Budget vs. Luxury Weddings: Breaking Down the Costs

Planning your dream wedding can feel overwhelming, but it is possible to put together the perfect day on any budget. Whether you want a simple and affordable ceremony or a luxurious and extravagant day, the right vendors will be able to work with you to make your vision achievable. This guide breaks down what you can expect from budget-friendly and high-end packages to help you decide what your priorities are and how different vendors will fit in your budget. 

Catering 

 

Photo Credit: DPR Construction

 

Photo Credit: Squire Studios

Good food is often a top priority, and it is possible to have a delicious selection at any price point. Budget-friendly catering focuses on delicious meals served efficiently, while a high-end option involves intricate presentations, gourmet dishes and a more elevated dining experience. 

Broken Bones BBQ offers a full-service experience at Spruce Mountain Ranch for only $51 per person. This budget-friendly package saves about $25 per person compared to the average caterer. This package includes: 

• Full setup and takedown of ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. 

• Appetizers. 

• Plated buffet dinner service, where guests are served with generous portions of food. 

• Beverage options like tea, lemonade and infused water. 

The luxury package is available for around $61 per person and features: 

• Stationed charcuterie boards. 

• Brisket and turkey carving stations. 

• Plated buffet dinner service with fresh rolls and salad.

Photo Credit: From The Hip Photo

Bar Service 

According to The Knot, the average cost of alcohol for a wedding ranges from $2,393 to $3,965 based on region. Peak’s budget-friendly full bar package includes classic cocktails, refreshing beers and crowd-favorite wines, starting at just $21 per person. 

Elevate your event with luxurious upgrades. A Champagne Coupe Tower and an Interactive Margarita Bar can wow your guests. 

 

Photo Credit: Peak Beverage 

Decor 

Hiring a wedding decorator who can bring your vision to life can be worth the investment. The costs depend on how elaborate you want to get. An affordable package may focus on simpler, impactful elements, while a luxury design may involve intricate details like unique floral arrangements, towering centerpieces and a canopy of chandeliers. 

Colorado Lighting and Event Services by Amanda Nsheiwat offers a budget-friendly decor package that ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, which can save you 35%- 50%. 

Photo Credit: Colorado Lighting and Events

If you have an elaborate look in mind, the high-end package is a fantastic choice. It ranges from $5,000 to $8,000. Think custom designs, sophisticated lighting and special touches that make your wedding memorable. 

 

Photo Credit: Colorado Lighting and Events

DJ 

The right DJ is key to getting you and your guests dancing for hours. Affordable DJ packages usually cover basic sound and lighting needs. A deluxe package usually includes advanced lighting effects, top-notch sound equipment and even interactive elements like a photo booth. 

TH Entertainment’s Neon Scene package offers a sleek DJ booth, vibrant up lighting, a bold style and $300 in savings. The Showstopper package features the team’s full rig with special effects and custom lighting to keep the dance floor packed. 

Event Rentals 

Details like chairs, tables, linens and dinnerware sets make your wedding stand out. Budget-friendly rentals focus on the essentials, while luxury options often include high-end furniture and bespoke decor items. 

Event Rents can supply your basic rentals for around $2,100. For a more comprehensive selection, expect to spend around $4,900.  

Photographer 

Photography packages vary based on the photographer’s experience, location, demand, style and services. A budget-friendly professional might offer fewer hours and digital-only images, while a luxury photographer could provide a team of skilled individuals and additional services like albums. 

Caitlin Alysse Photography’s standard offering costs $2,500 and includes: 

• One photographer. 

• An engagement session. 

• 250 edited images. 

• Timeline planning. 

• Six hours of wedding coverage. 

• Over 1,000 edited images. 

• Fully downloadable online galleries. 

A more comprehensive package is available for $3,500 and offers two photographers and eight hours of wedding coverage. 

Wedding Planner 

Planning is a big undertaking, and a wedding planner can make it easier. Hiring one costs around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on their expertise and responsibilities. If you’re operating on a tight budget, Cloud 9 Weddings & Papers offers individual sessions for just $125 per hour to provide guidance and expert advice. This way, you can spend your time and money on the most important elements while saving some money.  

The budget-friendly month-of package costs $3,750 and includes the following: 

• Access to the planning portal and timeline 

• Creation of timelines, itineraries and inventory lists 

• Creation of rehearsal and ceremony processional and seating 

• Vendor management, including timing, logistics, confirmation and payment distribution 

• In-house stationery company for all paper needs 

• Timeline and vendor confirmations 

• Coordination of the wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception 

• Final walk-through guidance 

• Placement of day-of items like menus, programs and signs 

• Packing lists for the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen 

• Welcome gift bag and letter ideas 

• Name change guidelines 

• Wedding ceremony reading examples 

• Officiant script and outline 

• Emergency kit and steamer 

• Monthly to-do checklists 

• Wedding etiquette assistance 

• Two on-the-day coordinators 

A luxury package, available at $10,000, includes the following: 

• Site research, pricing and selection assistance 

• Wedding design creation and styling inspiration 

• Qualified referrals for vendors and services 

• Vendor proposal analysis 

• Vendor management, including timings, logistics, confirmation and payment distribution 

• Vendor and negotiation for discounts or added incentives 

• Contract reviews, navigation and updating based on RSVP count 

• Budget creation and management 

• Creation of timelines, itineraries and inventory lists 

• Venue layout and design 

• Creation of rehearsal and ceremony processional and seating 

• Establishing and maintaining a schedule for vendor and rental meetings, mockups and final venue walk-through 

• Payment schedule management 

• Hotel booking assistance 

• RSVP management 

• In-house stationery company for all paper needs 

• Stuffing, sealing, stamping and mailing save-the-dates and invitations 

• Shopping and assembly of wedding items 

• Gift bag ideas and assembly 

• Guest activity planning for rehearsal dinner and after-wedding brunch 

• An extensive timeline and vendor confirmations 

• On-site coordination for wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception 

• Distribution of vendor payments and placement of client accessories 

Flowers 

Flowers add to the visual appeal and symbolic meaning of your big day. The cost can vary depending on the types of blooms, complexity of arrangements and whether they’re in season.  

Photo Credit: Sweetwater Floral 

The Sweetwater Flower Market by Kristyn Cline offers a budget-friendly deal for $2,780, which includes personal florals and a ceremony arch. The luxury package costs $8,760, including personal, ceremony and reception florals. Cline doesn’t have a minimum requirement for flower orders, so the number of florals you decide on is totally up to you and your budget. Whether you need a single bouquet or a spectacular floral design for a big wedding, the company will make your vision a reality. 

Photo Credit: Rachel Case Photography

Videography 

Videos bring your special day to life, letting you and your partner relive the joy and emotions for years to come. Most couples spend between $1,000 and $2,500 on a wedding videographer, but some professionals may cost more because of their expertise, season and equipment. 

PRSM Film’s budget package is approximately $2,800, and it is usually offered during the off-season, from November to April. This includes one dedicated videographer, six hours of wedding coverage, a social teaser, a highlight film and cinematic editing. 

The Grand Romance package is available for $4,500. It includes 10 hours of wedding coverage, two talented videographers capturing your special moments, a social teaser, a highlight film, full ceremony film, toast videos, drone coverage and more. 

Plan Your Dream Wedding 

Now that you have a clearer understanding of wedding costs, you’re ready to begin planning. Remember to create a celebration that reflects your love and dreams as a couple, regardless of your budget. 

 Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.