New Orleans stands out as an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience, but how much does a New Orleans wedding cost? This city offers a unique blend of romance, history, and excitement that you will want your wedding to reflect. From exciting traditions to spectacular venue rentals, the price of a New Orleans wedding depends on numerous elements that make your wedding day magical and unforgettable.
Special Elements of a New Orleans Wedding
When you start budgeting for your wedding, the items that jump to mind probably include wedding attire, rings, a cake, and so on. However, when you’re planning a New Orleans wedding, there are special traditions that you may want to set aside some additional budget to include.
A New Orleans wedding is like no other. Incorporate special New Orleans traditions to make it a day you and your guests won’t forget:
Second-Line Parade: The musical heritage of New Orleans adds an unforgettable dimension to weddings. Lead your guests through the city while singing, dancing, and waving umbrellas or handkerchiefs. This lively tradition can be seen as symbolizing a couple’s journey into their new life together. With the upbeat sounds of a brass band, you’ll create an atmosphere of pure celebration. This might add quite a bit to your New Orleans wedding cost, but this authentic and fun tradition is well worth it.
Cake Pull: Your baker can help you with this tradition, in which you invite guests to select a ribbon from the wedding cake. Each one holds a charm that symbolizes their future fortunes in love and life.
Customized Go-Cups: Unlike most cities, New Orleans allows walking around with open containers of alcohol. Consider offering customized go-cups for your guests as a party favor! They can show off their cups at the reception and around the city.
For more New Orleans wedding day traditions to make your wedding extra special, check out our blog postl!
What Contributes to New Orleans Wedding Cost?
The size of the guest list has a significant impact on the overall expense of a wedding, dictating expenses across various aspects of the event. From the venue choice to catering arrangements and everything in between, each element scales by the number of attendees. Larger guest lists typically entail booking larger venues capable of accommodating the crowd comfortably, which may come with a higher price tag. Moreover, items such as invitations, furniture rentals, and favors can also result in additional costs as guest numbers increase. While intimate gatherings may offer more flexibility and cost-saving opportunities, larger weddings provide a grander atmosphere and ample opportunity for celebration. All that said, the average cost of an intimate New Orleans wedding with 50-100 guests is between $19,836 and $24,244, while a larger wedding with 200-300 guests may cost somewhere between $46,066 and $56,302.
Venue
New Orleans offers a captivating array of wedding venues. From historic landmarks like the Derbès Mansion to modern spaces like Race + Religious, the diversity of wedding venues in New Orleans offer couples an incredible array of choices. The cost of wedding venues in New Orleans can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, amenities, and time of year, but the average cost of a wedding venue in the state of Louisiana is around $12,000. Whether seeking intimate elegance or extravagance, indoor or outdoor options, there’s a venue to suit every couple’s vision and budget.
Decor and Design
The city’s wedding decor scene is as diverse as its culture, from lavish floral arrangements adorning historic venues to minimalist setups in warehouse spaces. Couples can choose from a wide range of vendors offering everything from classic centerpieces and intricate tablescapes to unique thematic elements. New Orleans provides endless opportunities for couples to personalize their wedding decor to reflect their individuality and create an unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests. Just know that you’ll need to set aside a fair amount of your budget if you want elaborate decor, and shop around for vendors accordingly.
Music and Entertainment
Music in New Orleans is synonymous with the city’s vibrant heritage, offering couples an unparalleled selection of options to elevate their special day. From traditional jazz music to soulful brass bands leading festive second-line parades, the city’s musical offerings add a unique flair to any celebration. Couples can choose from talented local musicians and DJs specializing in various genres, ensuring that there’s something to suit every taste and preference. The average cost for a DJ’s services in Louisiana is $100/hour, but a jazz band could run you over $800 per event. Regardless of your choice, New Orleans guarantees an unforgettable musical experience that will have guests celebrating in style.
Pricing The Catering for New Orleans Weddings
Catering is an important item when you’re calculating your New Orleans wedding cost. The size of the guest list plays a pivotal role in determining the catering cost of any wedding, as it directly impacts the quantity of food and beverages required to accommodate attendees. Luckily, Elysian Events Catering offers transparent pricing with buffet package options to make wedding planning seamless, as well as the option to obtain pricing for other styles of service. With no hidden fees, couples can trust that catering services will be delivered with professionalism. With years of experience catering weddings in New Orleans, we understand the intricacies of creating unforgettable celebrations infused with the city’s unique charm and hospitality. From the initial consultation to the last bite of dessert, our team works closely with each couple to understand their vision, preferences, and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Catering Questions
Beyond the cost of a New Orleans wedding, here are answers to some additional questions that may be on your mind as you’re making your wedding plans.
When is the ideal time to reach out to caterers for wedding arrangements?
It’s a good idea to reach out to caterers around a year before your event. This allows ample time to navigate through the necessary steps, such as menu planning, tastings, selecting bar options, arranging rentals, and more. Getting in contact early also provides the advantage of potential guidance from your caterer in other aspects of the planning process, such as choosing a reception venue.
Are you able to cater at our chosen venue, or are there limitations on where New Orleans wedding caterers operate?
We can cater at any venue that permits outside caterers. If the venue lacks a commercial kitchen, we may need to rent kitchen equipment. It’s wise to check with your venue about this, but we’re well-acquainted with numerous local venues and can provide recommendations if needed.
What dishes do you find are most popular among clients?
We take pride in showcasing and elevating New Orleans cuisine at every wedding. Among our most sought-after offerings are our miniature crab cakes, crawfish pies, and our Creole rice bar, an add-on station which features more New Orleans classics, like chicken & andouille gumbo with roasted okra.
Can New Orleans catering accommodate special dietary requirements?
Absolutely! We can cater to the dietary needs of you and your guests, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Simply inform us of any food sensitivities, allergies, or specific guest preferences, and we will let you know what we can do to accommodate them.
Choose Elysian Events Catering for Your Wedding
As couples tie the knot in the Big Easy, they can trust that their special day will be filled with joy, love, and the unique spirit of New Orleans. While weddings can undoubtedly be a significant financial investment, entrusting Elysian Events Catering promises to alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty associated with wedding catering. With our dedication to personalized service, culinary excellence, and unmatched professionalism, you can ensure that your wedding catering vision will be accomplished with precision and care. Get in touch with Elysian Events Catering by calling (504) 541-0091 to learn how we can make your wedding a spectacular event filled with food, fun, and memories to last a lifetime.
