The bad news: The average cost of a wedding has increased in the last few years.

The worse news: That price hike is expected to continue.

In 2016, the latest year for which data is available, The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.

The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.

Remember, however, that this is that national average. The average in Columbus, Ohio, for example, is $27,059, while the average in New York City is $82,299.  

The hefty price tag is attributed to couples’ desires for increasingly unique and personalized weddings that reflect their personal interests. This includes decor themed for a couple’s favorite movie,  food truck rentals and even ballet performances.

However, if you find these figures alarming, you need not worry. There are ways to host an inexpensive wedding (Check out our blog on the Dos and Don’ts of Decorating Your Wedding Venue for some ideas). Once you’ve determined your budget, here is the breakdown for how much you should spend at various vendors (based on the national averages for wedding and vendor costs):

• Average cost of venue: 45 percent of your budget
• Average cost of photographer/videographer: 15 percent of your budget
• Average cost of DJ: 10 percent of your budget
• Average cost of florist: 8 percent
• Average cost of dress: 4.5 percent of your budget
• Average cost of limousine: 2.5 percent
• Average cost of cake: 1.5 percent of your budget

The other 9 percent of your budget includes items such as invitations, favors, hair, makeup, tuxedo and other miscellaneous expenses.

For more information, contact SPE at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.

Drones are most often thought of in relation to the military or as a toy to fly around your backyard. However, these mini helicopters have become more popular in Cleveland wedding videography and photography because they capture breathtaking, creative views that are different than cameras on the ground.

This unique perspective is perfect for an outdoor wedding (drones have a hard time flying in tight quarters) and will provide a truly one-of-a-kind memory you can view over and over again.

Here are some other reasons why you should consider drone videography for your special day:

1. Drones captures extraordinary angles that traditional videography can’t. These tiny fliers provide stunning aerial views, documenting your venue in a big-picture way that is perfect post-setup before the guests arrive. You carefully chose your venue, and a drone ensures you capture the charm of the location. It also provides a 360-degree views of the ceremony, which is a great alternative to the stationary shot of you and your significant other standing in front of the officiant, and captures the mood and beauty of your exchange.
2. Drones are less invasive. We’ve all been to weddings where the videographer is in the way of our view of the bride and groom. His or her movements can also be distracting during the ceremony, as is the bulky equipment, when the focus should be on you. Drones also capture those camera-shy guests on the fringe of the ceremony or dance floor so you can see everyone who was in attendance.
3. Drones gives your wedding a sophisticated vibe. Hello, paparazzi! Your guests will feel like they’re at a celebrity wedding when they see you’re equipped with the trendiest technology.
4. The sound isn’t as loud as you think. There are ways to ensure the drone’s sound is not a distraction, including using it during musical interludes and operating it at a certain height and distance.

To learn more about drone videography at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.