r/WedditNYC

Image 1 — Wedding Budget Breakdown
Image 2 — Wedding Budget Breakdown

Wedding Budget Breakdown

Given that this group cut down so much time for me (during my extremely short planning period) I wanted to return the favor and share with you all my vendors, reviews, and cost!

My wedding came out to be around $40-42K for 75 people in Bushwick! Venue listed below but it was at Farm to People! Note that the prices listed below might change depending on the vendor! These were just the prices we paid/were quoted for.

Vendor Name Vendor Type Website Paid
Niara Hardister, NHE Wedidng Coordinator https://www.niarahardisterevents.com/ $2,400.00
Farm to People. 75 people Venue, Caterer, Bar, DJ https://farmtopeople.com/ $26,715.79
Katherine Miranda Photographer https://katherinemiranda.mypixieset.com/ $1,500.00
Sarah Zhang, VanillaBean Florals Florist https://www.vanillabeanflorals.com/ $945.00
Melanie, Ladybird Bakery Cake https://www.ladybirdbakery.com/ $610.00
Peter Yannello, Classic Checkered Cab Transportation https://www.filmcars.com/ $740.00
Digital Moments Content Creator https://www.digital-moments.com/ $1,000.00
Something borrowed - 2 Rented Flower Centerpieces Flowers https://somethingborrowedblooms.com/ $340.00
Truly Engaging Wedding invitations and seating chart https://www.trulyengaging.com/ $550.00
Additional Decorations Decor Amazon/Temu $867.00
Additional Flowers for bud vases Flowers Trader Joes $120.00
Jenny Yoo Wedding Dress https://www.jennyyoo.com/ $2,084.96
Sew In Love Alterations https://sewinloveny.com/ $1,400.00
Etsy Veil https://www.etsy.com/listing/4330164038/elegant-satin-trim-bridal-veil-classic?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ga_search_query=veil&ref=shop_items_search_2&frs=1&crt=1&logging_key=2c81ae67cc08f4be9e6ec3376b152eea67231784%3A4330164038 $233.00
TOTAL $39,505.75

Reviews

  1. Coordinator: Niara was AMAZING to work with. I wish I would have hired her for the entire planning process, but my planning process was around 4 months long :x. We had Niara's help/guidance 4 weeks leading up to the wedding and she jumped right into organizing the event, helped me with the seating chart, handled all vendor communication, and was just a life saver the day of the wedding. What I truly and deeply appreciated was that while she kept the schedule moving, she let me have time to myself and let me compose myself on multiple occasions.
  2. Venue: You cannot go wrong with having your wedding at Farm to People. The food is DELICIOUS, the drinks were not only amazing but the presentation of the drinks were amazing too. My package included: 3 passed around canapes, open bar with 2 special drinks (includes the cocktail hour), buffet dinner (entree, two sides, and a salad), sparking wine, coffee and tea service, late night bites (we got the sliders), cake cutting, DJ, and vendor meals all for ~$26K. We had 75 people at our wedding. I also loved that we were able to enjoy the outside area
  3. DJ: We opted into hiring the DJ that Farm to People has a partnership with. We didn't have the best experience with the DJ we chose (we interviewed two DJs with the company and unfortunately picked the wrong one). However, that doesn't mean that all DJs with this company are troublesome. The owner of the company was great to work with and was even open to hearing my feedback after the wedding was over. Because of that, I do not want to spread my negative experience online so please DM me with any questions.
  4. Photographer: Katherine is soo great to work with! We actually also used her services for our engagement pictures and they came out so amazing. I don't think I'm the most photogenic, but Katherine was able to capture such great moments that I still look back at now. Definitely recommend! We hired her for 6 hours.
  5. Florals: Sarah made my bouquet, 3 bridesmaid bouquets, 2 corsages, and 6 boutonnieres which were all breathtakingly beautiful!! I cannot recommend enough! She also stayed at the venue until all the pieces she made were with their rightful owner which was so incredibly helpful.
  6. Cake: The cake came out JUST like how we wanted and it was sooo incredibly delicious to the point where my guests had multiple pieces of cake. Needless to say, none of the cake was left over.
  7. Classic Cab: Peter was extremely communicative and super flexible with some last minute changes we had to make. Definitely recommend!
  8. Alterations: The owner of Sew in Love is sooo incredibly lovely as was the seamstress. They were super communicative and were able to work around my tight timeline (i was 6 months pregnant when I got married and had to wait until the last possible minute to make my final alterations).

If you're looking to lower your costs, here is what I would suggest:

  1. I would opt out of the car
  2. I would focus on getting fake flowers from Alibaba and/or Trader Joes (if you have time to put the flowers together yourself. This is very laborious work).
  3. I would buy a fake cake from Etsy and have a sheet cake in the back that gets passed around. You can even source this from a baker (doesn't have to be from a supermarket).
  4. I would collect quotes from different alteration shops to see which one is less costly ( I just did not have the time for this)

Overall tips

  • Look on FB marketplace for decorations and Temu
  • Hire a coordinator. I would say that a day of coordinator is not enough. There are so many moving pieces leading up to the wedding that you would want someone with you along the way
  • I would hire the photographer for the full day instead of just 6 hours. Again, the day goes by so fast and you just want to have all the pictures possible!
u/Round-Amount825 — 18 hours ago

Looking for photographer on Sept 1

Looking for a photographer for our City Clerk ceremony in Manhattan on Sept 1.

We’d love some photos during the ceremony and a few around the surrounding area afterward. A short video/film of the ceremony would be a great addition if possible.

We expect the whole thing to take around 30–60 minutes, definitely under an hour.

Budget is around $500, but we have a little flexibility depending on the package. Please DM me with your quote and portfolio.

Thank you!

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u/SpencerSawMeNaked — 1 day ago

ISO a clown for my wedding!

As title states, I'm looking for some good clown recommendations!

I would like to hire a clown that wears a red nose / dresses up as a traditional clown and can do face painting and maybe some other stuff like juggling, miming, some tricks and just overall have a good clownish time. Looking to hire this clown for an hour or two for my wedding on October 23rd. Ideally under $600 for a couple of hours.

I've looked online for clowns in NYC but have no idea how to tell if they're actually good so i've come to reddit looking for answers! Please send over any clowns you've hired that you've been happy with - no artsy comedy collective clowns/comedians.

If there are any other subreddits you think I should post this to, lmk!

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u/vanmoofbitch — 23 hours ago

Bacchus Bistro wedding: is a Spotify dance party too much to hope for?

Hello everyone! This sub has been essential for planning my wedding, happening this fall—so thank you in advance! My partner and I are getting married at Bacchus Bistro and we thought it was wonderful that they present the budget-friendly option of not hiring a DJ, and creating Spotify playlists that the staff manage instead. We have opted for no DJ, but do want to have the option of dancing. Our attitude towards dancing is that it’s a nice to have; we are focusing more on the meal and cozy conversations, and have arranged to do the hora in the back garden for a bit of fun, but dancing above and beyond that we can take or leave.

My question is: Is it unlikely to turn into a dance party unless we have a DJ? Has anyone been to or hosted weddings there that had dancing and no DJ? How successful was it? Was it clear that there was a dance floor and was the atmosphere inviting enough to dance without a DJ? I know this is very crowd dependent but would appreciate any perspectives you’re able to provide.

Thanks everyone! 🙏🏼

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u/Party_Friendship3604 — 18 hours ago
▲ 1 r/WedditNYC+1 crossposts

Hi ! Looking for a day of wedding planner who charges under $1200. Happy for any suggestions

Hi ! Looking for a day of wedding planner who charges under $1200. Happy for any suggestions. Located in Queens NYC but wedding will be in NJ. We are trying to do a small and intimate wedding but also want additional assistance.

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Any update on the city hall doors?

Just curious if anyone has seen the doors recently and could share a photo. We were hoping to have our ceremony in September or October!

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u/PossibleYogurt9779 — 1 day ago

Something for hair/makeup artists?

Hi everyone! I’m getting married in just under 3 weeks (yay!) and have a hair stylist and makeup artist I hired coming in from Jersey. They are coming into Brooklyn super early to do hair and makeup for myself and 3 others, and although I paid them travel fee and early morning start fee, I was wondering if it’s good practice to get them a little gift as well? Nothing huge but maybe a little something as an extra thank you to them. Is this normal? Am I way overthinking this?

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u/Agreeable-Walk1886 — 1 day ago

ISO Photographer for City Hall wedding (Thurs Aug 27)

Hi there - my fiance and I are looking for a photographer to take a few photos of our City Hall wedding and a few portraits afterwards.

Our wedding is booked for next Thursday, August 27th at 10:45am.

Hoping to keep budget around $400 give or take.

Open to any recommendations - thank you!

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u/flowermarket99 — 1 day ago

Khya Bridal appointment prep

I’m starting my wedding dress shopping journey this weekend & Khya is my first appointment. While confirming my appointment, they recommended I see a multi brand retailer (Mark Ingram, Lovely bride, etc) before. Most other places don’t have availability for that day or I’d have to go by myself this week.

I’m pretty confident in my body and have an idea of which silhouettes work for me and which don’t. At the same time, I want to make the most of my appointment and be efficient.

Has anyone gone straight to a designers showroom as their first stop? Did you feel like you missed out by not doing a multi brand retailer first Would love to hear your experiences!! Tysm in advance

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u/Simulator95 — 2 days ago
▲ 534 r/WedditNYC

PSA City Hall Photographers & Couples

You may have seen these types of photos floating around. I love them! BUT when I was in the security line, I heard the security guards talking about them. They mentioned photographers and couples doing the two following things:

(1) sitting on top of couches & putting their shoes on the couch

(1) sitting on the window's metal grates(?) behind the couches

And that some guy (sorry, didn't hear who but I assume in charge of this City Hall) did not like it and they were considering banning photographers from entering because of it, and how, quote, "He would really do it too!"

They did not know I was a photographer because my gear was in my bag. Might just be chatter but I thought it would be good to let everyone know! I do not know how this could be implemented or how serious it was, but maybe we can avoid doing this as it was several staff talking about it.

* Disclaimer: this is not to shame anyone who has done this, just to consider avoiding it before it becomes a big issue!

u/viellistudio — 3 days ago

Beware Guastavino’s “private” garden

I’m not having my wedding there so I don’t have firsthand knowledge, but I saw this video from a creator who is opening a lawsuit over their “private” garden, which is actually public city land they do not lease and have been illegally charging for. He seems to have a really legit claim.

Now that people are aware of the issue, with the viral nature of the internet, I wonder if it’ll lead to bigger issues for Guastavino’s. Just wondering if anyone else has seen this, or was someone who was charged extra for to have their wedding have garden access? If it were my venue I’d wanna know…

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u/HotPotatoWJazzHands — 2 days ago

ISO MUA for 9/17 Manhattan elopement!

I'm looking for a natural to "mild" glam look for my 9/17 elopement, +/- makeup for my mother and MIL!

We will be getting ready on the UES for an afternoon ceremony. No hair services needed (using my usual stylist).

Budget somewhat flexible but not wanting to spend more than $1000 or so in total, not including the cost of a bridal trial. Recommendations appreciated, vendors welcome if you have availability that day please link your portfolio :)

u/Level_Economy_4162 — 1 day ago

Question about obtaining Marriage License

Hi Everyone!!

My fiance and I will be starting the marriage license process very soon, and I was curious to know if we need to bring a witness the day we go into the clerk's office to obtain our license, or if a witness is only needed the day we come in for the marriage ceremony? Thank you for your time and help in advance! :)

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u/Puzzled-Constant5134 — 2 days ago

ISO nyc wedding photographer!

Looking for a wedding photographer for our intimate ~50-person Manhattan wedding, May 14 2027! Budget is $3,500–$5,000 for approximately 6 hours.
We love a moody, warm, vintage-inspired look with a mix of candid/movement shots and polished portraits. Must have solid wedding experience and be confident posing couples, families, and groups :)

If you have someone you used and loved please share!

If you are a photographer, please share your website/Instagram, pricing, and any low-light indoor wedding galleries!

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u/Traditional_Time7385 — 3 days ago

Looking for private event space for cocktail style reception

My fiancé and I are searching for cocktail bars, bars, private rooms in restaurants in Manhattan (open to any areas, especially UES) that can accommodate around 100 people for a cocktail-style reception with an open bar and food platters (we’re not having a seated dinner). The event is scheduled for a Sunday in early May from 3 to 6 p.m. (the duration may be extended depending on the price). We’re looking for a venue that costs around $8,000-$9,000. We’ve reached out to tons of places and have found a few within that price point, but it’s not exactly what we’re looking for… any reccs would be appreciated!!

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u/Suitable-Distance647 — 2 days ago

ISO Photographers with Hotel Chelsea Experience

Hello! I am looking for a photographer around 3k on February 6, 2027 at the Hotel Chelsea.

Hoping for someone familiar with shooting a small intimate wedding at Hotel Chelsea. Prior experience and relationships with the venue will allow for a smoother, better, and more efficient process. I prefer more of a documentary vintage style, capturing the actual emotions of the day. Digital and film options would be great!

We are only doing a ceremony and 3 hour cocktail style event for 25-30 people.

I appreciate any and all recommendations. Thanks!

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u/DeepSatin69 — 2 days ago

Looking for an engagement photographer!

My fiancé and I are hoping to take engagement photos with someone who does really vibrant and true to color photos and candids - ideally keeping it around $500 but the budget is a bit flexible! Open to any and all ideas - wanting to take pictures in Manhatttan/Gramercy.

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u/Unfair-Budget-9211 — 3 days ago

ISO Portuguese-speaking photog for courthouse ceremony

Oi Reddit! My partner and I are considering a Brooklyn Borough Hall wedding this October and we’d like to hire a bilingual photographer for a half-day, including during the ceremony if the officiant allows photos.

Ideally, this person has previously shot at the courthouse and would be able to switch between Portuguese/English when directing our parents. If this sounds like you, I’d love to see your work and get in touch once the date is set. Obrigada!

Date: Weekday in mid-October (TBD once ceremony schedule opens)
Location: Brooklyn Borough Hall
Budget: $3k

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u/MoneypennySaved — 2 days ago

Getting Ready Place

Looking for a getting ready place for my wedding in Williamsburg in June 2027. Reached out to book codas penthouse suite which I love but they’re booked :(. Any other suggestions? Arlo looks great but worried it’ll be too small for about 8 girls. William Vale garden residence looks beautiful but for 9k a night is crazy. Thank you in advance for your help!

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u/Pretty_Public_8875 — 3 days ago