The economics of a wedding at Chateau de Detilly
Whilst the wedding day is the dream day (especially for
the bride), the practical questions of budgets and money
come into focus.
According to two surveys done in 2005 for wedding/bridal
publications in the UK , the average cost of a wedding for
106 persons was £17249 in one survey; the other was for 101
guests £15700 (ie. £156 to £163 per person). These figures
do not include any accommodation.
At Detilly we have hosted over 40 weddings in the last
eight years, the largest being for 85 persons. Our
objective is to create an environment where the wedding
couple are able to spend quality time with their family and
friends, enjoying the planning, and yet not having to
agonize over whether it will work out on the day. Our
experienced staff will eliminate that worry so that the
couple are not restricted by the regulations of the venue
and the venues' wine list.
Below we have attempted to give an accurate price (based on
2009 figures) analysis for a wedding at Detilly. The
largest single cost item is the 7 day property rental,
which in high season is €12010*, i.e. £11224. When the
couple discuss issuing their invitations, it would be quite
normal to give those who may wish to join them at the
Chateau the choice of staying at a local hotel (at their
expense), or staying at the Chateau and contributing
towards the cost of rental.
* Based on exchange rates in October 2009
| The property rental per week in high season | €12010 |
|
27 people can sleep at the property
17 persons at €63/night |
€882/week /couple €441/person/week |
The owner makes a wedding supplement charge (dependent
upon the size of the group), to cover the supply of a
marquee (if required), tables, chairs, linens, glasses and
candelabra with 3 Chateau staff on the day to generally
assist. This saves the couple the expense of hiring
contractors to deliver and set up.
The variable costs of a wedding are:
Food
Caterers working at Detilly can
offer full wait service with a 6/8 course meal including
the wedding cake for around €85 per person.
A more popular choice has been less wait staff, an informal
buffet style meal or a BBQ at prices from €25 to €55
inclusive of wine and the wedding cake. Suggest settling
for €55 per person exclusive of wine
Wine
The Loire Valley has many excellent wines. A great project
for a couple would be to explore the possibilities. The
owner has a 15% discount arrangement (which goes direct to
the purchaser), at one of the best wineries that produces
the local ‘methode traditionalle’ (equivalent in taste to
champagne), white and red wine. Allow €15 per person; this
is nearly two bottles each.
Vicar/Priest
€300 to €400 depending upon the service.
Flowers
Have been as low as €60 for buttonholes only, and up to
€1000 for a grand display. Suggest €600 will give a good
display.
Wedding Organiser
Bilingual and good value for peace of mind. Minimum €375
for the first 5 hours thereafter €40 per hour.
Musicians
3 or 4 persons €300 for the service plus €100 for the
cocktail hour. Also €300 for an evening meal.
Hairdresser
€25 per person.
Disco
Singing DJ/cabaret €400 for the evening
Live pop group
€1000 for the evening
Mini bus for shuttling
€750 for one evening
These prices are only indicative; however, they are the
effective 2009 rates
Summary - based on 2009 prices
|
|
Euro |
Sterling |
|
Food and wine €70 per person x 100 |
€ 7000 |
£ 6542 |
|
Vicar + flowers + organizer |
€ 1650 |
£ 1542 |
|
Musicians and disco |
€ 800 |
£ 747 |
|
Sub Total |
€ 9450 |
£ 8831 |
|
Bridal couple lodging 1 week |
€ 888 |
£ 892 |
|
Property wedding supplement for 80+ |
€ 6315 |
£ 5901 |
|
Total |
€16653 |
£15563 |
This is about 50% of the average cost of a wedding in the
UK and the standard is very high at Detilly.
By cutting the cost of the food, wine, and flowers, about
€3500 (£3271) could be saved.
Not included in the cost analysis is the week's holiday in
grand style at a leisurely pace with the event being held
in total privacy.
We would recommend taking out an insurance policy to cover
the unexpected.
Finally to get a good idea of how your wedding day at
Detilly might be, there are two web links you can visit to
see for yourself.
www.studiocabrelli.com/blog/fr
01 megan-reed, password SKUPNY
Click Reportage Saumur
Sara and Guilliame
Password 7815