Adding up the costs

In addition to the usual tab for food, drink and entertainment associated with a wedding reception, holding the celebration at home incurs extra expenses. We asked wedding planner Ayran Kanter of the District to break out the home-related expenses involved with an upscale wedding she coordinated at a Potomac residence. The couple wanted a romantic, black-tie nighttime reception.

The five-hour event was attended by 140 guests.

TENT: Total expense: $14,120

-- 40-by-60-foot tent plus a tent connecting to the house: $4,400 -- Sidewalls: $300

-- Plastic subfloor with short-pile carpet: $4,250 -- 28-by-28-foot dance floor: $2,350 -- Two heaters: $500 -- Tent permit: $1,500

-- Maintenance technician: $420

-- Overtime labor for Sunday tent removal: $400

FLOWERS: $38,000

PERSONNEL: $8,700

(including chef,

waiters, coat check, bartenders)

EQUIPMENT: $8,500