Exploring the total expenses of a wedding abroad involves examining numerous factors, such as the range of services available and their specifics in a particular destination. This article focuses on the costs and details involved in arranging wedding ceremonies in Georgia, a favored choice for weddings of various scales. We will explore service package options, typical expenditures, and practical advice for budgeting a memorable wedding experience.
Basic services and their price
Marriage registration in Georgia is known for its straightforward process and reasonable fees, attracting couples globally. Costs for registration vary based on the country of origin. For instance, residents of most European nations typically pay $490, inclusive of document translations and apostille. For countries not part of the Apostille Convention, consular legalization may be necessary, with fees varying (e.g., approximately $250 for the UAE).
- Beauty Services: Prices for makeup and hairstyling services range widely. At local salons, rates start at $125, while services at wedding venues can cost up to $550. Costs may increase outside major cities due to added transportation and accommodation expenses.
- Photography and Videography: Professional photography services in Tbilisi begin at $270 for 3 hours and can extend up to $1200 for top-tier photographers. Videographers offer packages starting at $540, covering meals and transportation.
- Floral Arrangements and Decor: Creating the right ambiance involves careful consideration of floral arrangements and decor. Prices for wedding bouquets range from $80 to $150, depending on flower choice and complexity. Decorations like arches and floral compositions cost approximately $500 in Tbilisi and $600 in Batumi, with premium options reaching $1740.
- Transportation: Renting transport is crucial for wedding logistics. Basic transfers in Tbilisi start at $100, while luxury or vintage cars may range from $270 to $430. For larger gatherings, such as mountain weddings, costs begin at $150 for basic transport and can go up to $520 for vintage vehicles.
- Wedding Receptions: Costs for wedding dinners vary based on venue and menu selection. A typical dinner for two ranges from $90 to $120. Larger events require additional expenses for venue rental, entertainment, and service, impacting the overall budget significantly.
- Wedding Cakes: Wedding cakes are available in various sizes and styles, starting from $105 for a cake serving 15 guests. Costs increase with size, decorations, and delivery logistics. For example, a cake for 50 guests can range from $290 to $440, including delivery.
Budget planning for a wedding in Georgia
Planning a wedding in Georgia can be an exciting and economically advantageous choice for many couples. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises and account for all expenses, several key aspects should be considered:
- Choice of service package: One of the most effective ways to manage your budget is to choose a wedding package. They often include various services such as decoration, photo and video shooting, makeup and hairstyling services, transfer, and more. Choose a package that suits your preferences and financial capabilities.
- Transport expenses: Consider expenses for transfers – from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the ceremony venue, and back. In Georgia, various transfer options are often offered, including luxury cars, bus rentals, or even vintage cars.
- Accommodation and meals: If your wedding will take place outside your city of residence, consider accommodation costs for both you and your guests. Georgia offers many accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels.
- Additional expenses: Don’t forget to consider additional expenses such as wedding bouquet and decor, wedding cake cost, organization of wedding dinner or banquet. These expenses can vary significantly depending on the services and suppliers you choose.
- Legal formalities: If you plan to officially register your marriage in Georgia, consider the need for documents, translations, notarizations, and other legal formalities. This can also affect the overall budget of your wedding.
Planning a wedding budget in Georgia requires attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to expenses. Based on these tips, you will be able to consider all important aspects and make your celebration in Georgia not only beautiful but also financially advantageous.
Ready-made wedding packages
The wedding agency “Shu Wedding” offers foreign couples ready solutions for an unforgettable wedding in Georgia. Our packages are designed for couples who want a wedding in Georgia for two or a lavish wedding ceremony by the lake, in the mountains, or at a winery. Prices for weddings in Georgia in 2024 are as follows:
- Small wedding – from $450
This package is intended for those planning to officially register their marriage in Tbilisi. It includes:
- Individual organization of marriage registration.
- Consultation and support of a wedding organizer.
- Passport translation and notarization.
- Filing an application for marriage registration.
- Provision of witnesses and a translator for the wedding ceremony.
- Translation into English and apostille of the marriage certificate within a short period.
- Modest wedding plus – from $525
This package is suitable for those needing legalization of the marriage certificate for use in another country. It includes:
- Individual organization of marriage registration.
- Consultation and support of a wedding organizer.
- Passport translation and notarization.
- Filing an application for marriage registration.
- Provision of witnesses and a translator for the wedding ceremony.
- Translation into English and legalization of the marriage certificate within 8-11 working days.
- Transfer for the couple to the marriage registration venue and express delivery of the marriage certificate.
Destination wedding packages
Destination weddings are also popular in Georgia, offering various options and services:
- Destination Wedding – from $2950
This package includes official destination marriage registration, wedding planning, ceremony decoration, makeup artist and hairstylist services, and photo and video shooting.
- All-Inclusive – from $2990
For those dreaming of a wedding outside the city, this package offers an official ceremony in the mountains or by the lake with designer decor, makeup artist and hairstylist services, full-scale photography, preparation of the marriage certificate for your country, and transfer on the wedding day.
- Mountain wedding in Georgia – $3000
This package offers an official ceremony in Tbilisi, makeup artist and hairstylist services, ceremony decoration and long-term photography, as well as transfer on the wedding day.
Lake packages
Wedding packages by Georgia’s lakes are also available:
- Wedding at Kvareli Lake – from $3000
This package includes pier rental, ceremony decor, makeup and hairstyling services for the bride, and photography.
- Wedding at Lopota Lake – from $3500
This package offers pier rental, ceremony decor, makeup and hairstyling services, photography, and agency organization.
Planning a wedding budget in Georgia requires attention to detail and consideration of additional expenses such as transport, accommodation, and meals for guests. It is recommended to prepare a detailed expenditure plan in advance and consider possible price variations depending on the season and region of the wedding. It is also important to pay attention to the conditions of service provision and possible tax obligations when organizing a wedding event outside your country.
Image: Unsplash,Tiko Giorgadze
