Budget Guide
Budget Guide
This is less about telling you how much to spend on each item, and more about highlighting where you might not need to spend so much – plus giving you a rough idea of typical costs in our region. Remember, every wedding is different, but here’s some guidance:
Where to Begin – Big Ticket Budget Estimates: Weddings can vary widely, but these are some average ranges for our area (Northern Virginia) so you have a starting point:
Food/Catering: Approximately $50 to $200 per person (depending on cuisine, service style, and menu complexity). Full-service catering with appetizers and a seated dinner will be on the higher end, whereas a simpler buffet or family-style might be lower.
Photography: $2,500 – $8,000 for a professional wedding photographer. Talent, experience, and package hours affect price. (Many land in the $3–5k range for 8 hours with two photographers.)
Videography: $2,000 – $6,000. Again, depends on hours of coverage and the extent of editing (a highlight reel vs. a full documentary cut).
Flowers (Florist): $600 – $15,000. This range is huge because it depends on whether you’re doing minimal florals (just personals and a few centerpieces) or lavish installations everywhere. Talk to florists about seasonal blooms to save money.
Cake/Desserts: Generally $6 – $10 per person. Some bakers charge by slice, some by complexity of design. Desserts like cupcakes or donuts can be cheaper per guest.
DJ/Entertainment: $2,000 – $5,000 for a quality wedding DJ service. This often includes sound equipment and basic lighting. Live bands typically start around $3,500 and up for a 4-hour set (popular bands can be much more).
Photo Booth: $800 – $1,200 if you add a photo booth service. This usually covers a few hours, props, and a photo strip for guests.
Officiant: $150 – $500. Ranges from a civil officiant (or court clerk) to a custom ceremony by a professional celebrant or clergy donation.
Hair & Makeup: Budget $100 – $250 each for bridal hair styling, and similarly $150 – $300 each for bridal makeup. Bridesmaids’ hair/makeup are often similar per person. Trials are usually extra.
Attire: This is highly variable. Bridal gowns can range from $500 to $5,000+. Suits/tux rentals are typically $150–$250 each. Don’t forget alterations in your budget. Jewelry and accessories also add up, but are very personal in cost.
Invitations & Stationery: $3 – $20 per invite (set). Bulk DIY online orders will be on the lower end; custom letterpress with wax seals on handmade paper will be on the higher end. Also account for stamps for RSVP cards and thank-you cards.
Miscellaneous Rentals: Things like a tent, extra furniture, custom signage, specialty linens, etc., can add a few thousand if needed. We will discuss which rentals make sense for your budget (and see Rental Alternatives above for tips on what you can skip or source creatively).
Things That Might Not Be Worth The Money: Here are a few common wedding expenditures you might consider scaling back or skipping if budget is tight:
Party Favors: Traditional favors often get left on the tables or thrown out. Unless it’s edible (think cookies, candy, or a late-night snack to-go), many guests won’t take them. Edible favors handed out as people leave (or placed in shuttle for the ride home) tend to be more appreciated. But don’t stress about personalized knick-knacks; nobody will miss them.
Ceremony Programs: If your ceremony is straightforward and under 30 minutes, programs are usually not necessary – guests will use them as fans on a hot day and then discard them. Programs are only truly useful if you have an complex ceremony (multiple readers, customs to explain, etc.) or lots of time to fill. Otherwise, this is a place you can save money by not printing them.
Outdoor Ceremony Candles or Unity Candles: We’ve seen couples set up candles for outdoor ceremonies (e.g., a unity candle ritual). Truthfully, keeping candles lit outdoors – even in mild wind – is a challenge and often not worth the hassle. If you want a unity ritual, consider sand blending or another method that isn’t weather-dependent.
Excess Signage: Welcome sign, bar menu, seating chart – some signs are helpful. But you don’t need a cute sign for every little thing (“dancing shoes here,” “cards & gifts,” etc.). Not only do many guests ignore these, but making/displaying them adds work. A few well-placed signs are fine; dozens of small signs are likely not worth the effort or expense.
In short, spend on the areas that matter most to you and will create an unforgettable experience, and feel free to trim the extras that guests probably won’t notice. We’re happy to talk through any specific budget questions you have – we’ve seen it all, the splurges and the saves!