You have been searching and touring venues to find the perfect one to exchange your vows! You are most likely seeing prices range from $3,000 -$20,000 and are wondering what is right for you and your wedding budget.
Here is a good rule to follow when deciding on your venue (outside of the obvious reasons of its beauty). It is best to not spend more than 15% of your total wedding budget on your venue!! Max 20% if they include a few things like linens, complimentary in-house decor items, and have groom and bridal rooms on site (venues with bridal and groom suites on site saves you cost on hotel and travel costs). It is pretty standard that venues offer tables and chairs, so that should not be a factor to consider as far as cost savings.
However, if they include catering, bartending, and/or alcohol...then you can stretch the budget to around 35%- 40%!!
Outlining and setting your budget before booking any venues / vendors, sets you up for planning success with less stress.
If you spend 45-50% of your budget on your venue... be prepared that you will most likely need to DIY (do it yourself, which does not necessarily mean cheaper), exclude vendors you were originally wanting, and you possibly will have to ask family to work on your day instead of enjoying the day.
There are many factors to your budget. Therefore, you want to make sure you can afford all the things you prefer and desire.
Examples of Vendors to include:
Planner / Coordinator
Photographer 📸
Videographer 📹
Florist/Designer 🌼
Dj 🎶
Photo Booth 📸
Baker 🎂
Officiant ⛪️
Transportation 🚗
Caterer 🍽
Hair and Makeup 💄 ✂️
And specialty vendors (like cotton candy bar, coffee cart, artist, musician, etc.)
Examples of other line items to consider:
Stationary (save the dates, invitations, menu cards, programs, table numbers, etc.)
Attire
Get ready location (if not available at the chosen venue)
Guest Favors
Gifts
Personal keepsakes (guestbook, toasting glasses, cake topper, etc.)
Keeping all of these in mind will help you understand why you do not want to overspend on your venue.
Need help with your venue search? Or would you like help just simply creating your budget on the right track?
CALL US 469-213-1320 or send an email to executive@coalescecreations.com
We are ready to assist!
*All-inclusive venues are not the topic subject here. That's another story for another day.