Even if you are not having a celebrity-like lavish wedding, planning a traditional one still requires a lot of money. An event with 100 guests is considered a standard size. So, how much does a 100 person wedding cost? What are the important preparations to include with that cost?
The Average Wedding Cost in the US
According to the 2022 wedding cost study by The Knot, which was conducted on 12,000 married couples, the average cost for a standard traditional wedding is around $30,000. This cost already covers the ceremony and reception. However, the average cost between states can be different, depending on several factors.
For example, wedding costs at popular destinations or densely populated areas like New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Rhode Island might soar from $40,000 to $51,000. Meanwhile, costs in areas like Oklahoma, Oregon, Idaho, and Iowa can be as low as $16,000 to $19,000.
Various factors increase the wedding cost even further. An expensive engagement ring and destination wedding, for example, can increase your cost even though you get married in a less densely populated area.
Things Wedding Cost Covers
Asking how much does a 100 person wedding cost is not enough. You need to know what things that the money pays for. If we use the general average numbers, here are the things the cost will cover.
Wedding Features | Average Costs |
Reception venue | $11,000 |
Event planner | $2,000 |
Photographer | $2,500 |
Videographer | $2,100 |
Florist | $2,400 |
Catering per person | $75 |
DJ | $1,500 |
Live band | $3,500 |
Wedding dress | $2,000 |
Cake | $500 |
Hairstylist | $130 |
Make-up | $120 |
Transportation | $900 |
Invitations | $500 |
Party favors | $500 |
These numbers are rough calculations for a standard wedding and can increase depending on your preferences and market prices. For example, you will have to pay extra when ordering catering meals with exotic or high-end ingredients. Cake with intricate designs, famous make-up artists, and high-end transportation are examples of factors that contribute to the high costs.
What Are the Costliest Wedding Features?
Out of all the wedding features, several can be considered the most expensive. If you want to modify things and reduce the costs, you can start from them. They are:
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are not included in the previous table because they depend on the couple’s preferences. Some people wear heirlooms, reducing the need for buying new rings. However, the standard costs for wedding rings can range between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the manufacturers, designs, materials, and the cuts and types of the stones.
Reception Venue
“Reception venue” is more than just a single place to host your wedding. The cost covers several related services, such as flowers, catered food, and decorations. Details like the types of food, the rented tables and chairs, the presence of a bar, and specific decorations can catapult the costs.
Photographer and Videographer
Professional photographers and videographers can cost quite a lot because of the important nature of their service. Some couples try to save money by asking for the help of their family or friends. However, hiring professionals is a better decision unless your friends or family members are skilled, especially since the wedding is a special day.
Live Band
Some couples feel enough with renting a DJ, but others consider renting a live band, which increases the cost drastically. Couples should consider whether a live band is necessary or should they switch to a cheaper DJ.
Tips for More Efficient Wedding Cost
Wedding cost standards are different for each person, but doing efforts to be more budget-efficient will help. Here are several ways to be more efficient with the wedding budget without reducing the event quality.
Plan and Lock Prices Early
Early planning helps you decide on venues, food, decorations, etc. To anticipate rising prices because of inflation or market trends, consider locking the best prices earlier for the most expensive wedding services or features.
Save Space for Changes
Make your budgeting plan more flexible, especially if you have a long preparation time. Flexibility includes listening to vendors like your florists or catering owners if they have more cost-efficient options. If you think their suggestions could reduce the cost without sacrificing your concept, consider using their ideas instead!
Discuss Wedding Priorities
When planning a wedding with your partner, make sure to discuss priorities. Each couple may have different priorities, so you must be on the same path. Having priorities will help you distribute the funds based on their importance.
Invest in Wedding Planner
Unless you have experience in event planning, investing in a wedding planner is best. The cost of their service will make you feel at ease. They will discuss your preferences and budget range with you to make the best choices. All you need to do is focus on the other aspects of your wedding.
Have an Extra Emergency Budget
Planning a wedding is complicated, so ensure you have extra financial space to move around. Once you finish the budget calculation, add at least 5 to 10 percent of the planned budget. The extra can serve as an emergency fund or anticipation for extra costs.
Once you know how much does a 100 person wedding cost, the planning becomes easier. Make sure you carefully calculate your budget and priorities to make a dream wedding within your budget range.