Cedar Lakes Estate Wedding Cost
Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. From choosing a venue to coordinating vendors, there are countless decisions to make. This guide provides an overview of what to expect for wedding costs if choosing Cedar Lakes Estate in Branchville, New York as the venue.
Cedar Lakes Estate Overview
Cedar Lakes Estate is a popular wedding venue located about 30 minutes outside of New York City. Sitting on acres of beautiful grounds, the estate offers various indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies and receptions. Some key venue highlights and amenities include:
- Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 guests for a seated dinner
- Outdoor Gazebo and Meadow area ideal for intimate ceremonies
- On-site lodging with 28 guest rooms
- Multiple reception lawns and event spaces
- Professional coordination and catering services
- Award-winning cuisine prepared in-house
With so much space and luxury included, Cedar Lakes Estate is understandably one of the pricier wedding venues in the region. However, couples still rave about the elegance and ease of hosting their special day at this iconic New York venue.
Cedar Lakes Estate Rental & Space Fees
To secure your date at Cedar Lakes Estate, you will need to pay a non-refundable rental fee. Space fees vary depending on which areas of the property you utilize. Here is a breakdown:
- Ballroom Rental Fee: $12,000 (includes tables, chairs, parquet dance floor)
- Outdoor Gazebo Rental: $3,000
- Reception Lawn Rental: $5,000
- Bridal Suite: $500
- Ceremony Rehearsal Space: $1,000
The ballroom is the most commonly booked space as it is large enough to accommodate both the ceremony and reception under one roof. Keep in mind these fees do not include catering, bar services, or tax/service charges.
Food & Beverage Minimum
In addition to rental and space fees, Cedar Lakes Estate requires you to meet a food and beverage minimum spend for your event date. This minimum helps cover costs associated with venue staffing and operations. The minimum is determined based on the day of the week and time of year.
Typical food and beverage minimums range from $75,000 to $125,000 before tax and service charges are added. This equates to an average per person spend of $300-$500 depending on your final guest count. Menus offer a variety of delicious customizable options to hit the minimum spend.
Guest Amenities & Accommodations
With overnight guest rooms located right on the estate, Cedar Lakes offers a special lodging package exclusively for wedding parties. The package includes:
- Discounted room rates of $250/night for suites and $200/night for standard rooms
- Complimentary breakfast each morning included with stay
- Access to morning yoga classes in the gardens
- Welcome basket upon check-in
The estate also has a full-service spa offering massages, facials, and relaxation areas. Wedding guests can book spa packages in advance and utilize the facility during their stay at a discounted rate.
Additional Vendor Fees
While Cedar Lakes Estate handles on-site catering and coordination services, you will need to account for other wedding vendors as well. Here are some typical additional fees to budget for:
- Florist: $5,000-$10,000 depending on floral design complexity and flower types
- Photographer: $5,000-$10,000 for 8 hours of coverage and an engagement session
- Videographer: $3,000-$5,000 for 4-6 hours of coverage
- Cake: $500-$1,500 depending on size, design, and flavors
- DJ or Band: $2,000-$5,000 for 4-6 hours of reception entertainment
Average Total Wedding Cost
By adding up all the estimates provided, here is a projected budget breakdown for a 150-person wedding at Cedar Lakes Estate:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ballroom Rental Fee | $12,000 |
| Food & Beverage Minimum | $90,000 (150 guests x $600 per person avg.) |
| Guest Accommodations | $15,000 (30 rooms x $500 per room avg.) |
| Floral Design | $7,500 |
| Photographer | $7,000 |
| Videographer | $4,000 |
| Cake | $1,000 |
| DJ | $3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $140,500 |
As you can see, hosting a wedding at Cedar Lakes Estate requires a sizeable budget. However, for the beautiful grounds, elegant accommodations, and impeccable service it provides, couples agree it is worth every penny.
Tips For Saving On Your Budget
While Cedar Lakes Estate is certainly a luxury venue, there are still some costs you can potentially reduce:
- Negotiate vendor contracts and ask for discounts for booking far in advance
- Opt for brunch or Sunday wedding to receive venue/vendor rate reductions
- Work with an on-site or preferred vendor list to receive package pricing
- Consider partial or full cash bar to cut down on open bar costs
- Select cakes or desserts that serve your guest count versus elaborately designed cakes
- Shop end-of-season decor sales from previous wedding magazine issues
With strategic planning and priorities set early on, it is very possible to customize elements of your wedding within budget at this beautiful estate venue.
Final Thoughts
While Cedar Lakes Estate clearly requires a sizable budget, couples agree the luxury accommodations, award-winning cuisine, and impeccable service make it a worthwhile investment.
From breathtaking indoor and outdoor spaces to hassle-free coordination, the estate offers everything needed for an unforgettable New York wedding celebration.
With advanced planning and creative cost-saving, it is possible to host your dream wedding within a comfortable budget. Reach out to discuss your event vision further and get a formal quote for services and availability.
