Wedding Budget Breakdown | $10,000 – $25,000 and $50,000 Weddings

Planning a wedding on a $10,000 budget for 100 guests requires careful allocation of funds. Here’s a breakdown of how you might distribute that budget among various wedding vendors:

1. Venue (including ceremony and reception): $1,500 – $2,000 – Look for affordable venues! Consider a Friday or Sunday date to save extra on the venue rental.
2. Catering (food and beverage): $3,000 – Opt for buffet-style or food truck catering to keep costs down.
3. Photographer: $1,500 – Hire a talented but less established photographer or consider cutting the number of coverage hours.
4. Attire (including bridal gown, groom’s attire, and accessories): $800 – Shop for wedding attire during sales and trunk shows!
5. Florist (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces): $500 – Choose seasonal flowers or consider silk/substantiable flower rentals.
6. Music (DJ or live band): $600 – Consider hiring a DJ or a small band for the reception entertainment.
7. Cake or Dessert Bar: $400 – Opt for a smaller cake or consider alternative desserts like cupcakes or a dessert bar.
8. Officiant: $200 – Look for an affordable officiant who can perform the ceremony within your budget.
9. Decorations and Rentals: $250 – $500 – try to find a venue that offers tables and chairs in their packages and rent a statement piece like a wedding arch.
10. Invitations and Stationery: $200-$300- Save money by opting for digital invitations or look for printing deals from online sources.
11. Wedding Planner or Coordinator (optional): $500 – If you have room in your budget, consider hiring a wedding planner for day-of coordination.
12. Miscellaneous Expenses: $300 – Set aside a buffer for unexpected costs or small details you may have overlooked.

Total: $10,000

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on your location, the time of year, and the specific services you choose. It’s essential to prioritize what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. Consider an off-peak wedding month or a non Saturday wedding!

With a budget of $25,000 for a 100-person wedding, you’ll have more flexibility to invest in various vendors and elements of your special day. Here’s a breakdown of how you might allocate that budget:

1. Venue (including ceremony and reception): $7,000 – Look for a venue that offers both ceremony and reception spaces to save on costs.
2. Catering (food and beverage): $7,000 -$9,000 – Allocate a significant portion of your budget to catering to ensure a memorable dining experience for your guests. Consider plated dinners or buffet-style options depending on your preference and budget.
3. Photographer: $2,500 to $4,500 – Invest in a professional photographer to capture all the special moments of your wedding day. Look for someone with experience and a style that resonates with you.
4. Attire (including bridal gown, groom’s attire, and accessories): $2,000 – Budget for wedding attire for both the bride and groom, including alterations and accessories.
5. Florist (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces): $2,000 – Work with a florist to create stunning floral arrangements that complement your wedding theme and color scheme.
6. Music (DJ or live band): $1,500-$2,500 – Hire a DJ or live band to provide entertainment during the reception. Consider your musical preferences and the atmosphere you want to create.
7. Cake or Dessert Bar: $1,000 – Budget for a beautiful wedding cake or consider alternative dessert options like cupcakes, macarons, or a dessert bar.
8. Officiant: $300 – Hire an officiant to conduct your ceremony and ensure that it reflects your values and beliefs.
9. Decorations and Rentals: $1,500 – Allocate funds for decor elements such as linens, centerpieces, signage, and other rentals needed to bring your vision to life.
10. Invitations and Stationery: $500 – Budget for invitations, RSVP cards, save-the-dates, and other stationery items. Postage is not included.
11. Wedding Planner or Coordinator (optional): $1,500 – Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to help you with the planning process and ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
12. Miscellaneous Expenses: $700 – Set aside a buffer for any unexpected costs or last-minute details that may arise.

Total: $25,000

Remember to prioritize what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. Consider negotiating with vendors, looking for package deals. With careful planning and budgeting, you can create the wedding of your dreams within your $25,000 budget.

With a budget of $50,000 for a 100-person wedding, you have more room to invest in various vendors and elements to create a truly memorable celebration. Here’s a breakdown of how you might allocate that budget:

1. Venue (including ceremony and reception): $10,000 to $15,000 – Look for a venue that offers both ceremony and reception spaces with ample amenities and beautiful surroundings.
2. Catering (food and beverage): $15,000 to $18,000 – Allocate a significant portion of your budget to catering to provide a delicious and memorable dining experience for your guests. Consider customized menus, multiple courses, or specialty cuisine options.
3. Photographer: $3,500- $7,000 – Invest in a professional photographer who can capture all the special moments of your wedding day with high-quality images and personalized service.
4. Attire (including bridal gown, groom’s attire, and accessories): $3,000 – $6,000 Budget for wedding attire for both the bride and groom, including alterations, accessories, and possibly attire for the bridal party.
5. Florist (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces): $4,000 – $9,000 – Work with a skilled florist to design stunning floral arrangements that enhance the beauty of your wedding venue and reflect your personal style.
6. Music (DJ or live band): $2,500 – $6,000 – Hire a talented DJ or live band to provide entertainment and keep the party going throughout the reception. Consider additional services like live musicians for the ceremony or cocktail hour.
7. Cake or Dessert Bar: $2,000 $4,000 – Budget for a beautiful wedding cake or dessert bar featuring a variety of sweet treats to delight your guests.
8. Officiant: $500 – Hire an experienced officiant to conduct your ceremony and ensure that it reflects your values and preferences.
9. Decorations and Rentals: $4,000 $10,000- Allocate funds for decor elements such as linens, centerpieces, lighting, and other rentals needed to create a cohesive and visually stunning atmosphere.
10. Invitations and Stationery: $1,500 $3,000- Budget for high-quality invitations, RSVP cards, save-the-dates, and other stationery items that set the tone for your wedding and reflect your personal style.
11. Wedding Planner or Coordinator (optional): $3,000 $6,000- Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to assist with the planning process, provide expert advice, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
12. Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,000 – Set aside a buffer for any unexpected costs, last-minute details, or additional enhancements to make your wedding day truly special.

Total: $50,000

Remember to prioritize what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. This budget presents more ranges in price points.  With careful planning and budgeting, you can create the wedding of your dreams within your $50,000 budget.