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 30 weddings in the last four years, the largest being for 80 persons. Our objective is to create an environment where the wedding couple 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 couple are not restricted by the regulations of the venue and the venues' wine list.
Below we have attempted to give an accurate price (2006) analysis for a wedding at Detilly. The largest single cost item is the 7 day property rental, which in high season is €11310, ie.£7540. 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.
The property rental in high season is €11310
24 people can sleep at the property
5 couples sleep in superb rooms with large ensuite bathrooms. These have triple value over the twin bedded rooms.
Thus 5 couples at €222/night = €1554/week /couple
14 persons at €37/night - €259/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 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 €800 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 2006 rates
Summary
Food and wine €70 per person x 100 = €7000 (£4666)
Vicar+flowers +organizer = €1650 (£1100)
Musicians and disco = €800 (£532)
Sub total = €9450 (£6298)
Bridal couple lodging 1 week = €1554 (£1036)
Property wedding supplement for 80+ = €6010 (£4006)
Total = €17014 (£11340) (based upon 2006 prices)
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 (£2332) 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, go to www.wirewedding.shutterfly.com This is a pictoral record created by one of our past clients, or http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/27494316 where one of our 2007 brides has posted her photos.