How Much Does a Wedding in Switzerland Actually Cost?

The wedding day is the most important day in the lives of many couples. It marks the beginning of their future together, carrying a very special significance. Everything must be perfect on this day. From the rings to the wedding attire and the event location: individual cost items can add up quickly. How can the dream wedding be financed, and what costs should you expect? This article provides you with a realistic overview.

Focus on Financing Options: Family, Friends, and the Bank

There are several ways to finance a wedding. The first thing the couple should do is check their own savings. How much money is available? How much money is additionally needed? If their own savings are not enough – which is usually the case – they should consider who else could contribute.

Ask Parents

Often, the parents of the bride and groom cover part of the costs. However, the amount varies from family to family. Another option could be to take out a loan from the parents and pay it back in installments. However, sometimes parents simply do not have the funds to contribute to their children's dream wedding. This means that the couple will have to come up with more money on their own. You should definitely talk to your parents to clarify if and to what extent they are willing and able to contribute to the costs.

Sometimes grandparents can step in. Some have a savings contract for their grandchildren or other savings they are willing to use for such an important day. Is there anyone else in your family or circle of friends who might be willing to support you? If you have siblings, a godfather or godmother, or other well-meaning relatives or friends, now is the time to have that conversation.

Cash Gifts from Wedding Guests

For couples on a tight budget, it can be a good solution to ask for money from guests. If this feels too unromantic for you, you could ask for items you plan to buy in the coming months anyway. The honeymoon as a gift is also a way to offset some of the upcoming costs.

Wedding Loan

If a contribution from family or friends is not an option, a personal loan might help. To take out a loan, there are various comparison portals where you can easily compare the conditions of Swiss providers with just a few clicks, e.g. here. Only two things are initially required:

>> The amount of the desired loan
>> The number of installments

With just a few clicks, the database provides a selection of suitable offers that you can compare at your leisure. But how much money is actually needed for your dream wedding?

Loan Amount Depends on Wedding Planning

Of course, the amount of the wedding loan primarily depends on your wedding planning. The more specific you plan, the better the loan amount can be estimated. Don’t forget to subtract your own equity – be it from your savings, from parents, other family members, or friends – from the total amount. What remains will be financed through the wedding loan.

Overview of Costs for a Dream Wedding

There are many helpful checklists, tips, and tricks for wedding planning that can be useful during preparation. In addition to the basic information found there, the following list gives you a specific financial framework that is realistic for a wedding. Of course, it can always be more expensive, and there are also cheaper options on the market. These figures serve as a guide.

Number of Guests

First and foremost: The number of guests is an important factor that significantly affects the overall cost. In short, couples who want to have a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests will have to dig deeper into their pockets than those celebrating their marriage with a select few guests.

Civil Registry and Church

Depending on the civil registry office, you should budget between CHF 300 and CHF 400 for the civil marriage ceremony. Weekend rates are sometimes more expensive than weekday appointments. Churches do not charge a fixed fee but expect a donation. The amount of the donation is up to you. Costs for decoration and music will be added. Depending on taste and the size of the rooms, CHF 200 to CHF 1000 are realistic.

Wedding Location

The choice of wedding location is particularly important and should be carefully considered. You could celebrate on a stylish boat, in a clubhouse, or in a stately castle. As varied as the locations are, so are the costs. Expect to spend between CHF 1000 and CHF 5000 for a location in Switzerland.

The symbol of marriage can cause significant costs.

Wedding Attire and Rings

The wedding dress, groom's suit, veil, shoes, jewelry, and bridal bouquet are also major cost factors. Brides should budget between CHF 1000 and CHF 3000, and for the groom, an additional CHF 600 to CHF 1500. As for the rings, CHF 500 to CHF 2000 should be appropriate, depending on taste and budget.

Food and Drinks

The cost of food and drinks depends on the location. If you celebrate in a restaurant, it is common to charge a flat rate per guest. Between CHF 50 and CHF 150 should be budgeted. Another CHF 50 to CHF 100 per guest should be added for drinks. These prices should include the service charge for the waiting staff.

The wedding cake holds a special place. Its price also varies depending on the number of guests. Between CHF 500 and CHF 1000 should be budgeted.

Other Service Providers: DJ, Photographer, Florist

Additional costs will be incurred for the service providers working around the wedding. You’ll need a DJ or a band for the music, with costs ranging from CHF 400 to CHF 1000. You should budget CHF 1000 to CHF 3000 for the photographer. As for the florist, depending on the desired table decorations and other floral arrangements, between CHF 500 and CHF 1500 should be considered.

Keep Costs Under Control: Three Tips with Big Impact

To prevent costs from getting out of hand during planning, it is advisable to follow the three most important rules:

1. Set a fixed budget and stick to it. Extra wishes often cause the overall cost to skyrocket.
2. Prioritize cost items by importance and make cuts from bottom to top if necessary.
3. Obtain multiple quotes, especially for the most expensive items, and choose the best value for money.

This way, you can organize and finance a dream wedding at a fair price, ensuring that the start of your marriage is financially carefree and full of joy for your future together.

Images: pixabay.com © olessya (CC0 Creative Commons)

pixabay.com © tpheinz (CC0 Creative Commons)