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Planning a wedding in Northern Virginia with a $100,000 budget? While this is a healthy budget, costs can add up quickly—especially when considering high-end venues, catering, and top-tier vendors. The key is allocating your budget wisely to create a stunning and seamless celebration while maintaining financial flexibility.

At Evermore Occasions, we specialize in elevated, intentional weddings that maximize value without sacrificing quality. Below, we break down exactly how to allocate $100K for a Northern Virginia wedding, including real vendor price ranges, smart budgeting tips, and how to adjust based on your priorities.

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How to Allocate a $100,000 Wedding Budget

Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a Northern Virginia wedding with approximately 125 guests:

Category	Estimated % of Budget	Estimated Cost
Venue & Rentals	30%	$30,000
Catering & Bar	27%	$27,000
Photography & Videography	12%	$12,000
Floral & Décor	10%	$10,000
Entertainment (Band/DJ)	8%	$8,000
Hair & Makeup	3%	$3,000
Stationery & Signage	3%	$3,000
Miscellaneous (Tips, Contingency Fund)	7%	$7,000

💡 Unlike some online budget calculators, we do not include attire (dress, suit, accessories) in wedding budgets. Wedding attire is considered a personal expense, much like honeymoon costs or rings.

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Breaking Down Each Category

1. Venue & Rentals ($30,000) – The Foundation of Your Wedding

• Venue rental fees in Northern Virginia: $15,000 – $20,000
• Rental costs (tables, chairs, linens, lighting, tenting if needed): $5,000 – $10,000
• Venue examples:
  • The River View at Occoquan – Modern waterfront venue
  • Great Marsh Estate – Elegant estate with European charm
  • Shadow Creek – A rustic yet refined barn setting

💡 Many Northern Virginia venues require full-service rentals (tables, chairs, linens), so check whether these are included before booking!

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2. Catering & Bar ($27,000) – Feeding Your Guests in Style

• Catering cost per guest: $175 – $225 (for 125 guests)
• Includes appetizers, entrée, dessert, bar service, staffing, table settings
• Full-service catering ensures a polished guest experience

💡 To keep catering costs within budget, opt for a plated meal with two entrée options rather than an extensive buffet or food stations, which often require more staff and rental upgrades.

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3. Photography & Videography ($12,000) – Capturing the Memories

• Mid-tier wedding photography in Northern Virginia: $6,000 – $8,000
• Videography: $4,000 – $6,000

💡 Pro Tip: If you need to trim costs, consider switching videography to content creation, rather than sacrificing photography quality.

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4. Floral & Décor ($10,000) – Setting the Mood

• Bridal bouquet & wedding party flowers: $2,000
• Ceremony florals (arch, aisle arrangements): $3,000
• Reception centerpieces & installations: $5,000

💡 Repurpose ceremony florals for the reception (like moving aisle arrangements to the head table) to maximize impact without increasing your floral budget.

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5. Entertainment ($8,000) – Keeping the Party Going

• Live band: $7,000 – $12,000
• DJ: $3,000 – $6,000

💡 If you’re torn between a band and a DJ, consider a DJ/live musician hybrid—a DJ with live instrumentalists (like a saxophonist or percussionist) offers the energy of live music at a lower cost.

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6. Hair & Makeup ($3,000) – Professional Beauty Services

• Bridal hair & makeup (trial + wedding day): $750 – $1,000
• Mothers & 3 attendants’ hair & makeup: $2,000 – $2,500

💡 At this budget level, it’s etiquette for the bride to cover hair and makeup for their attendants. This ensures a cohesive look and experience while showing appreciation for your bridal party.

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7. Stationery & Signage ($5,000) – Invitations & Day-of Details

• Minted or semi-custom invitations (including printing & postage): $2,000
• Custom signage & seating charts: $2,500
• Menus, escort cards, and programs: $500

💡 Fully custom invitations with letterpress or handmade elements start at $4,000+, so if you love that look but need to stay in budget, choose semi-custom designs from Minted or a small stationery studio.

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8. Miscellaneous & Contingency Fund ($5,000) – Covering the Extras

• Vendor tips: $2,000 – $3,000
• Officiant or license signing: $350-$1,000
• Liability insurance: $200-$300
• Last-minute add-ons (extra staffing, extended bar service, etc.): $2,000
• Unexpected costs: $1,000

💡 Pro Tip: Always set aside at least 5-7% of your budget for last-minute expenses like vendor overtime, additional rentals, or weather-related adjustments.

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How to Adjust Your Budget to Fit Your Priorities

💰 Want more florals? Trim entertainment or opt for a venue that includes décor elements.
💰 Want a high-end band? Reduce guest count slightly to lower catering costs.
💰 Need to cut costs? Scale back stationery, décor, or consider digital RSVPs.

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Final Thoughts

A $100,000 wedding budget in Northern Virginia allows for a beautiful, well-executed event with professional vendors and a polished guest experience. The key is strategic planning, prioritizing what matters most, and making thoughtful spending choices.