Perhaps the number one wedding planning question is: How much do I need to spend?
We get it. As we like to say, “Everyone has a budget!” The best attitude is to take your budget and see how much you can do with it. The beauty of our downtown San Diego venue is that we’ve hosted $100,000 weddings and $10,000 weddings. It all depends on several factors, many of which you, as the couple, control.
So, why $35,000? In 2023, the average wedding cost was $35,000, according to The Knot’s Real Wedding Study. The key word here is average. You can spend more, you can spend less! We’ll give you our best tips to stay in the ballpark of this average cost as you plan for your big day.
What Are the Main Costs for a Wedding?
Before or after you set your budget, it’s helpful to understand the key components that will play into the cost of your wedding day.
Venue: The cost of your venue will depend on its location, size, and the services it offers. Blank-space venues tend to be cheaper, and you can control your cost by bringing your own rentals. Hotels and all-inclusive venues will be more expensive and often include set decor.
Catering & Drinks: Feeding and entertaining your guests is another major cost. Whether you’re doing a plated dinner, buffet, or cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, the food and drink will take up a big chunk of the budget.
Attire: This includes the bride’s gown, groom’s suit, and sometimes attire for the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.). Accessories, alterations, and shoes also contribute to this cost.
Photography & Videography: Capturing the day through photos and videos is essential for most couples. Professional photographers and videographers can be expensive, especially if you opt for high-end packages, but it’s something many couples are willing to splurge on.
Entertainment: This refers to the DJ, live band, or any other entertainment you might want for the reception. Some couples also budget for additional entertainment like photo booths or a special performance.
Other costs can include decorations, flowers, transportation, wedding planner fees, lighting, photobooth, and invitations.
3 Factors That Affect Your Wedding Budget
There are a few universal factors that are going to majorly affect your wedding budget.
1. Location–where you are in the country affects your cost. For example, New York City is more expensive than Indianapolis. You get the idea!
2. Time of Year–many venues and vendors (hint: this is true at The Sinclair!) offer cheaper rates during “off season” months. For weddings in San Diego, the off-season is typically considered January-March. You can expect cheaper rates during these winter months.
3. Head Count–it should come as no surprise that a $35,000 budget for a 50 person wedding is going to take you a lot further than if you have 200 guests. Head count plays a huge role in your wedding budget.
5 Tips for a $35,000 or Under Wedding Budget
Here are five tips to help keep your wedding under $35,000:
1. Prioritize Your Must-Haves & Cut Unnecessary Extras
Focus on the essentials like the venue, food, and photographer, then trim back on the less important details. If you don’t care about having a big floral installation or a massive wedding cake, you can allocate those funds elsewhere. For example, consider skipping the wedding favors or a huge gift bag for each guest.
2. Opt for a Blank Space Venue
A blank space venue is going to be easier on your wallet and offer you the flexibility to get creative with your vendors, setup, and decor. Additionally, holding the wedding on a weekday or off-peak season (winter, for example) can save you money since venues often have lower rates during these times.
3. Simplify the Catering
Buffet-style meals or food stations tend to be more cost-effective than plated dinners. Alternatively, a fun food truck, cocktail-style event with finger foods, or even a family-style dinner can lower catering costs. Another option is doing a smaller guest list to reduce the number of meals you’ll need to provide.
4. Consider In-House Packages
Many venues offer packages that you can add-on, customize, and build to meet your needs. Often, booking things in-house will save time and money. Explore the in-house offerings and do your research to compare pricing to booking it out.
5. Keep the Guest List in Check
The number of guests directly impacts your costs, especially for food, drinks, and venue size. Consider who is really important to your special day, and spend more per person on the people that matter rather than have a giant guest list.
Plan Your Wedding on a Budget
When we first opened The Sinclair on G Street, the vision was clear: offer a beautiful, blank space venue that could welcome all kinds of budgets and styles. With cost-effective venue rental rates, you can build from there with the budget you have.
Because, after all: your wedding day should reflect you and your partner’s love and style, not the size of your bank account. By prioritizing your must-haves, thinking outside the box for your venue, simplifying your catering options, getting crafty with DIY, and keeping the guest list under control, you can create a stunning celebration that doesn’t exceed your $35,000 budget.
At the end of the day, it’s about the experience, the memories, and the joy shared with those closest to you. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can have the wedding of your dreams without the financial stress.
Ready to tour? Get in touch with The Sinclair team here.