How much does a wedding cost? Real talk with industry pros.

The Knot and Wedding Wire can be helpful tools when planning your wedding; however, when it comes to wedding budgets, we find that the numbers are often skewed. This leads to unrealistic expectations and ultimately a disappointed bride. So how much does a wedding actually cost? The budget below is for a “mid-level luxury” wedding in Southern California with a guest count of ~100. I’ve collaborated with two of the best planners in the wedding industry to provide you an ACCURATE wedding budget. Prices may vary slightly if the wedding is being produced outside of a major metropolitan area.

The Wedding Budget Demystified

COLLABORATORS:
Sara, owner of Remmi Events
Annette, owner of Wheat & Honey Events
Ariel, owner of Magnolia West Photography

Mid-Level Luxury Wedding
Guest Count: 100

1. Venue + Catering: ~$75,000 minimum spend + 20-25% service charge + sales tax
Most of the venues have a food & beverage minimum as opposed to venue rental fee. Venues account for ~65% of the budget. This includes venue, catering, service charge (typically 20-25% of the total) + sales tax. All in, your venue is typically around $75,000 minimum spend (before rentals).

2. Rentals: ~$10,000
We rarely rent tables, but we often rent chairs & linens + stage (required for band) + misc.

3. Photography: ~$12,000
This can vary +/- a few thousand depending on how many events are being covered, the number of photographers needed, and the number of hours. ~$1000/hour is a good rule of thumb in the mid-level luxury market. This level of photographer is delivering a luxury client experience and likely maintains a close relationship with the couple in the year leading up to the wedding.
Magnolia West Services: High-touch Wedding Photography

4. Videography: ~$7000
This can also vary depending on how many cinematographers are needed.

5. Attire and Accessories: ~$9000
• Wedding Dress, Shoes, Veil: $7000
• Groom’s Attire: $2000
Oftentimes, planners do not include attire in the projected wedding budget, but in the spirit of setting realistic expectations, this is roughly what you can expect to spend.

6. Entertainment:
• Live Band: $20,000
• DJ (if applicable): $2800
One way to incorporate live entertainment into the reception without the $20k price tag is to add a 3 piece band in addition to the DJ.
• DJ + 3 piece live band: $5800

7. Florals: $18-20,000
Florists often offer candle rentals as well.

8. Lighting: $3500

9. Planning and Coordination: ~$12,000
Wedding planners are NOT the same as a venue coordinator. The job of the venue coordinator is to work for the venue. They do not assist with the planning or execution of your wedding day.
View our wedding planners’ offerings here:
Remmi Events Services | Wheat & Honey Events Services

10. Stationery: ~$3000
This includes Invitations, Save-the-Dates and Programs. The spectrum for this category can be huge, but $3k is a safe guide.

11. Transportation: ~$5000
Includes guest shuttles and couple’s transportation. Can vary depending on how large the shuttles are and the distance being traveled.

12. Wedding Cake/Dessert Table: ~$2500
A popular trend is to have a small vintage cake for the couple to cut and a dessert table filled with pastries.

13. Hair and Makeup: $1200
• Bridal Trial + The Wedding Day: $1200
• Bridal Party Hair and Makeup: ~$300/person – This is typically paid to the professional by each individual.

14. Miscellaneous and Contingency: $10,000
This includes any favors, gifts and unexpected expenses.

15. Gratuities
Always optional but always appreciated. Your team has worked incredibly hard to produce the wedding of your dreams. This small token of thanks and a handwritten note from the bride goes a long way.

What’s the total cost of a mid-level luxury wedding for 100 guests?

Based on the averages above (not including attire and gratuities) you’re looking at ~$180,000
Keep in mind that this is an average. The total cost of a mid-level luxury wedding in Southern California typically ranges between $150-225k.