This is the first in a series of Q&A sessions we’ll have with Long Island bridal experts.  Today’s cordially invited guest is highly-regarded wedding planner, Elaine DeLuca of Exquisite Events in Roslyn.

Q:  What’s the average  cost of a wedding nationwide, and what is it on Long Island?

A:  The national average is about $23,000.  On Long Island, however,  it is much higher, around $39,000.

Q:  Why is it so much more expensive here?

A:  I think the close proximity to New York City is a possible reason and Long Island, in and of itself, is a pretty expensive place to live.

Q:    How does a bride and groom set the initial budget for their wedding?

A:  Most of my clients determine an overall budget for the entire event.  Money spent on the wedding can come from various sources — the bride and groom, parents, step-parents — so it’s a good idea to pool all of this money together and then figure out how much you can allocate towards each item included in the budget.

Q:  What are easy ways to cut back on overall costs?

A:  There are several ways to decrease the cost of a wedding.  For instance, you can invite less people.  You can opt to have your wedding during an off-peak month, such as  February or March or  at an off-peak time of day, such as an afternoon or a Friday night.

Thanks, Elaine!