What to Budget for a 100 Person Wedding

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—moments in life. But as magical as it sounds, the reality of budgeting for your big day can be daunting. If you’re planning for around 100 guests, you’ll want to know how much to set aside for each aspect of the wedding to ensure you’re prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for a 100-person wedding.

What to Budget for a 100 Person Wedding

1. Venue: $5,000 – $10,000

The venue is typically one of the largest expenses in a wedding budget. For a 100-person wedding, expect to spend between $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the location, season, and venue type. Popular wedding months and venues with all-inclusive packages may land on the higher end, while local or off-peak venues can be more affordable.

2. Catering: $,5000 – $15,000

Feeding 100 guests can add up quickly. Catering is generally priced per person, and the cost ranges from $50 to $150 per guest, depending on the type of meal (buffet vs. plated, formal vs. casual). For a 100-person wedding, the catering cost can fall between $5,000 and $15,000, with alcohol typically being an additional cost.

3. Photography and Videography: $4,000 – $8,000

Capturing memories of your special day is essential, and hiring a professional photographer and videographer is an investment worth making. Wedding photography packages usually range from $2,500 to $5,000 for high-quality services, while videography can add another $1,500 to $3,000. If you’re set on both, budget around $4,000 to $8,000.

4. Attire: $1,000 – $4,000

Both the bride’s and groom’s attire, along with any bridal party costs, can vary widely based on designer choices and accessories. For the bride, a wedding dress could range from $1,000 to $5,000. Groom’s suits are typically $200 to $500, but additional costs like shoes, accessories, and alterations can increase the total. Consider budgeting between $2,000 to $7,000 for attire.

5. Flowers and Décor: $2,000 – $5,000

Floral arrangements and décor create the ambiance of your wedding day. For 100 guests, expect to spend $2,000 to $4,000 on flowers alone, which includes bouquets, centerpieces, and venue décor. If you’re going all-out with custom decor and additional rentals (like lighting or specialty furniture), this could climb up to $5,000 or more.

6. Music and Entertainment: $1,000 – $2,500

Music sets the tone for the event, from the ceremony to the reception. DJs typically charge $1,000 to $2,500, while live bands could range from $3,000 to $7,000. If you’re looking to save, DJs tend to be the more budget-friendly option, but if you want live music, be prepared to spend a bit more.

7. Invitations and Stationery: $1,500 – $3,000

Wedding invitations, save-the-dates, menus, and thank-you cards are all part of the necessary stationery. Depending on the level of customization, invitations alone can cost $500 to $2,000 for 100 guests. Add in the rest of the paper goods, and you may end up spending around $1,500 to $3,000.

8. Cake: $500 – $1,500

A beautifully designed wedding cake is a must for many couples. For a 100-person wedding, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,500, depending on the complexity and size of the cake. Some bakeries charge by the slice, with costs ranging from $5 to $15 per slice.

9. Favors: $300 – $1,000

While favors aren’t required, many couples choose to provide small tokens of appreciation for their guests. The cost of wedding favors can vary, but budget anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for simple yet thoughtful items.

10. Miscellaneous Costs: 10-15% of Budget

There are always unexpected expenses when planning a wedding, such as transportation, marriage license fees, tipping vendors, and gratuities. It’s wise to set aside an additional 10-15% of your total budget for these miscellaneous expenses to cover any surprises that arise.

Total Estimated Budget for a 100-Person Wedding

Based on these averages, a wedding for 100 guests could range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on your choices for venue, food, and other factors.

Tips to Stay Within Budget:

• Prioritize: Decide which aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate more of your budget there.
• Off-Peak Seasons: Consider a wedding date in an off-peak season to save on venue costs.
• DIY Décor: If you’re crafty, opt for DIY decorations to cut back on expensive rentals.

With careful planning and realistic expectations, you can plan a beautiful wedding for 100 guests while keeping your budget in check.