What Really Affects Your Wedding Costs? – with Gloria Schulz Events
WRITTEN BY Gloria Schulz, Gloria Schulz Events| FEATURE PHOTO BY Katie James Photography
“How much will my wedding cost?” — as a wedding planner, I hear this question a lot! While the answer varies based on several factors, three key elements tend to have the biggest impact on the overall budget. By understanding these factors, you’ll be better equipped to plan and allocate your resources wisely. Here are the top three areas we recommend prioritizing:
- Guest List Size
- Venue Choice
- Wedding Date
Let’s dive into why these pieces impact your wedding budget and offer some tips for managing costs along the way.
1. GUEST LIST SIZE
We know how quickly a guest list can expand as you consider family and friends from both sides. However, a larger guest list significantly impacts your catering and beverage costs. More mouths to feed requires a bigger budget! Plus, more guests means more tables, which translates to more flower arrangements, linens and decor. Plus, you’ll have more invitations to get printed and mail out. Postage does add up!
On average, wedding costs range anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 per guest. Depending on how many vendors you book (most weddings have an average of eight vendors), your budget can easily grow by 25% as you move through the planning process. For example, if you’re hosting 200 guests at $1,000 per person, that’s a total budget of $200,000. Since unexpected expenses often arise, we recommend starting with a budget that feels comfortable. Be realistic, but also be prepared for slight increases as you finalize details.
2. VENUE CHOICE
Your venue will be one of the biggest expenses, so it’s important to avoid becoming “venue-poor” right off the bat. Spending all of your money on the venue and then struggling to afford other vendors later on is not a good way to start. Plus, it can lead to budget challenges as you move forward. Ideally, do your homework and choose a venue that includes the essentials, like tables and chairs, to help keep costs in check.
The day of the week you choose for your wedding also plays a big role in the overall venue cost. Saturdays are prime wedding days and often come with a higher price tag, while Fridays and Sundays are usually more affordable. I recommend visiting four to five venues and comparing their pricing for the different days to find the best fit for your budget.
3. WEDDING DATE
Just like vacations, weddings are seasonal. For instance, if you’re planning a beach getaway for the 4th of July, you can expect to pay a higher price. Similarly, if you’re eyeing October — the height of wedding season — be prepared for premium rates. Off-peak times like winter or summer often offer lower rates for both venues and vendors.
Holidays also can be more expensive. While it might seem convenient to have your wedding on a holiday weekend, keep in mind that vendor fees tend to be higher, especially for dates like Mother’s Day (when florals are in high demand) or New Year’s Eve. Vendors often need to pay their staff holiday rates, which adds to your overall costs. To save, consider opting for an off-season date and avoiding holiday weekends.
Wedding costs can feel overwhelming, but with diligent planning, you can keep them manageable. While today’s economy does affect wedding prices, remember that the vendors you hire are professionals with valuable experience and the services they provide are worth the investment. Their hard work is what turns your dream wedding into a reality.
I hope this breakdown of key budget factors helps you plan your big day. For the best planning experience, I recommend hiring a professional wedding planner who can guide you every step of the way, ensuring your budget aligns with your vision.
About the Author
Gloria Schulz is the founder of Gloria Schulz Events, an Atlanta-based custom wedding planning and day-of coordination company.
After assisting with weddings for a few years, Gloria left her 19-year career in customer service and launched Gloria Schulz Events in 2019. Now with seven years of weddings under her belt, she and her team are ready to help you create an enjoyable experience both before and on your wedding day.
Gloria Schulz Events | gloriaschulzevents.com
