The cost of a wedding isn’t something people often talk about openly, so we asked Stacey Dillon, founder and lead designer at 38north Design Co., to help get the conversation started. For over 22 years, Stacey and her team have helped couples say “I do.”
She’ll be the first to tell you that weddings are expensive. At 38north Design Co. the goal is to help clients understand what’s realistic for their budget, align expectations early, and empower people to plan with confidence before they dive too deeply into the details.
Essential Components to Consider
Design & Planning vs. Coordination
A wedding designer or planner helps shape the overall look and feel of your event, makes trusted vendor recommendations, and maps out the logistics of the day from start to finish. A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, focuses on execution and if you ask most folks that have gotten married, it is a MUST for any wedding.
Location, Location, Location!
When it comes to venues, no two options are the same; comparing them is rarely an apples-to-apples exercise. A venue like The Lodge at Cavallo Point is a great example. They can accommodate your ceremony, reception, catering and even the wedding cake, leaving you to bring in florals, entertainment and any optional upgrades such as specialty linens. Then there are at-home or private-property weddings, which are often assumed to be the most budget-friendly option but that’s rarely the case. If you have a strong desire to get married at a particular private property, go for it — just don’t assume it will save you money.
Eat, Drink and Be Married
Catering and bar service typically make up the largest percentage of a wedding budget. Whether you’re inviting 10 guests or 300, you’ll need to provide food and beverages — and the good news is there are plenty of ways to keep guests well-fed and happy while staying within budget.
The Basic Needs Can Add Up
Items like specialty chairs, upgraded tables, linens, napkins, chargers, glassware, flatware, bars, lounge furniture, heaters and umbrellas all fall into this category. While each piece may seem minor on its own, together they create the foundation of your guest experience and significantly impact the overall look and feel of your event.
The Special Touches
The finishing touches of your wedding, including florals, decor and lighting, are what transform a space from beautiful to unforgettable. By thoughtfully layering upgrades, decor rentals, secondhand treasures and personal touches, you can create a space that feels polished, personal and sustainable without breaking the budget.
Stationery, and Signage and Seating Charts, Oh My!
Stacey recommends finalizing your big-ticket items first, such as venue, catering, rentals and photography, so you have a clear sense of what is available for stationery and signage. One way to maximize your budget is to splurge on a show-stopping invitation or welcome sign, while keeping menus, table numbers or favor tags simple.
Mic Drop + Mirror Balls
One of the first questions excited guests often ask is whether you’ll have a DJ or live music. Choosing the right entertainment is about more than just filling the space with sound, it helps set the vibe for your entire event and shapes the guest experience.
Beyond music, many couples are choosing additional forms of entertainment including interactive experiences like photo booth keychains, live guest illustrations, lawn games, flower crown stations or unique food and drink experiences such as a roaming oyster shucker.
Capturing the Memories
Photography is one of the few areas where your investment lasts far beyond the wedding day, so consider how you’ll use the images — will you print and hang them in your home, share them on social media or create a photo book? This will help guide your budget and priorities.
You Look Marvelous
Wedding day attire and styling can be unexpectedly expensive, especially as the guest list grows and you add more people to the wedding party. Scheduling a trial beforehand for hair, makeup, nails or self-tanning is highly recommended. It’s also important to consider the impact of styling costs on others in the wedding party. Decide whether you’ll cover all services, offer to pay for just one, or provide guidance on budget-friendly options. Clear communication can help ensure everyone feels comfortable
and supported without creating stress or unexpected expenses.
Are We There Yet?
Private transportation is a luxury that may or may not be within budget, but providing options for your guests to get to and from wedding events is essential. Keep in mind that elderly guests or those in heels may still need transportation around the venue itself if the ceremony and reception are far apart. Adding a shuttle or golf cart for these situations is often overlooked but can make a big difference.
Cushion Cash
And just when you think you’ve budgeted for everything, there’s always a few unexpected costs waiting to surprise you. Be sure to build a cushion into your budget because there are almost always expenses (think tips for vendors) you didn’t even realize needed to be included. And guess what — if you don’t end up using that budgeted cushion money, you can put it toward a down payment on a house or your honeymoon vacation!
What Should You Expect to Pay?
POTENTIAL WEDDING COSTS
