The Real Cost of a Wedding: How to Set a Budget You Can Actually Stick To
If you’re starting to plan your wedding, this article will help you:
- Understand the biggest budget misconceptions couples have at the start
- See a realistic wedding budget of costs for a 150-guest wedding in Central Texas
- Learn which vendors are worth splurging on (and why!)
- Get expert tips for making smart budget decisions without sacrificing style
Let’s Talk Real Numbers
When you first start wedding planning, it’s easy to dream big without really knowing how much your vision will cost. Pinterest boards are inspiring, but they don’t come with price tags – and that’s where couples can run into trouble. If you want a realistic wedding budget for a Texas Hill Country celebration, it helps to start with actual numbers and expert guidance from someone who’s planned hundreds of weddings.
As a Hill Country wedding planner who has worked on 100+ weddings, I believe in being transparent with costs right from the start. You’re not hiring a planner to say “yes” to every idea – you’re hiring someone to guide you toward a day you’ll love without financial regrets, and to share their expertise so there are no surprises later down the road.
Let’s talk about what’s realistic, what often catches couples off guard, and how to make the most of your budget.
Photography by Caitlin Rose
A Realistic Wedding Budget for a Texas Hill Country Celebration: Where the Money Goes
Before you can create a budget that actually works, you need a clear picture of where your money is going. I know it’s tempting to jump straight to the fun details, but understanding these big-ticket items will save you from stress (and surprises!) later. Here’s what a realistic breakdown looks like for a 150-guest wedding here in Central Texas.
If your venue is around $10,000, a $25,000 total budget isn’t realistic for 150 guests. Here’s why:
- Catering (full service, mid-range team) → $10,000–$15,000
-This includes setting the tables, serving, bussing tables throughout the evening, and cleanup – services most venues require. - Photographer (8 hours of coverage) → $5,000–$8,000
-Your photographer is one of the few investments that lasts long after the wedding day. Beyond capturing beautiful images, they’ll anticipate moments, manage timelines for portraits, and create a gallery you’ll cherish for decades. - DJ → ~$2,500
-Your DJ does more than just play music – they’re the emcee who keeps your reception flowing, sets the tone for each moment, and ensures the dance floor stays full all night. A skilled DJ will also handle all announcements, coordinate timing with your planner, and read the crowd so the energy never dips. - Florals (basic needs) → $7,000–$10,000
-Think 15 guest tables, a head table, bouquets and boutonnières for 5 bridesmaids and groomsmen, simple centerpieces, a welcome table design, and a ceremony altar arrangement. - Bar
-In-house: $8,000–$10,000
-Bring-your-own alcohol + bartenders: ~$7,000
Total so far (on the low end): $40,000 – and that’s before the planner, desserts, stationery, linens, beauty, videography, transportation, attire, dress alterations, and all those “extras.”
Photography by Allison Jeffers Associates
The Sticker Shock: Costs Couples Underestimate
- Catering: That “$25 per person” you see advertised? It’s usually just the food. Staffing, rentals, travel, and service fees add up fast.
- Florals: Flowers are a living art form, and wedding design involves much more than just ordering stems – it’s labor, design time, setup, and teardown.
- Guest Count: More guests = more tables, centerpieces, linens, food, drinks, and favors.
How I Help Couples Prioritize a Realistic Wedding Budget
I always start with two questions: “Which three vendors have top priority?” and “What are your three non-negotiables?” Once we know your must-have vendors or experiences, we can allocate the budget accordingly. A well-structured day also ensures you get the most from the vendors you’ve invested in – check out our wedding day timeline tips for a smoother flow.
For many couples, this means investing in a phenomenal DJ/band and a top-tier photographer – two vendors who play a crucial role in your day and will have a lasting impact on your memories.
I also help couples think through decisions that quietly add up – like the size of your bridal party. A large bridal party means more money spent, as you’ll need to account for bouquets (plan for at least $100 per bridesmaid bouquet) and gifts for each member. Keeping your wedding party intimate allows you to put more of your budget toward the experiences and details that matter most to you.
Photography by Caitlin Rose
Smart Budget Tips From Past Weddings
- Repurpose florals from your ceremony to your reception. Talk to your florist about different and creative ways you can reuse your ceremony florals.
- Set a soft budget before booking vendors so you can make informed choices.
- Keep your guest list intentional – quality over quantity. Only invite those who are most important to you.
- Know your venue’s requirements before you book. If they require certain vendors, that can actually be a good thing. It shows that the venue cares about their space, but also about the level of service being provided at their venue.
- Be realistic about DIY: Initially, all of the projects appear to be easy to accomplish, and you feel like you can take them on. However, even small projects can feel overwhelming in the final weeks – and most of my brides end up not wanting to tackle them towards the end. The more items you bring in yourself, the more your family has to pack up and deal with at the end of the night. Instead, focus on a few meaningful, manageable details you truly enjoy creating, and leave the rest to your vendor team.
Photography by Allison Jeffers Associates
Your Budget, Your Dream Day
The word “budget” is not bad and doesn’t have to be stressful – it’s your roadmap for a day you’ll remember for all the right reasons. A proper budget will help keep you mindful, so you have no regrets after your big day. With the right planning, you can have a beautiful, meaningful wedding that reflects your priorities and keeps surprises to a minimum.
Photography by Allison Jeffers Associates
Ready to create a wedding budget that works for you – and still delivers the wedding of your dreams?
Let’s talk about your vision, your priorities, and the best way to bring it all together! Reach out here to get started.
