How Much Would Your Favorite Big-Screen Wedding Really Cost?

Once you get engaged, you start to see wedding movies in a whole new light (did they seriously invite 572 people to the Father of the Bride wedding?!). But no matter what your budget looks like, these on-screen nuptials will help you dream big as you plan your own special day.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 

Everyone in Toula’s family has an opinion (okay, many opinions) when it comes to planning this wedding, so the poor woman doesn’t even get to choose her own dress! Luckily, she and Ian seem to enjoy themselves all the same during the festivities.

The Look
Toula’s gown is similar to many Ysa Makino dresses, which sell for about $4,000 to $5,000 at Mon Amie Bridal Salon.

The Venue
The banquet hall usually makes their money off of food catering, so there wouldn’t be a venue rental fee on top of that, explains Birch.

The Décor
With today’s prices, it likely would cost about $3,000 to $5,000 for the church décor, estimates Varnavelias. On top of that, the centerpieces are probably about $50 to $75 each. We don’t know specifically how many people attended Toula and Ian’s wedding, but assuming there are at least 15 tables, that could be an extra $750 to $1,125. (Varnavelias also noted that the candle in the centerpiece likely wouldn’t be allowed in many venues because an open flame is against fire laws!)

The Food
Similar weddings in Chicago cost about $75 per person, says Birch. That includes a three-course meal, hors d’oeuvres, and a four-hour bar, meaning whoever was footing the bill spent at least $7,500 to $11,250.

The Bridesmaids
The light blue gowns might not have been Toula’s choice, but hopefully the eight bridesmaids liked them, as they cost about $350 each, adding up to a total of $2,800.

Total cost: $18,050 - $25,175

Next: The Vow

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