Behind the Scenes: The Real Cost Part One

Long before I was a small business owner, I was a dreamer and a bride to be like many of you. And as a bride I remember tearing up magazine pages and saving them in a manila folder awaiting the much antipicated day that I could plan my own wedding.

Of course, back in the 90's the options were not as diverse yet there were still many wonderful and inspiring trends. Today, you can find inspiring wedding blogs for all budgets, all tastes. More so, there's enough eye candy out there that can confuse even the most focused of brides and grooms.

I applaud all the blogs and magazines - I have seen more beautiful designs this year then ever. As part of the industry, I look forward to doing shoots because it offers me the chance to stretch my creativity(who doesn't want to try and test out new designs?) Photo shoots are definitely fun, there's no secret about that. These shoots are meant to inspire brides and other industry owners. In some(I mean many) way(s), the photo spreads are more fantasy than reality. Frankly, the chance to do a spread is a license to stretch the imagination and many times budget is not a concern. (Trust me - It is definitely one of the best part of being an artist when I don't have the constraints of a budget). However, are we as an industry of artists setting up our clients for unrealistic expectations? Can even a DIY table design be more expensive then a traditional design? Are the details so hard to source? And finally, what is the true cost?

Liene of Think Splendid truly inspired me to dig deep. It's a reality check!

So....this week, I am taking a look at one table that I did for a publication a few years back. I'll do my best to give you the estimated costs. Since it's just one design, that wouldn't be fair so I'll do a couple of them. Just be patient with me as I try to price it all out. Also keep in mind that I'm in San Francisco so it might not be the same in your town or area. Give me also a little allowance for things that were bought from a retail store.

Table Design:

Wood Chiavari Chairs Rental (6 at $8.50) = $51.00

Specialty Linen Rental(1 at $37.50) = $37.50

Round Table Rental (1 at $10.00) = $10.00

Purple Glassware Rental, 3 glass per setting, 18 pieces(18 at $.85) = $15.30

Specialty Napkins Rental (6 at $1.55) =$9.30*

Asian Dinner Plate in lieu of Chargers Rental (6 at $1.25) = $7.50

Flatware Rental, 4 pieces per setting, 24 pieces(24 at $.50) = $12.00

Centerpiece(1 Orchid arrangement with dahlias, carnations, tulips, acrylic tubes and glass box at $250) = $250.00

Chair Corsages 2 per chair(6 at $10.00) = $60.00

Bamboo Canisters with single Orchid and moss favors (6 at $12.50) = $75.00

Designer Custom Menus (6 at $10.00) = $60.00**

Total Before Taxes and Delivery Fee = $587.60

*Hard to see but I folded them into a square with a pocket and inserted the menu into the folded napkin.

**Even harder to see, this designer menu was on thick paper with purple ink and beautiful asian details with a silk material backing.

The bottom line: Designer showcases for magazines might not always fit into your budget.

Photography by Kevin Chin