What should you expect when budgeting for your wedding?
What can you expect a wedding to cost?
No matter if you are looking for a fun laidback wedding, or an extravagant showcase experience - our venue is wonderfully appointed to host the right budget and style for you. Since every couple and every wedding is unique, it is difficult to figure out a ‘firm’ number for budgeting. However, it is good to have an idea of what you think you will spend.
Some factors that will greatly impact the overall budget are:
Guest count
Location
Day of the week / and the month
Length of the ceremony / reception
Often, discounts are available for less popular dates, and smaller weddings (no surprise) often are less expensive. So what should a wedding cost?
At Cottontail, our couples tend to spend between $12,000 and $23,000 on their wedding, with all ranges of styles and vendors.
Here is the quick breakout (average 150 people)
Venue: $4000 - $5500
Caterer: $2000 - $6000+
Photographer: $1500 - $4000+
Bar: $800 - $2500
Florist: $500 - $4000+
Coordinator: $500 - $2000+
DJ: $600 - $1500+
Cake: $150-$600+
Other: $1000 - $3000+
Venue Expense
Our pricing is meant to be simple and inclusive. We give you all the basic elements you need to build the wedding you want. It can be an elegant and simple celebration, or an all-out extravaganza. Timeless elements such as full length linens, cloth napkins, and the beautiful atmosphere of Cottontail make a huge impact on the style of your celebration. When looking at other venues, here are some factors you should consider to compare total costs.
Location
Total time of rental
Exclusivity of space
Tent, restroom rentals ($1000+)
Table / Chair rentals (Chiavari chairs average $8 each)
Cloth rentals (average $16-$25 per cloth)
Venue set up/clean up ($500+)
Additional décor, backdrops ($1000+)
Service fees, gratuity charges
If a venue’s initial cost fits into your budget, be sure to check any additional requirements or restrictions they have with regards to catering, alcohol florals, etc. to make sure you can afford the entire wedding.
If you haven’t checked out or Investment page yet, you can find out all that we include there.
Catering
Food is one of the top things that people remember about a wedding. Even if you have a limited budget, you can get a tasty and hearty meal. The greater your budget, the more unique the menus can get. Catering is often priced by the person, and includes the service to deliver, set up, serve, and clean up. Each caterer prices differently so be sure to get a full list of services, and inclusions (beverages, serving ware, plates/utensils)
We have a list of wonderful caterers we require our couples choose from. We LOVE working with these caterers because they have consistently given their best to each event they attend. Great food, and great service. We know you will LOVE them too!
What should you expect to budget?
Simple buffet offering = $12 / person
Quality buffet offering = $25 / person
Premium plated menu = $35+ / person
Factors impacting budget
Number of menu options
Buffet vs plated
Level of service
Menu
Bar
This category can depend largely on the venue you select. Some venues have their own liquor licenses which means that they will have to charge you either by the beverage or by the person to sell your alcohol. Other venues, like Cottontail, allow you to bring your own beer/wine/spirits with you.
If you pay by the glass or person, you can easily spend $20-$50 per person plus additional service and gratuity fees.
Rather than get into all that, let’s only consider below a typical wedding at Cottontail.
We require that all parties serving alcohol use our approved bar services. Our bartenders will consult with you about the selection and quantity of alcohol needed for your party, and we will include everything else you need for the bar, minus the alcohol. If you do not wish to have alcohol at your reception then no worries, it is not required :)
Check out our bar package, and additional glassware rentals on our Investment page
What should you expect to budget?
Beer/wine only = $600 - $1000
Beer/wine/spirits = $1000 - $2500
Factors impacting budget
Guest count
Quality and quantity of alcohol
Of course, the beautiful part here is that you control exactly how much you wish to spend and at the end of the night take home anything left.
Photography
This category can vary widely, and is all your preference. These are your memories and only you can find the right photographer for you.
Look at past photos and galleries to get a sense of the photographer’s style in framing photos, editing styles, and personality. You will spend a lot of time with your photographer the day of your wedding.
What should you expect to budget?
Basic packages = $1000 - $2000
Middle level packages = $2000 - $4000
Premium level packages = $4000+
Factors impacting budget
Experience
Time (how many hours do you want the photographer there?)
Number of ‘shooter’ or photographers
Access to photo gallery or included premium prints
Level of post photo editing
Florist
Fresh flowers are hard to beat. The aroma of a room full of fresh greenery and flowers is uplifting, and sure makes a statement. Florists usually offer a range of services, and are able to work with your budget to make everything fit. Just remember if you want a room full of expensive off-season florals, then you will pay a lot for that.
Beyond just flowers, a large part of what you pay for is the level of service your florist provides, and the time and effort they save you. Having the florist set up all your arrangements and decorate means that you and your family can focus on spending special moments together, and not stressed out about boxes of décor.
What should you expect to budget?
$500 for just minimal bouquets and boutonnieres
$1500 for the above with basic table décor
$2000-$3000 for above with larger floral centerpieces
$3500+ for above with statement pieces
Factors impacting price
Flowers you choose
Number of guests (i.e.: table centerpieces)
Size of bridal party
Music
The choice here is usually between DJ or Band. Both are great but expect to pay more for a good quality band with the right equipment.
Your DJ will typically act as a Master of Ceremonies and help lead the evening on the right course. Personality will play a large part of their presentation, so get a chance to talk with the DJ if possible. You want your DJ to be involved and understand the timeline - also be sure to have a good conversation about the music you want and do not want for your evening.
What should you expect to budget
$600 - $1200 for a good professional
+$300 - $1000 for additional lighting packages
Factors impacting price
Hours needed
Number of locations
Size of venue, also indoor vs outdoor
Experience and quality of set up/equipment
Wedding Planner / Coordinator
A good planner can be worth their weight in gold. Typically these services are broken down into ‘full service’ and ‘coordination’. The difference is in the amount of time you spend with the planner before the wedding and how long they stay for the reception.
Your planner will help pull together all of your vendors, and keep everything easy for you - both before and during your wedding day.
Experience plays a large part of the difference in cost, as well as the size of the planner’s team.
What should you expect to budget?
$500 will get a beginning-level ‘day of coordination’
$2000+ gets a professional full service planner
Factors impacting price
Experience
Number of planning consultations
Level of ‘day-of’ service
Size of team
Everything else
The list can go on - so here are some other items to consider
Wedding Cake/Dessert: $500 - $1000
Hair and Makeup: $100 - $300 per person
Dress: $500 - $2000
Tux or Suite: $200 - $400
Transportation: $650
Videography: $1000-$3000
Officiant: $300+
Live ceremony or dinner music: $300+
Lodging: $120 - $350
Invitations / Stationery: $200 - $800
Guest favors: $500
Photos by:
Audrey Lambert - Cover Photo