Hawaii Weddings Rank Among Priciest

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

By Sonia Isotov

According to national wedding budget information compiled by Get Married Media, a wedding magazine and online portal, Hawaii ranks among the priciest.

According to the survey conducted by Get Married Media, New York City topped out as the most expensive city for getting married with budgets averaging $24,771, and Hawaii followed other expensive regions in the rankings, such as Washington D.C. ($21,858), Northern New Jersey ($21,247), US Virgin Islands ($20,917) and Hawaii ($17,488).

States that averaged less expensive wedding budgets were West Virginia ($6,935), Oregon ($7,697), Utah ($7,852) and Montana ($8,059).

“Obviously, cost of living plays a huge role in couples’ wedding budgets,” says Karina Timmel, editor-in-chief of Get Married magazine, in a written statement released earlier this month. “In this weakened economy, it really pays to research and think not only outside-the-box, but possibly outside your immediate vicinity.”

“The survey is based on brides who register on the Get Married website and we are planning to do it again next year,” said Victoria Ellis, Marketing Specialist, Get Married Media.

Here are the details of Get Married Media survey results for Hawaii wedding budgets:

Average Budget: $17,488.21

Stationery
Invitations/Reply cards – $311.85
Calligrapher – $230.00
Other Stationery – $101.29

Wedding Rings
His Rings – $534.56
Her Rings – $1,503.30

Gifts
Attendant Gifts – $338.06
Guest welcome bag – $268.33
Guest wedding favor – $328.95
Parent gifts – $238.50

Transportation/Lodging
Bride/Groom hotel – $1,514.46
Guest shuttle/parking – $511.11
Limo/car rental – $583.15

Attire and Beauty
Gown and Alterations – $2,162.11
Headpiece/Veil – $113.35
Bride Accessories – $234.90
Hair & Makeup – $211.41
Pre-Wedding Pampering – $195.29
Groom’s Attire – $226.65
Groom’s Accessories – $111
Bridesmaids Shoes – $171.18

Ceremony
Ceremony Venue Fee – $1,766.68
Officiant Fee/Donation – $213.72
Ceremony Accessories/Decor – $439.56
Ceremony Musicians – $424.83
Bride’s Bouquet – $175.83
Bridesmaids Bouquets – $211.77
Groom/Groomsmen Flowers – $118.04
Flower Girl Flowers – $59.23
Other Boutonniere/Corsage – $123.85
Ceremony Site Flowers – $372.37
All Flowers – $814.48

Reception
Reception Venue/Rentals – $2,980.00
Food & Service – $3,987.87
Beverage/Bartenders – $945.50
Cake(s)/Cutting Fee – $537.43
Reception Decor/Flowers – $682.00
Reception Music – $874.38

Photography/Videography
Photographer – $1,577.44
Videographer – $1,338.47
Additional Prints/Videos – $365.00
Photo Booth – $591.67

Miscellaneous
Wedding Coordinator – $1,387.50
Rehearsal dinner – $782.81
Brunch – $447.25
Honeymoon – $2,828.57
Wedding License – $70.90
Entertainment – $1,155.29
Chairs – $550