also, can anyone recommend a trendy restaurant in Jersey City/Hoboken/Lower Manhattan for a rehearsal dinner for 75-100 guests with a private space? 

Thanks a ton...

trueleo818

Hello! BellsNRings can probably help you!! I'll let her know

TravelMal3

Thanks

raangoli

Unfortunately, that seems on track. Weddings in NJ are expensive, and desi weddings are expensive in their own right.

What type of decor are you looking for? Our decorator, Event Decorators based out of Fairfield NJ were great and were under your budget.  We didn't anything grand, just something understated and traditional so they worked for us. I would recommend them if you're looking for something along those lines. Our venue, The Westin Governor Morris suggested them and my husband and I were very happy with how everything came out. 

http://www.alleventdecorators.com

I would definitely recommend our photographer, Sandeep Ingale of Bestphotog. He is a wonderful person and takes some breath taking photographs. His prices are really reasonable as well.

http://www.bestphotog.com

Desi DJs are quite pricey, but our DJ would probably fit your budget. Again, we loved them and so did our guests. We used The Dhol Xperience based out of Long Island. We had to pay their travel costs, but it was just their mileage, gas and tolls which were very reasonable.

http://dholxperience.com

Unfortunately, I don't really have any recommendations for venues in the area you're looking for, but Trueleo is right in that BellsNRings might have some suggestions for you.

Hope that helps!

rsmehta

Hi there!  A wedding budget (esp for an Indian wedding) has also been a tough challenge for me.  Things keep coming up and it quickly adds up.  After reviewing your prices and comparing to mine (the only experience I have) it seems like you are on target.  However, is your photographer also including videography?  $6000 seems a little high only for photography, even including other events.  But if this includes video, then it is def a good deal.  I know photographer range with pricing so if yours is $6000, I'm sure he/she is very experienced.  My photographer, including photo for 2 other events was $3000.  Not sure if that helps but just comparing.  I think decorations are on target price...

TravelMal3

Thanks Rangoli; Just contacted your decorator. 

And thanks all... for the reality check.  I guess the only thing we can do is cut where we can!  Cut cut cut.  Sucks!

bridetobeee

I completely understand how you feel. I had no clue weddings would be so expensive. Best advice- get married in India, seriously, way cheaper and you can have a platinum style wedding. Wish I did it.

These are some low end estimates I saw around but I am not sure of the quality...photography $3500, maybe you can get albums done online or in India if you have family there, videography is around $1200-$2000, not sure about decorations but to my surprise, mandaps are super pricey, catering halls are also very expensive. DO NOT be fooled by their base price, they will say $90/person, but they do not include the gratutity and tax, and gratutity is mandatory at about 18-20% at many venues, and tax can be 6-8%, so it all adds up quickly. Some places charge ceremony fees and charge you extra every hour you go over. Also, if you use outside catering, some venues may decrease the price but not by much, maybe about $20 off, but then, you have to get an outside caterer and pay that person. Some may charge more for liquor and may put limitations on what type of liquor and how long they will serve it.

Anyway, these are just some things that really add up fast. Shopping in India is great. You can find dresses that may cost $1200 here for about $400. You can buy invitations and favors in India to cut some costs there.

I am aiming for a budget similar to yours but with 300+ people, I doubt I will meet it
 : (

Pandya Photography

hey!

Don't cut your photography budget short! Find a photographer and just get photos on disc, and do albums later. Get the best photographer you can afford.

Getting a less qualified photographer and albums is really not a great idea, get the best you can afford at least that way whenver you do get an album it is filled with really great photos!

I am minutes from Jersey City, ther are tons of great places around here. Are you looking for something special for the rehearsal?

elsamichelle

I'm from Texas, but $6000 on decor seems pricey. I'm spending that much on a 50 table reception plus decor for the church. Photography can run that high, but you have to search for smaller companies with good talent (unless your adding videography too). I agree with the previous post. Do the album later. Just get the dvd for now.