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 |  | Low: $500-$2,500+ |  | Medium: $5,000-$10,000+ |  | High: $10,000-$50,000+ |
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Typical costs: | - The cost of an outdoor wedding depends on many of the same factors as an indoor wedding -- the number of guests, the size of the wedding party and the choice of the wedding dress ($200-$5,000+), groom's tuxedo or suit ($50-$1,500+), flowers ($700 average for a traditional wedding), wedding officiant or minister ($50-$400+), marriage license ($10-$100+) and more. A simple outdoor wedding can be less expensive than a traditional indoor wedding, but an elaborate outdoor wedding with many guests can be as expensive or cost even more than an indoor wedding because of the potential need to rent chairs, tables, tents, a dance floor, portable restrooms and more.
- A simple ceremony and reception in a private backyard, on private land owned by family or friends of the bride and groom or in a public park can start at $500-$2,500 (possibly with a "pot-luck" reception menu for the least expensive weddings) but can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on what is included. Renting chairs can cost $2-$8 or more per chair, and there may be a minimum charge of $50-$125 or more including delivery and set-up. A simple metal wedding arch that can be decorated with fabric and flowers can cost $20-$130 or more; a larger and sturdier wooden trellis or arbor typically costs $100-$400 or more; and renting a wedding arch can cost $35-$500, depending on size, materials and number of columns or posts. Renting an outdoor dance floor typically costs about $300 for 100 guests. Renting portable restrooms can range from $100-$175 for a standard non-flushing Porta-Potty, to $1,000-$4,500 for a deluxe restroom trailer with multiple stalls.
- A large outdoor wedding and catered reception with all the flourishes of a traditional indoor wedding -- multiple bridesmaids and groomsmen, live music, extensive floral arrangements, etc. -- at a hotel, resort or similar facility can cost $10,000-$50,000 or more, depending on what is included.
- An increasing number of couples are opting for a destination wedding, with the ceremony and the honeymoon slated for the same exotic locale. Destination weddings often feature an outdoor ceremony, and can cost $8,000-$40,000 or more, depending on the length of the couple's stay, what's included in the wedding, the number of guests and if the resort is all-inclusive (all meals and activities included in the lodging price).
Related articles: Beach Wedding, Destination Wedding, Wedding Chapel or Site, Wedding Reception Venue, Wedding Planner, Honeymoon
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What should be included: | - Have a backup plan in case it rains, plan for wind (tell the bride's hairstylist that it will be an outdoor ceremony) and make sure everyone will be able to hear the ceremony. Outdoor weddings can be beautiful and appealing, but they can also require thinking about every little detail and they don't always go smoothly. Examiner.com lists the pros and cons[1] of on outdoor wedding.
Additional costs: | - Most public parks require a permit for a wedding and reception, and fees vary from free to $25-$600 or more depending on local regulations, the length of time the park will be used, amenities available and whether that area is closed or open to the public during the wedding. For example, Audubon Park[2] in New Orleans has fees of $125-$550 per day for its three shelters with water and electricity. The city of Pacific Grove, CA, charges a $300 fee ($200 weekdays) for every two hours in its gazebo in tree-lined Jewell Park. And the permit fee for New York City's Central Park[3] is $400 for just a ceremony (receptions are prohibited) with no chairs, rugs, runners, tents or throwing of rice allowed.
- Hiring a wedding planner to coordinate the details can cost $1,500-$10,000 or more, depending on what's included, but averages about $2,600-$3,600.
- If the bride, groom and guests all live far from the outdoor wedding site, travel expenses will add to the total cost of the wedding. Actual expenses will vary significantly depending on the distance traveled and whether people are driving or flying.
Discounts: | - A local church, school, senior center or civic group may loan folding chairs, large vases or more in exchange for a small donation, which is typically cheaper than renting needed items. OutdoorWeddingGuide.com lists tips for saving money on an outdoor wedding.
Shopping for an outdoor wedding: | - TheKnot.com provides an outdoor wedding planning guide[4] and Brides magazine posts a photo gallery of outdoor wedding ideas[5] .
- Search for a wedding planner through the Association of Bridal Consultants[6] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Gina Santiago in North Pole, AK. | Posted: January 8th, 2020 03:01PM |
| Location of Wedding: North Pole Ak | Number of Guests: 25 |
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| Posted by: angelaaron in aiken, SC. | Posted: July 4th, 2014 03:07PM |
| Location of Wedding: outdoor | Number of Guests: 35 |
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External Resources: | - www.examiner.com/article/the-pros-and-cons-of-an-outdoor-wedding
- www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/audubon-park
- www.centralparknyc.org/visit/general-info/weddings/
- wedding.theknot.com/wedding-themes/outdoor-weddings/articles/outdoor-wedding-plann...
- www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/Venues/outdoor-wedding-venues/index/index_20110225
- www.bridalassn.com/mMemberListing.aspx
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