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How much will my Maine Wedding cost?


If you are planning to tie the knot in Maine, you might be wondering how much it will cost you. Maine is a beautiful state with many options for wedding venues, from rustic barns to elegant resorts. But how does it compare to other states in terms of wedding expenses?


According to a survey by The Knot, the average wedding cost in Maine in 2021 was $29,100. This is slightly below the national average of $30,000, and much lower than some of the most expensive states like New York and Rhode Island. However, this number can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your guest list, the season and day of your wedding, and the type of vendors you hire. We have clients that spend up to $30,000 in design with us (flowers, rentals, lighting and décor) so I have a hard time believing this number is accurate. From what we see the average number is $50,000 plus and that is cutting back on what may really be important to you. We are seeing more $80,000 to $150,000 budgets in Maine.


One of the biggest expenses for your Maine wedding will be the venue. The average venue cost in Maine is $8,300, which is about 28% of your total budget. If you are looking for a private estate, then plan on starting in the high $20,000 for a three day stay. You may fall in love with this venue or property, but we find that once you book you come to the harsh reality that you have now spent the biggest part of your budget on the venue, and you have nothing left for all the other major expenses. When looking at a venue look for properties that offer packages that include catering, rentals, and other services.

Another major expense for your Maine wedding will be catering. The average catering cost per person in Maine is $75 to $125, which means that for a 100-guest wedding, you will spend $7,500 to $12,500 on food. This does not include the 20% gratuity that will be built in nor does it include the sales tax and labor fees, prep fees etc. Oh and no it does not include alcohol. Plan on spending up to $55 to $70 per person on that as well with the same additional fees as the caterer will. If you select a caterer with bar service, then you save on some of the fees. You can reduce this cost by opting for a cocktail reception instead of a plated meal. If you do that, please do not do it during dinner hour. Your guest will leave hungry and upset. You can also limit the alcohol options or have a cash bar, but I always recommend open bar. I feel that if you are inviting someone to your special day then as a host you should host the event and make them feel like the guest that they are. If you can't afford the open Bar, then go for just beer and wine or wait another year and save up or go with a less expensive venue. or budget cut somewhere else. I always start with asking "what is the most important element to you for your special day?" Is it the decor, the music, the food? Then go from there.

Photography and videography are also important aspects of your Maine wedding. You will want to capture all the memories of your special day with high-quality images and videos. The average cost for photography and videography in Maine is $5,000 - $8,000, depending on the experience and style of your photographer and videographer. You can save money by booking them for fewer hours or choosing a smaller package.


Other expenses for your Maine wedding include florist ($5,000 plus. Our average is $8,000 to $15,000), wedding dress ($3,000 to $10,000), wedding planner ($5,000 to $12,000), entertainment ($2,000 to $6,000), rentals ($3000+), cake ($1500), hair and makeup ($1300), Lighting ($3,000 plus) and tuxedo rental ($150). Of course, these costs can vary depending on your preferences and needs.


As you can see, planning a Maine wedding is not cheap. I would suggest hiring a professional team like Laurie Andrews Design to help you with your budget. Maine offers many options for beautiful and unique weddings that won't break the bank. With some research and creativity, you can have your dream wedding in Maine without spending a fortune.

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